Paul Schappaugh, an Atlanta LGBT activist, has taken the helm of the newly formed GetEQUAL GA chapter. His first day as state coordinator was Jan. 1.

"We have our work cut out for us here in Georgia," Schappaugh said.

"We have a thriving diverse LGBTQ community here in Atlanta and my mission and that of GetEQual is to empower the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community and our allies to take bold action to demand full legal and social equality, and to hold accountable those who stand in the way —  and not just here in Atlanta but throughout the state and the South," he added.

GetEQUAL was formed last year and made headlines for several direct actions against President Obama urging him to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." In November, 13 activists and LGBT military veterans — including Lt. Dan Choi — were arrested after they handcuffed themselves to the White House fence to call attention to DADT.

Schappaugh is also a member of the Atlanta Queer Justice League which is currently coordinating a "queerlicious" event on Jan. 10. Other sponsors of the event — details have not been made to the public yet — are Savannah's Queer Power movement and MondoHomo. To be part of the Jan. 10 event, email Jess Morgan at [email protected]

You can also join GetEQUAL GA's Facebook page here.

Top photo: Paul Schappaugh at a Midtown rally celebrating a federal judge's ruling in August that California's Prop 8 was unconstitutional. (by Dyana Bagby)