FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATLANTA, Ga., November 15, 2021 –– OUT Georgia Business Alliance is proud to launch its inaugural TGX360 survey during Transgender Awareness Week 2021, which will help gather important data on employment and entrepreneurship needs of Georgia’s transgender and gender expansive (TGX) residents.
The TGX360 survey, which is available online in English and Spanish language versions through March 4, will be used to guide the work of OUT Georgia’s TGX360 Initiative, aiming to advance economic equity and employment and entrepreneurship resources for Georgia’s growing transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary community.
“From the inception of TGX360, we were intentional in ensuring the needs of the community inform our work. This is why we decided to survey the community and let THEM tell us what THEY need. For far too long, the community has been calling out for help but we haven’t been listening,” said Gabrielle Claiborne, OUT Georgia’s Board Secretary and chair of the TGX360 Initiative.
“With this survey, we are NOW listening. And with this week being Transgender Awareness Week, we felt it would be appropriate to honor those lives that have been lost this year by launching this survey as a first step in removing the barriers that put the most marginalized in our community at risk, and provide solutions that will allow them to flourish, thrive and prosper.”
Transgender Awareness Week, observed November 13th to November 19th, is a one-week celebration leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), which memorializes victims of transphobic violence. At least 45 transgender or nonbinary people have been killed in the United States in 2021, with the vast majority of reported victims being Black and Brown transgender women.
“Through the TGX360 initiative, OUT Georgia is growing how we best support and represent our TGX community right here in Georgia,” said Chris Lugo, OUT Georgia’s Executive Director. “Thanks to the leadership of our Dorian Debussy, Kristen Mork, Sybastian Smith, Dionne Kettl, and the entire TGX360 advisory committee, we’re honored to be launching the TGX employment and entrepreneurship survey during Trans Awareness Week.”
Once the survey data is analyzed, OUT Georgia’s TGX360 Advisory Committee will hold a town hall to share the results, highlight the initiative’s next steps, and open an important discussion of how TGX360 can best serve and represent those in need of employment and entrepreneurial support.
The full TGX360 Advisory Committee includes chair Gabrielle Claiborne (OUT Georgia/Transformation Journeys Worldwide), Dorian Rhea Debussy (Kenyon College), Chanel R. Haley (Georgia Equality), Jamie Anne Harrell (Emory University), Justine Ingram (Southern AIDS Coalition/Trans Housing Atlanta Program), Dionne Kettl (TRANScending Barriers Atlanta), Jaye Meggs (Trans Gentlemen of Excellence), Dr. Kristen Peter Mork (MITRE Corporation), Dr. Elijah Nicholas (Dr. Elijah Nicholas, LLC), Sybastian Smith (National Center for Transgender Equality), Rev. Kimble Sorrells (United Church of Christ), and Feroza Syed (Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty).
Survey responses are due NO LATER THAN March 4, 2021; Information collected is strictly confidential.
NOTE: This survey is intended for Georgians who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, Two-Spirit, questioning, and any other gender identity under, or adjacent to, the transgender umbrella. We ask that cisgender folks do not complete this survey, but rather ask our allies to share with TGX folks who may wish to contribute!
For any questions, please contact Gabrielle Claiborne at Gabrielle.Claiborne@OUTGeorgia.org or Chris Lugo at Chris.Lugo@OUTGeorgia.org
About TGX360
OUT Georgia Business Alliance’s TGX360 initiative aims to advance economic equity and empowerment by providing employment and entrepreneurship support to Georgia’s transgender and gender expansive (TGX) residents.
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.