We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Larry Pellegrini, a beloved mentor, trailblazer, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Georgia.

Larry made history as one of the first openly gay lobbyists at the Georgia State Capitol, paving the way for generations of advocates. Larry also became Georgia Equality's first political director in 1997. We are grateful to be a part of Larry's incredible legacy, and he will be sorely missed. Jeff Graham, executive director, issued the following statement in response: “It's with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Larry Pellegrini. For the past several years, Larry has worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center as a legislative advisor, though Larry's work at the capitol and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community goes back decades. My earliest memories of Larry come from his time as a member of Queer Nation and the work they did to fight employment discrimination by Cracker Barrel. Larry’s leadership contributed to national attention to these discriminatory practices and helped to organize multiple demonstrations against the restaurant chain. One of my favorite memories of Larry was on Peachtree Street outside of the offices of the health department. While several of us blocked traffic in protest of inhumane HIV policies, Larry stood guard negotiating with police for our safety as we were dragged off to jail. Larry was the first political director hired by Georgia Equality in 1997. In that role, he helped to mentor me and as we organized a multi-year campaign that led to increasing state funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. Larry was there as a trusted advisor and friend when I first came to Georgia Equality in 2008– introducing me to legislators and helping to secure funding for our voter engagement work during a critical election year. Trusted advisor. Mentor. Friend. That's how so many of us will remember Larry: with fondness and appreciation. Rest in power, dear friend.”