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Kim Jackson

Biography

Raised in rural South Carolina, Jackson studied at Furman University before earning a Master of Divinity from Emory University's Candler School of Theology. She became an Episcopal priest and has served as a college chaplain, consultant, preacher, and vicar at Church of the Common Ground, a parish in downtown Atlanta that co-creates church with people experiencing homelessness. In 2010, she became the Diocese of Atlanta's first Black openly LGBTQ+ priest.


Jackson was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2020, becoming Georgia's first out LGBTQ+ state senator. She represents District 41 and currently serves as Minority Whip. Her legislative work has included support for Black farmers and Pre-K programs, protections for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking, and advocacy concerning LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, refugee and immigrant rights, and mental and maternal health.


Jackson is also Senior Vice President of Programs at State Innovation Exchange (SiX). She and her family live on an urban farm in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Her work brings together political leadership, Episcopal ministry, community advocacy, and agriculture.


BQW Impact

Jackson's public leadership expands the visibility of Black lesbian and queer women in political and religious institutions. Her election created a historic place for openly LGBTQ+ representation in the Georgia State Senate, while her ministry connects faith leadership with service to people experiencing homelessness.


Her legislative and advocacy work addresses issues affecting marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ equality, voting access, refugee and immigrant rights, domestic violence, homelessness, and support for Black farmers. Her work demonstrates how queer Black women's leadership can operate across government, faith, and community institutions.


Notable Works

  • Georgia State Senate, District 41

    Elected in 2020 as Georgia's first out LGBTQ+ state senator and reelected in 2024; currently serves as Minority Whip.

  • Church of the Common Ground

    Episcopal ministry in downtown Atlanta that co-creates church with people experiencing homelessness.

  • Address Confidentiality Program (SB 324)

    Legislation sponsored by Jackson that created a victim-centered address confidentiality program for survivors of stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, and human trafficking.

  • God, Goats, and Government

    Podcast co-hosted by Jackson and Shereetha J. from 2021 to 2024 about faith, farming, government, and public service.

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