Two Georgia cities adopt broad LGBTQ protections
Plus: LGBTQ pastor heading to state Senate, coronavirus concerns, weekend events
Happy Friday! It’s 87 days and counting until the Nov. 3 election. Early voting begins Oct. 12, so make sure you’re registered. If you’re reading this newsletter about all things LGBTQ Atlanta for the first time, please subscribe. It’s easy (and free).
LGBTQ people gain protections in two Georgia cities
Progress for LGBTQ equality sometimes comes in big moments – like the U.S. Supreme Court decision on workplace protections in June that started with the firing of a gay man in metro Atlanta.
Other times, equality comes city by city and not without a fight. We saw that again in recent weeks – first in Savannah two weeks ago and again on Monday in Smyrna. That’s when those cities adopted broad protections for LGBTQ people in private employment, housing and public accommodations.
Without statewide protections, it’s up to municipalities in Georgia to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. Smyrna and Savannah bring the number of cities that do so to 10.
Mayor Derek Norton summed up why Smyrna took action ahead of the 6-1 vote this week adopting the nondiscrimination ordinance:
“This city government has been very clear that discrimination has no place in the City of Smyrna and that this is a place that welcomes everyone.”
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson made a similar point as the city council approved its nondiscrimination ordinance on July 23.
“All of us had committed at one time or another in working with our partners to make sure that Savannah was and worked toward becoming the beloved community – and that is where we don’t discriminate against anybody for any reason.”
The measure in Savannah passed unanimously thanks to the efforts of City Alderman Kurtis Purtee (photo), the council’s first openly LGBTQ member.
Work of three prolific photographers covers Q ATLus
This week’s Q ATLus features the first in a series on the best Q portraits over the years by Jon Dean, James L. Hicks and Russ Bowen-Youngblood. Other coverage in this issue includes the Podcast Q interview with Dyllón Burnside and an eye-popping 10 local Instagram crushes. Count on us too for Q Events of the week and Q Advice on life and love.
Meet the priest likely to be Georgia’s first LGBTQ state senator
In the latest episode of Podcast Q, Kim Jackson (photo) discusses what her historic election means for LGBTQ people – and the Georgia Senate.
“I’m black. I’m queer. I’m female. I’m clergy, which is its own sort of identity, and specifically I’m Christian and I’m Southern. I think all of those pieces come together in really important ways,” Jackson said.
“I was thinking about how important it is to have someone in the Senate who knows what it is to have the queer experience, who knows firsthand,” she added.
In the podcast, she also talks about the “light bulb moment” when she knew she was called to make a difference, the personal impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the ongoing racial justice movement and taking gaybies to the Atlanta Pride parade. She even dishes about the tiny lesbian enclave called Pine Lake in her district.
What LGBTQ Atlanta is talking about
LGBTQ people of color are more likely to have work hours reduced, lose jobs and ask for delays in paying bills due to the coronavirus pandemic. We talked with several community activists and leaders of color to find out why (photo).
LGBTQ elected officials in municipalities in metro Atlanta want their residents to wear masks. But their efforts are being blocked by Gov. Brian Kemp, who refuses to allow cities to pass mask mandates. That’s leaving these elected officials frustrated – and speaking out.
Being old in a youth-obsessed gay culture is tough enough. Add into the mix being HIV-positive and in recovery and well, it’s time for our Q Advice columnist to step in and prop up this Pity Party of One with some on-point tips.
Things to do
FRIDAY
My Sisters Room re-opens (photo) only on the backyard patio for open-air parties for women who love women, 8 p.m. You can also hit them up for gallon margs and taco bar kits for delivery or pickup.
SATURDAY
Celebrate the Queen of Pop’s 62nd birthday during the Madonna Dance Party at the newly reopened Heretic, 10 p.m. Get there early for a Madonna-fied revue by the Armorettes, 8 p.m.
SUNDAY
The Sisters of Sequins strap on their high heels for Drag Brunch Theatre at Lips with limited seating, 12:30 p.m.