Georgia is a southern state known for its hospitality and natural crops like peaches. The state hosts many culturally diverse towns and cities. However, Georgia and other southern states have gained a reputation for anti-LGBT+ laws and populations. Is there any truth to these claims? Is it safe for a southern LGBTQ+ individual to enjoy life and health in Georgia? The answer depends on the existence of not just anti-discrimination laws but inclusion as well. Can the gay population seek employment, housing, and marriage safely? Is it easy to obtain a name or gender change? Are there healthcare providers who cater to the LGBTQ+ community’s unique needs?
Laws
Hate Crimes
Georgia has specific hate crime laws to protect LGBTQ+ people, including trans individuals, increasing the charges of harming someone specifically for being in the community. While this may not eliminate hate crimes, it can serve as a slight deterrent.
Discrimination
In Georgia, there are no anti-discrimination laws in place for the LGBTQ+ community in terms of housing, employment, lending, and public accommodations. This means that there are no specific charges against people who deny employment, housing, or loans based on someone’s LGBTQ+ status. However, there are no bans on cities and counties adopting anti-discrimination laws. Transgender people aren’t prohibited by law to use their preferred bathroom.
Legal Status
While LGBTQ+ individuals are allowed to live freely, the spread of HIV is considered illegal and may disproportionately affect HIV-positive LGBTQ+ people.
Gender and Name Changes
There is no way to feature a gender-neutral option on driver’s licenses or state identification cards, like ‘X.’ Changing a gender marker on a birth certificate or ID card may require a doctor’s note and proof of gender-affirming surgeries. Changing a name requires petitioning the court and filing a notice in the newspaper. These policies are slightly more complicated than those of other states, which only
Pride
community
Healthcare
Gay
COST
Waters
Citi