Members & Friends of the Chamber-

For many Georgians, the election results have left us feeling unsettled, scared, angry, and hopeless. It’s understandable when victories seem to affirm racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, and other forms of bias. We acknowledge these strong emotions and valid concerns—we stand firmly beside you.

The LGBTQIA+ community has always faced discrimination and adversity with strength and resilience. We’ve never had a choice. This isn’t the first time we’ve confronted forces that don’t support our community, and it won’t stop our progress now. We are not going anywhere.

Voter Impact and Groundbreaking Representation

LGBTQIA+ voters demonstrated powerful support for pro-equality candidates, with 86% casting ballots for inclusive leadership. This led to milestone victories:

• Georgia elected Rashaun Kemp, our second openly LGBTQIA+ State Senator.
• Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender member of Congress from Delaware.
• Julie Johnson made history as the first LGBTQ+ Congress member from the South.
• Emily Randall is anticipated to be the first Latina lesbian in Congress.
• Senator Tammy Baldwin, an ally, was re-elected.
• Colorado and California upheld marriage equality overwhelmingly.
• Missouri enshrined protections for reproductive rights, including access to best-practice medical care for trans people.

These victories are a testament to our resilience and our unwavering belief in a future where everyone can live authentically and pursue prosperity without fear or discrimination.

Economic Vitality, Opportunity, and Resilience

A robust economy depends on a diverse workforce and clientele feeling safe, valued, and protected from bigotry. As we navigate the times ahead, entrepreneurship and steady employment in affirming spaces remain paths to self-determination for queer people.

For 30 years, OUT Georgia has proudly championed economic equity, inspired by the bold leadership of lesbian women, the sacrifice of our LGBTQIA+ elders, and the commitment of our members, volunteers, and supporters. Now more than ever, we are committed to creating opportunities for our members and supporting our community partners and queer communities at large—especially our most marginalized.

To every LGBTQIA+ Georgian who may feel uncertainty today: You are valued, you are seen, and you belong right here in the Peach State.

Now is the time to use our differences, shared experiences, compassion, anger, joy, and determination to fuel our collective action in this journey toward equality.

In solidarity,
OUT Georgia Business Alliance