Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ advocates are mourning the loss of Larry Pellegrini, who made history as one of the first openly gay lobbyists at the Georgia State Capitol.
For four decades, Pellegrini was an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, working with organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center as a legislative advisor; Queer Nation, the LGBTQ+ rights group leading the 1991 Cracker Barrel boycotts; and Georgia Rural Urban Summit.
Pellegrini was the first political director of Georgia Equality, hired in 1997, and mentored now-Executive Director Jeff Graham.
“[As political director], he helped mentor me and we organized a multi-ear campaign that led to increasing state funding for the AIDS Drug Assistant Program,” Graham said in a statement shared to social media. “Larry was there as a trusted advisor and friend when I first came to Georgia Equality in 2008 – introducing me to legislators and helping to secure funding for our voter engagement work during a critical election year.”
In a 2019 interview with Georgia Voice, Pellegrini described his experience overcoming the homophobia he faced while lobbying at the Capitol.
“Some of the legislators, after I introduced myself, they tore up my card,” he said. “In the elevator, I got spit on. I didn’t internalize it. I took it more as a challenge of outmaneuvering our opponents.”
LGBTQ+ and allied lawmakers remember Pellegrini as a “giant” who tirelessly fought for equality for LGBTQ+ Georgians.
“Georgia will feel the loss of my dear friend and fellow activist for a very, very long time,” State Sen. Kim Jackson said. “… May you rest in eternal peace, Larry. May our lives and work be a testament to all that you taught us. And may we always carry your peace with us.”
“During my early days lobbying at the Georgia State Capitol, I had the privilege of working alongside Larry through the Georgia Rural Urban Summit during Women in the Halls weekly lobby days with Planned Parenthood,” Rep. Nikema Williams said. “Larry taught me that lasting change is built by bringing people together, investing in relationships, and never losing sight of the communities we serve.”
A memorial service for Pellegrini will be held Aug. 21 from noon to 3 p.m. at The Trolley Barn in Inman Park.
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