HRC announced its endorsement of Judge Steven Reed in his bid for mayor of Montgomery, Alabama.

In 2015, Reed made clear his commitment to LGBTQ equality in Montgomery should he become Mayor. When Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore instructed probate judges and their staff to disregard a federal court’s ruling on marriage equality, Reed was the first of them to speak out against Moore and in favor of marriage equality. When Moore attempted the same stunt the next year, Reed said, “Judge Moore’s latest charade is just sad and pathetic. My office will ignore him and this [anti-equality ruling].” If elected, Reed would be the first Black mayor in Montgomery’s history.

“Steven Reed is the only candidate for Mayor of Montgomery who is certain to be an ally to the city's LGBTQ community,” said HRC Alabama State Director Carmarion D. Anderson. “Reed has long been willing to speak up loudly and publicly for the LGBTQ community. The Human Rights Campaign is proud to endorse Steven Reed, a strong LGBTQ ally, and fight alongside him to achieve a more fair and equal Montgomery.”

“I'm humbled to have the support of the Human Rights Campaign,” said Judge Steven Reed. “I'm proud to share the principles of equality, inclusion, and fairness that this organization upholds.”

In 2014, HRC launched Project One America, an initiative geared towards advancing social, institutional and legal equality in Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. In 2019, Texas became a Project One America state, in recognition of HRC’s long-term commitment to the state. HRC Alabama continues to work to advance equality for LGBTQ Alabamians who have no state-level protections in housing, workplace or public accommodations. Through HRC Alabama, we are working toward a future of fairness every day -- changing hearts, minds and laws toward achieving full equality.

Carmarion D. Anderson was recently announced as Alabama State Director in September 2019. She is a vibrant and visible trans woman of color with a passion for inclusion in the world. As the Alabama State Director within HRC’s Project One America, Carmarion becomes the first trans woman person of color to serve in a leadership role with HRC in the organization’s history. Carmarion was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, with family roots in Natchez, Mississippi. Before joining HRC, Carmarion worked in the field of Public Health and Education, managing both local and national prevention initiatives focusing on HIV/AIDS and other health disparities that impact marginalized communities. Carmarion also brings a wealth of experience in faith spaces with her, currently serving as the National Co-Minister and South Region Coordinator for TransSaints ministry of TFAM (The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries). In addition to this role, Carmarion previously served for 15 years as an associate minister at the Living Faith Covenant Church, Dallas, Texas. Carmarion is the founder and former Executive Director of Black Transwomen, Inc., a national non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization with a mission to uplift the voices, hearts, and souls of Black trans women.