OUT Georgia Responds to State’s Economic Reopening

OUT Georgia Business Alliance proudly serves as Georgia’s only LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce, representing many Georgians at the intersection of those most vulnerable to COVID-19’s devastating health and economic impact.

We advocate for Georgia’s meaningful and timely economic recovery, but we are concerned that Governor Kemp’s plan to reopen Georgia businesses starting Friday, April 24 is premature.

The health and safety of Georgians should remain our top priority, and the available data shows, along with input from public health officials, that Georgia is not yet safe to reopen in the manner Gov. Kemp outlined.

In fact, a robust economic recovery will not be a reality until COVID-19 is proven to be under control, with significant improvements to testing, tracing, and treatment.

Georgia has not yet maintained a downward trajectory of COVID-19 cases for the past 14 days, and we do not have an accurate view of how widespread the outbreak is here in Georgia.

Gov. Kemp has now made Georgia an outlier compared with other states handling COVID-19, and we are troubled that key stakeholders––including the mayors of Georgia’s largest cities––were not consulted prior to his announcement.

OUT Georgia is concerned Gov. Kemp’s actions will put ALL Georgian’s lives at risk unnecessarily, including those in the LGBTQ community, and our most vulnerable will be forced back to work before it is safe.

We strongly urge OUT Georgia’s Membership to stay safe, stay home, and exercise care for the health and safety of yourself, your family, your workforce, and your community. Please continue to follow distancing guidelines and reference the CDC and WHO for accurate regarding COVID-19.

It is critical that Georgians continue to do our part to flatten the curve as we embark on our state’s historic recovery. 

In Solidarity,

OUT Georgia Business Alliance


About OUT Georgia Business Alliance

OUT Georgia Business Alliance proudly serves as Georgia’s only LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce.

Since 1994, OUT Georgia Business Alliance (formerly the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) has served the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community by advocating for the most inclusive and equitable business environment; providing support and resources to fuel economic growth; and driving meaningful community connections and impact across the State of Georgia.

OUT Georgia Business Alliance is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., and is a proud affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact us at OUTGeorgia.org or info@OUTGeorgia.org.