Four decades of speaking up for fairness, safety and opportunity
Jeff Graham found his voice as an advocate early. As a college student in the mid-1980s he began speaking out on LGBTQ+ rights and the AIDS crisis, and he has stayed in the fight ever since—working on everything from grassroots organizing to legislative campaigns.
Today he is executive director of Georgia Equality, which works to advance fairness, safety and opportunity for LGBTQ+ communities across the state. Over more than 30 years, Jeff has served as an executive director or board member for a range of local and national organizations focused on LGBTQ+ rights, civic engagement, healthcare access, community empowerment and HIV/AIDS.
Originally from Loveland, Colorado, and a graduate of Trinity University, Jeff got his start in a very different line of work: his first job was as a costume designer.
Recognition
- Stonewall Bar Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2023)
- Linda Smith Lowe Health Advocacy Award (2017)
- League of Women Voters of Georgia Health Advocate Award (2016)
- Georgia Civil Liberties Award (2013)
- National Center for Human Rights Education Human Rights Guardian Award (2004)