With Atlanta serving as a major hub for the LGBTQ community, the city celebrates the contributions of its LGBTQ residents through its new ATLGBTQ online resource.
“The City of Atlanta is committed to the fair treatment of all Atlantans, which includes our lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer residents and visitors,” said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “We have made significant gains towards the protection and advancement of Atlanta’s LGBTQ community, and strive to uphold our commitment to equality every day.”
Launched back in October, the site offers a variety of resources that LGBTQ residents can take advantage of including information on housing, healthcare, economic development, youth programs, arts, culture and entertainment.
Residents can utilize each resource to find lists of different organizations and programs such as a variety of shelters and mental health counseling, mentorship programs, health-based organizations available to the LGBTQ community and community outreach events that encourage acceptance and social justice.
There is also a resource available for parents and allies of people in the LGBTQ community that offers a grassroots-based family organization dedicated to LGBTQ advocacy.
Additionally, it offers training for elementary school educators to prevent bias-based bullying and create a supportive environment for transgender and non- binary students is also offered
“We felt that it was important to tell the story of Atlanta’s inclusiveness and the mayor’s commitment to the LGBTQ community,” said Malik Brown, coordinator for LGBTQ Affairs program.
The online resource is just another arm of ATLGBTQ which was created back in 2018 by Mayor Bottoms during her first 100 days in office.
In addition to creating the position of LBTQ affairs coordinator, the Mayor also created an advisory board that consists of over 30 community leaders.
“As Mayor, I prioritized ensuring that Atlanta continues to be a city where our LGBTQ residents can thrive by naming the City’s first-ever, full-time, LGBTQ Affairs Coordinator and establishing the inaugural Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board within my first 100 days in office. Since making those appointments nearly two years ago, our Administration has worked tirelessly to bring awareness to LGBTQ issues, promote cultural diversity, and uplift all of our communities,” Bottoms said.
ATLGBTQ is also equipped with liaisons who aim to improve the relationship between the LGBTQ community and Atlanta Police Departer, Atlanta Fire & Rescue Department and Atlanta City Detention Center.
For more information on ATLGBTQ, its many resources and all parties involved visit https://atlgbtq.atlantaga.gov/.
