Jesse Morgan and Laura Cahill fight every day for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer and intersex – or LGBTQI – rights. On Sept. 10, at 6 p.m., co-founders Morgan and Cahill will lead a crowd in the Queer Power March through downtown Savannah.
This rally kicks off the gay pride weekend, part of which is Gay Pride Day in Savannah on Sept. 11.
The march participants aim to bring more activists and supporters together to join in the fight for LGBTQI equal rights. Speakers include AASU professor Teresa Winterhalter, Derrick Martin, Evelyn Thomas and Candace E. Hardnett.
After these activists finish their final walk around the squares and streets of downtown Savannah, they will all march right into the Queer Jamz After Party at the Mirage Hookah Lounge. The party starts at 7:30 p.m. Everyone can attend until 10 p.m., when the Mirage will enforce a 21-year-old and up requirement for entry.
The party will feature music by DJ Kyle Richardson, The Lady Ms. Vagina Jenkins, Giant Tiny Moments, Jeremy Gloff, Athen's Boys Choir and Katastrophe. The entertainment will provide an opportunity for many of the activists and supporters to mingle in a welcoming atmosphere.
A local artist, DJ Kyle Richardson routinely plays at Venus De Milo. He will be accompanied by Jenkins, who will emcee for the night through the perspective of comedy. As enthusiastic as the performers may be, the behind-the-scenes organizers put a lot of effort into compelling that excitement.
Event coordinator Morgan said he has worked unbelievably hard alongside Cahill to make this event a success.
"The Queer Power March will be the first ever for our community," he said. "We are spreading the word that this march is so important for our civil rights. Public assembly creates change. Laura and I are organizing this march to push for change.
By organizing this march, we are adding dynamics to the LGBTQI community of Savannah that were once seen as impossible."
Morgan said he and many others have hurdled over many trying obstacles for the LGBTQI community. They believe that this event will help spread the word and make a lasting impression on the city of Savannah.
This year, AASU's Gay-Straight Alliance will team up with the LGBTQI activists thisyear
Last year, AASU alumnus Morgan was the GSA president and this year, Yinessia Miller is serving her term as president. Morgan and Miller both said they are strong advocates in the fight for equality for gay rights. GSA is also teaming up with Georgia Southern University and plans to continue to expand and grow with many interested new members.
Miller said students will be very excited to see the changes and the new things that are to come this year. She will be attending both the march and the after party. She said she admires Morgan and believes that he is a very powerful activist for the LGBTQI equality rights.
Jess Krawczyk, AASU student and the president of the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority on campus, supports the GSA.
"It's a great idea for our geographical location," Krawczyk said.
"…In order to promote equality, you have to get groups out there. It's the same thing that women did for women's rights back in the day."
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