LGBTQ

Visit the Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ Affairs Website At:  ATLGBTQ.atlantaga.gov

View the 2022 - 2023 Mayor's Division of LGBTQ Affairs Biennial Report, and Other Past Publications At atlgbtq.atlantaga.gov/publications

Atlanta is a group project. In the Mayor's Division of LGBTQ Affairs, we lean in by advancing equity and inclusion for LGBTQ Atlantans. Through policies, programs, and initiatives that work to remove systematic barriers, our division protects and advances the rights of the LGBTQ community, while celebrating Atlanta's vibrant culture and status as the LGBTQ capital of the American South. Our work is anchored within six key pillars:

• Youth Engagement: We work to create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ youth and ensure they have access to the resources they need to thrive.
• Health Equity: We prioritize the health and well-being of LGBTQ individuals by advocating for inclusive healthcare policies and quality healthcare services.
• Trans Affairs: We advocate for and support the transgender community in Atlanta, ensuring that their unique needs are met, and their voices are heard
• Economic & Community Development: We facilitate economic growth and development within the LGBTQ community by creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
• Arts, Entertainment, and Culture: We showcase the exceptional talent and creativity of our LGBTQ community by fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.
• Aging & Eldercare: We foster equity and inclusion for LGBTQ seniors in Atlanta through advocacy, education, and resources.

Director, Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ Affairs
Malik Brown (he/him)
mkybrown@atlantaga.gov

Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board 

ATLGBTQ.atlantaga.gov/board

LGBTQ@atlantaga.gov

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.

Co-Chairs:

City of Atlanta Public Safety LGBTQ Liaisons

The City of Atlanta is committed to fostering positive relationships between the LGBTQ community and our public safety departments. With LGBTQ liaisons in both the Atlanta Police Department (APD) and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD), we aim to provide a direct line of communication between LGBTQ community members and each department. Our liaisons engage in ongoing dialogue to address community concerns, collaborate on solutions, and support the needs of LGBTQ individuals within their respective departments.

APD LGBTQ Liaison:

Officer Brandon Hayes

(404) 546 – 5428

bdhayes@atlantaga.Gov

AFRD LGBTQ Liaisons:

Non-Discrimination Laws

All City of Atlanta non-discrimination laws prohibit discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, parental status, familial status, national origin, age, and disability. The non-discrimination laws are outlined in Atlanta’s Charter and Code of Ordinances. 

The City’s non-discrimination laws apply to a multitude of situations, including the following:

1. All City of Atlanta decisions and actions City of Atlanta Bill of Rights and numerous sections of the Atlanta Code of Ordinances, including Sections 114-121, 114-452(5), 114-166(a), 3-502 and 142-12(b)(1) 
2. Employment decisions by private employers located in Atlanta who have at least ten employees Atlanta Code of Ordinances Sections 94-111 and 94-112
3. Housing decisions, including real estate sales and rentals, where the individual or company making the decision owns at least four properties for sale or rent in Atlanta Code of Ordinances Section 94-91 thru Section 94-97
4. Decisions about selection or treatment of customers by businesses that provide goods or services to the public (often referred to as “public accommodations”) in Atlanta, including hotels, restaurants, bars, banks, theaters, and amusement parks. Atlanta Code of Ordinances Section 94-68 and Section 10-224(a)
5. Decisions regarding potential exhibitors or patrons by anyone leasing the Atlanta Cyclorama or the Atlanta Civic Center. Atlanta Code of Ordinances Section 46-1(b) and Section 46-37
6. Employment, subcontracting, and union membership decisions by contractors doing business with the City. Atlanta Code of Ordinances Sections 2-1381, 2-1414, and 2-1466
7. Decisions regarding the sale of alcohol or other products by an individual or company licensed to sell alcohol in the City. Atlanta Code of Ordinances Section 10-223

Human Relations Commission

The City of Atlanta’s Human Relations Commission (HRC) investigates and hears discrimination complaints, makes recommendations on how to resolve such complaints, and initiates activities in keeping with its mission. The HRC focuses its efforts on the elimination of discrimination in public accommodations, private employment, and housing. Some of its functions are as follows:

• Receive, investigate, and make recommendations to the Mayor and the appropriate City agency for the resolution of complaints alleging discrimination
• Initiate actions to test, investigate, and file complaints regarding violations of the Human Relations Code
• Conduct studies and recommend needed ordinances and resolutions
• Develop human relations plans and policies for the City of Atlanta
• Investigate conditions that may lead to tension and conflict among racial, religious, and national groups and recommend remedial actions as may be needed
• Convene conferences on public accommodations, private employment, and housing and work with leaders in these fields in developing programs of voluntary compliance and enforcement of the Human Relations Code

To report acts of discrimination in public accommodations, private employment, and housing, please fill out the Relations Commission Complaint Form and return it to the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services.

LGBTQ 101 Training for Housing Shelters

Homeless shelters located in the City of Atlanta must provide services to individuals and families without regard to actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The LGBTQ 101 for Housing Shelters is a training manual that assists shelters with understanding and abiding by LGBTQ nondiscrimination requirements.

The manual was developed by the City of Atlanta, in conjunction with a team of religious and secular leaders who specialize in providing homeless and/or LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) services. The Atlanta Human Relations Commission and Georgia Equality have transformed the manual into a training, which is being presented to emergency shelters across the City.