7/30/2014 

WASHINGTON—Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced Ashley Jackson as state director of HRC Alabama. Jackson will lead the organization’s Project One America effort across the state to bring equality to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Using the resources of HRC and collaborating with local organizations, Jackson will work to change hearts and minds, advance enduring legal protections, and build more inclusive institutions.

“Ashley is a Southern woman to the heart--growing up in Mississippi, but spending most of her time now in the great state of Alabama,” said Project One America director Brad Clark. “Ashley knows what it takes to work with Alabama community groups and lawmakers to bring LGBT Alabamians the respect and dignity they deserve.”

Jackson was born and raised in Mississippi and is the co-founder of the Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition. She moved to Alabama and started work for the Southern Poverty Law Center as the LGBT liaison. She has written for and been featured in CNN’s Gay in America series. Jackson brings strong relationships with community groups across the South.

“The South is my home and I love Alabama dearly,” said Jackson. “I know Alabama can make a positive change to ensure all people have equal opportunities and respect of the law.”

According to a recent survey commissioned by HRC, LGBT Alabamians are participating members of their respective communities. In fact-- 61 percent of respondents have called Alabama home for more than 20 years. However, the survey also revealed LGBT people face daunting amounts of harassment. For instance, half have experienced harassment at school; a quarter have experienced employment discrimination; and more than one in five have experienced harassment monthly or more at their respective houses of worship. To address these disparities, HRC launched Project One America earlier this year to improve the lived experience of LGBT people.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. HRC’s Project One America--an unprecedented effort to dramatically expand LGBT equality in the South through permanent campaigns in Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas—is generously supported by the HRC Foundation.

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