ATLANTA -- In a noon press conference on Friday, May 27, State Rep. Rashad Taylor (D-55/ Atlanta), who has worked extensively with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, told reporters, "I am a gay man."

Taylor's timing may have been influenced by a recent e-mail that was sent to his House colleagues by his new partner's former lover -- accusing Taylor of promising men jobs for sex. 

The e-mail signed by one J. Callahan, Concerned Citizen of Georgia read: "[Taylor will] use comp tickets and state funds to fund his homosexual relationship. As a powerful member of your House, he is not using his office for the common good of his constituents but he's using his office to promote his own homosexual agenda."

Taylor [pictured below], emphatically denied those allegations and promised to not change any of his political positions in light of his "coming out."

Flanked by his mother, close supporters and some fellow legislators when he made his announcement, Taylor becomes the first openly homosexual male to serve in the Ga.General Assembly. He joins two acknowledged gay female legislators in the House: Reps. Simone Bell and Karla Drenner. 

"People say this is a political liability, but to me it is a gift from God. This is who I am, and I have nothing to be ashamed of." He added, however, that his goal is not to encourage others who may not be ready to come out.

"I don't want to expedite anyone else's journey, people should not be forced into anything, but serving in a political capacity, part of my personal life has to be revealed to the public," Taylor said.

Taylor says the e-mail that was circulated in the Capitol was an effort to intimidate and harrass him. Taylor had previously denied rumors and allegations that he was gay. 

First elected in 2008 as the youngest member of the General Assembly, Taylor says that he has spent the past few days with family, friends, and his pastor. "I have nothing to hide," he concluded. 

"I will not buy into idea that being gay is something to be ashamed of. Being gay for a long time has been something to hide and ignore, but that is an all too prevalent and wrong belief for people in the community to have," the downtown legislator said. 

"To be gay is not a horrible secret. I will continue to serve my constituents with integrity," Taylor promised. 

Taylor represents a House District which covers much of Atlanta's Vine City neighborhood. Former State Rep. "Able" Mable Thomas represented the District before challenging U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) in the 2008 Democratic Primary. Taylor defeated Thomas when she ran for her old seat again in 2010.

Taylor has a long history of service to the Democratic Party of Georgia, has worked for Planned Parenthood, Lewis and served key roles in numerous campaigns, including Kasim Reed for Mayor, John Eaves for Fulton County Chairman, and Georganna Sinkfield for Secretary of State.

State Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) served as Taylor's political mentor.

Fort and Taylor worked together with Khaatim El to help orchestrate a takeover of the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education. Taylor and El used to be roommates. 

There are also unresolved questions regarding where Taylor currently resides and whether he has consistently lived within his own State House District. Taylor only lists a Post Office Box in his official legislative records.

The Atlanta lawmaker admitted that had it not been for the recently circulated e-mail confronting his sexuality, he would not have come out publicly. 

Taylor added that he didn't want to allow anyone to think they might have something to hold over his head, and use it as leverage. "I feel at peace with my decision," he said. 

Taylor says he has no intentions to seek litigation regarding the e-mail and expressed his desire to keep further discussions on the matter personal for the time being. Friends said Taylor did inform his family until yesterday. An investigation by the House Ethics Committee is not likely as an ethics complaint has yet to be filed. 

"Representative Rashad Taylor is a trusted lawmaker, a good son, and an excellent friend to Georgia. Today, he emphasized that he is a brave advocate as well," Mike Berlon, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, said in a statement.

"As citizens of the greatest country on Earth, we must remind ourselves that we still fall short of true equality for all. With Representative Taylor's statements today, we find ourselves a step closer," Berlon said.

"Rashad's words today add to his stature as a true leader. His journey is an extremely personal one, and I hope that all Georgians will show him the same kindness and support that he has shown his constituents during his tenure in the General Assembly," Berlon said.

"Coming out is never easy. It is an intensely personal decision. We stand with those that make this difficult choice, and we continue our strong support for the LGBT community and Rashad personally."

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