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 of Atlanta. 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 a part of the festivities, the Division of LGBTQ+ Affairs teamed up with the Rainbow Book Bus to give out nearly 1,000 banned LGBTQ+ books to children, parents, and teachers.

This past November, Mayor Dickens announced the City of Atlanta has 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 has also announced new members to the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. The Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board is composed of citywide LGBTQ civic leaders, influencers and advocates. This board provides recommendations to the Mayor, the Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ+ Affairs and other City Officials that assist in influencing City policies and procedures and enhance engagement with Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community.

Dr. Alie Redd, CEO of Covenant House Georgia, a non-profit organization focused on opening doors of opportunity and hope to youth experiencing homelessness and escaping trafficking, will return to continue serving as Co-Chair of the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. She will be joined by incoming Co-Chair David Roemer, CEO of Ideas United, a creative studio and production company based in Atlanta partnering with some of the most influential brands, nonprofits, and universities in the world.

"We are deeply honored to serve as Co-Chairs of the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board,” said Co-Chairs Dr. Alie Redd and David Roemer. “Atlanta stands as a beacon of hope and inclusivity, and the undisputed LGBTQ capital of the south. The Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board is proud to continue advising and supporting Mayor Dickens, the Division of LGBTQ+ Affairs and City officials.”

The members of the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board are:

• Dr. Alie Redd, Ph.D., LCSW, CEO, Covenant House Georgia

• Andrew Westover, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Learning & Civic Engagement, High Museum of Art

• Alex Santiago, Chief Operating Officer, Destination Tomorrow

• Ben Ackerley, Chapter Co-Leader, TransParent Metro Atlanta

• Bridget Harris, Deputy Director, Department for HIV Elimination, Fulton County

• Cassandra Cantave-Burton, Senior Research Advisor, AARP

• Chris Lugo, Executive Director, Out Georgia Business Alliance

• Chris McCain, Executive Director, Atlanta Pride

• Dan Preister, Managing Director, Coxe Curry and Associates

• Dr. Danyelle Jinks, Executive Coach

• DaShawn Usher, Senior Director, Communities of Color and Media, GLAAD

• David Roemer, CEO, Ideas United

• Don Terry, ADRC Counselor, Atlanta Regional Commission

• Dr. Eric Solomon, Cultural Historian

• Jamie Anne Harrell, Business Intelligence & Analytics Lead, Emory University

• Jenny Barlow, Senior Creative Project Manager, Wellstar Health System

• Jonathan Foulk, Board of Directors, Joining Hearts

• Jonathan Gould, Assistant Professor of Architecture, Kennesaw State University

• Joshua O'Neal, Sexual Health Advocate

• Julio Carrillo, Executive Director, HOPE Atlanta

• Lisa Cunningham, Director of Digital Communications, Black Women's Health Imperative

• Marvin Guelce, North America Community Marketing Manager, lululemon

• Matthew Pritchard, Head of Industry, Travel, Southeast U.S., Google

• Melanea Alvarez, Executive Director, Lost N Found Youth

• Dr. Melanie Thompson, MD, Physician, Thacker & Thompson

• Nailah Malak, Co-Founder, Correlate Health, Inc.

• Nathan Regan, Chief Operating Officer, Arcum

• Nicole Williams, Small Business Owner

• Dr. Nury Lizeth Castro, Senior Program Manager, Future Black Teachers and Future Latinx Teachers, TEACH

• Rashad Burgess, Vice President, Advancing Health and Black Equity, Gilead Sciences

• Shateena Love, M. Ed., Executive Director, Office of Equity + Social Justice, Atlanta Public Schools

• Steven Igarashi-Ball, Founder and Executive Director, Drag Story Hour Atlanta

• Tiana Tukes, Professor, Spelman College

• Toni-Michelle Williams, Executive Director, Solutions NOT Punishment Collaborative (SnapCo.)

• Tyler Reinagel, Associate Vice President of Economic Development, Kennesaw State University

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