ATL Standard

Mayor Dickens kicks off National Pride Month with new Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ+ biennial report

Announces new Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board members

ATLANTA – Mayor Andre Dickens has released the Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ+ Affairs Biennial Report coinciding with the start of National Pride Month.

“As we begin National Pride Month, we reflect on the past two years of Moving Atlanta Forward in equity, inclusion and justice on behalf of our LGBTQ+ community,” said Mayor Dickens. “Atlanta serves as a gleaming model of how a municipality can advance equity for its LGBTQ+ residents, visitors and employees through best-in-class practices, humility training, employee resources and overall inclusion and representation.”

The release of the 2022-2023 Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ+ Affairs Biennial Report marks another milestone in Atlanta's journey towards ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community is seen throughout the fabric of the city. The report highlights the Division's impactful initiatives, innovative programs, and dedicated funding that have been instrumental in Moving Atlanta Forward for LGBTQ+ residents. It serves as a testament to the city's ongoing commitment to creating a more equitable and welcoming environment for all.

Last month, Mayor Dickens appointed Judge Pierce Hand Seitz to the Atlanta Municipal Court, marking the first time an openly-LGBTQ+ person has served on the bench. Recently, Atlanta was announced as the first-ever U.S. host city for Global Black Pride, taking place from August 26 to September 2, 2024.

Earlier this year, the Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ+ Affairs teamed up with the Atlanta City Council to welcome Atlanta Public Schools graduate RuPaul back home, proclaiming RuPaul Day in Atlanta. As part of the festivities, nearly 1,000 banned LGBTQ+ books were distributed to children, parents, and teachers in collaboration with Rainbow Book Bus.

This past November, Mayor Dickens announced that Atlanta achieved its highest-ever total raw score on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI), earning a perfect 100% score along with 16 bonus points.

“As Mayor Dickens says, ‘Atlanta is a Group Project’,” said Malik Brown, Director of the Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ Affairs. “I am forever proud of my hometown and the many public and private sectors who come together to advance progress. At a time where LGBTQ+ people across the world have come to fear some government institutions, Atlanta continues to lead the way in support and engagement under the bold leadership of Mayor Dickens.”

Mayor Dickens also announced new members to the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. The board is composed of citywide LGBTQ civic leaders, influencers and advocates who provide recommendations to influence City policies and enhance engagement with Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community.

Dr. Alie Redd will return as Co-Chair alongside incoming Co-Chair David Roemer. "We are deeply honored to serve as Co-Chairs," they stated. "Atlanta stands as a beacon of hope and inclusivity."

The members include:

● Dr. Alie Redd

● Andrew Westover

● Alex Santiago

● Ben Ackerley

● Bridget Harris

● Cassandra Cantave-Burton

● Chris Lugo

● Chris McCain

● Dan Preister

● Dr. Danyelle Jinks

● DaShawn Usher

● David Roemer

● Don Terry

● Dr. Eric Solomon

● Jamie Anne Harrell

● Jenny Barlow

● Jonathan Foulk

● Jonathan Gould

● Joshua O'Neal

● Julio Carrillo

● Lisa Cunningham

● Marvin Guelce

● Matthew Pritchard

● Melanea Alvarez

● Dr. Melanie Thompson

● Nailah Malak

● Nathan Regan

● Nicole Williams

● Dr. Nury Lizeth Castro

● Rashad Burgess

● Shateena Love

● Steven Igarashi-Ball

● Tiana Tukes

● Toni-Michelle Williams

● Tyler Reinagel

For more information about the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and Biennial Report visit ATLGBTQ.atlantaga.gov.