Everyone wants a hate crimes bill. Except the Georgia Senate.
Plus: Atlanta's top (LGBTQ) cop quits, Atlanta protests, bars on surviving coronavirus.
Happy Friday! It’s Juneteenth and the first weekend of summer. Now that’s something to celebrate.
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Georgia Senate panel won’t budget on hate crimes bill
Nevermind the weeks of calls by the biggest brands and largest businesses in Georgia, dozens of former elected officials, state lawmakers and the powerful speaker of the Georgia House, and scores of municipalities, including Atlanta, Cobb County, Doraville, Marietta and Stockbridge. Or even the urging of the five LGBTQ members of the Georgia House (photo).
The state Senate Judiciary Committee would not be swayed on Thursday. The panel held a hearing on a hate crimes bill – some 15 months after it passed the state House – and then adjourned without taking any action.
“Passing LGBTQ inclusive hate crimes legislation is an important step in the right direction in terms of protecting all Georgians from violence and ensuring that our state’s reputation as a good place to visit, live and do business remains intact,” said Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality.
But the Senate Judiciary Committee wasn’t having it.
Over the last few weeks, the world has been moving with blazing speed amid the continuation of the coronavirus pandemic and daily protests for racial justice and equality. Here’s the latest in The Q’s coverage of both:
Hundreds march through Midtown (photo) to support black trans people
Atlanta’s LGBTQ police chief resigns after fatal police shooting
Our live chat about hate crimes and police brutality
LGBTQ officials join ‘no justice, no peace’ protests in Atlanta
More LGBTQ Atlanta groups assert #BlackLivesMatter solidarity
Georgia Equality joins national LGBTQ call to combat racism
Atlanta groups pledge to intersect LGBTQ equality, racial justice
Queer Athens commissioner tests positive for coronavirus
Helmet emerges from lockdown with new look and outlook
Sam Roni is ‘2Qute’ to quit over coronavirus or any other obstacle
And today, we hosted several LGBTQ owners of bars in Atlanta for a live conversation about how they’re surviving coronavirus and planning to thrive in the coming months. Watch:
We’re back to business with the launch of Q Atlus
It’s been a whirlwind spring since The Q put out its final pre-quarantine print edition and hunkered down online with daily content on everything LGBTQ in the ATL. Like Atlanta itself, we’re coming out the other side stronger, more determined, and changed for the better.
Our weekly print magazine is back and hit the streets this week – just in time to help LGBTQ businesses celebrate a summer of grand reopenings.
Start flipping through the pages to see our first business spotlights, a new Q events calendar and community map, the weekly features you love, and of course the advertisers who support you through thick and thin.
What LGBTQ Atlanta is talking about
Gerald Bostock (photo) was fired from his Clayton County job in 2013 for being gay. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a historic decision in his case that protects LGBTQ employees from being discriminated against in the workplace.
Five people are out of jobs as LGBTQ Atlanta’s non-profit gathering spot, the Rush Center, abruptly closed on Monday. The board blamed the coronavirus pandemic.
East Point became the latest city in metro Atlanta to pass a sweeping, LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance. It bans discrimination against 13 classes of people – including the LGBTQs – in private employment, housing and public accommodations.
Things to do
FRIDAY
The queens of the Other Show aren’t back on stage IRL, so enjoy the next best thing with the cast taking it online, 9 p.m.
SATURDAY
As bars reopen and dancing queens dip their toes back into live events, sexy DJ Dan Slater (photo) is here to help @ Heretic, 10 p.m.
SUNDAY
Joining Hearts wants to make your Sunday (Stay-At-Home) Funday as entertaining as possible. Synchronici:TEA with DJ Eric James is here for you, 8 p.m.
That’s all for this week
Stay safe, wear a mask and enjoy your weekend. Have an idea you’d like to see discussed during our weekly live Q&A? Reply to this email (or leave a comment if you’re reading the web version) or drop me an email. I’ll see you next week!