Gay In Augusta

About halfway through this interview with the Argos Angels, one of the entertainers says something that sums up why I started this site.

In Augusta, you can’t walk around the streets and be gay, but in Atlanta … you can be you. You can be yourself. You can be gay. But in Augusta, you can be gay…in your house…or at a club.

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This week’s Columbia Free Times has a great cover story about the economic impact of anti-gay culture. It’s definitely worth a read and had me thinking about the size and purchasing power of the gay community in Augusta.

I, for one, have absolutely no clue how many of us there are in the area first of all, because we’re so closeted. The article, though, talks about census statistics and while I’m no statistician, I thought it might be interesting to check out the data from our area. I have some bad news for the bigots around here… Read the rest of this entry »

This incredible couple was recently featured on the cover of the Metro Spirit. I applaud the Metro Spirit for having the courage not only to print their story, but to put it front and center on it’s cover. Carol, MaLea…you’re amazing and incredibly courageous. Thank you.

Reposted from http://www.familyequality.org/familyofthemonth/index.html

My partner, Carol, and I live in Augusta, GA. with our 3 year old son. Before Carol and I met, we had our share of struggles in our own lives. I lost my mother from breast cancer when I was 15 and my father emotionally abandoned me after she died. Carol battled depression and the loss of her daughter from a divorce. Even with all of our struggles, we were not prepared for the experiences we were to face as a lesbian couple/family in the small town of Augusta , GA. Read the rest of this entry »

I did not grow up in Augusta. I moved here fairly recently after living an openly gay life since coming out in high school. After living here only a couple of weeks, I knew my life was going to be very different. I decided it best to wait a while to feel things out at work. After only a couple of weeks, I had seen anti-gay petitions, overheard very hateful conversations, and been asked way too many times why I wasn’t married. For the first time in my life, I felt pushed into the closet – both at work and in public.

Since then I’ve found welcoming friends and some welcoming communities, but this still very much a closeted and oppressive city. I hope this site can reach out to those who haven’t found a welcoming community or don’t have friends they can talk to. I hope the site can bring you news, information, and stories that speak to you in some way.

I know very few people who live openly in Augusta. I applaud their bravery and their commitment to stand up for themselves and those of us who have a lot to lose. I hope that as the CSRA and our country begin affirming the equality that we all deserve, that we no longer have to live closeted lives for fear of violence or hostility.

If you have news or stories to share, please email editor@gayinaugusta.com. Feel free to be anonymous, use a pseudonym, or use all or part of your name. This site will never out anyone or any community; if you or your business or your group wishes to name itself here as a friend or a resource, you are welcomed and encouraged.

The Editor