The DeKalb LGBTQ+ Caucus is preparing to engage voters and provide critical resources during the Atlanta Pride festival this fall.
The caucus is an organization within the DeKalb Democratic Party dedicated to working toward “the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well-being of all,” Steve Parker, the President of the LGBTQ+ Caucus, told Georgia Voice. The organization will be meeting on May 27 to begin preparing for Pride with a town hall and community resource fair. The June monthly meeting is set for June 27.
“We want to help and support the community and offer the opportunity to connect one-on-one with elected officials,” Parker said. “We also want to share resources, such as mental health [support], HIV/AIDS services, and legal assistance, that are available here in DeKalb County.”
The event will provide the opportunity for community members to meet and hear from election officials, from school boards to the state senate, about issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.
The DeKalb LGBTQ+ Caucus will also participate in Atlanta Pride on Oct.11 and 12 to educate voters about critical local elections happening in November. While Georgia’s gubernatorial election doesn’t happen until 2026, this year marks a municipal election, in which local positions like school boards will be elected, as well as the election of the Public Service Commissioner.
While local elections often garner significantly less voter turnout than federal elections, Parker says these elections are just as crucial to the LGBTQ+ community.
“[Anti-LGBTQ+ attacks] start at local school boards,” he said. “Somebody could be [interested in] book banning or have problems with anything that acknowledges our community, get on a school board, stir up a bunch of ruckus, and start pulling books out of libraries and curriculum.”
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The DeKalb LGBTQ+ Caucus will, now through Atlanta Pride and beyond, work with LGBTQ+ voters to engage them, educate them, and ensure their concerns are reflected in the DeKalb Democratic platform.
“We want to listen to the community, hear your concerns, elevate them to elected officials, and let them know what their constituents are feeling,” Parker said.
You can register for the DeKalb LGBTQ+ Caucus’ next monthly meeting on May 27 at 6:30 p.m. here. Parker says that “anyone who believes in equal rights” is welcome to join the caucus by emailing lgbtq@dekalbdems.com.
