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Georgia State Representative Rashad Taylor, a Democrat, came out as gay yesterday in response to an email written by the former partner of Taylor's current boyfriend that has been circulating around offices of the state capitol.

Said Taylor:

"Although this is not the time or the way that I wanted to come out, I feel actually very lucky, thanks to all the support that I've received from those people who are closest to me…As a black man, it can be a struggle to find acceptance within the community and at times with myself as well. But I'm proud of the man my mother has raised, and I make no apologies for who I am. There may be those who want to paint those in political terms. They'll say that this is a political liability to me. To me it's actually a gift form God.Through his grace and examples of thousands of members of the LGBT community who have come out often to great personal and professional risk, I have been blessed. It's your bravery and example that makes it possible for me to publicly and say to you, 'this is who I am and I have nothing to be ashamed of.'"

The email makes note of that fact that Taylor is gay and accuses him of using his position as a lawmaker to trade sex for state funds and other gifts. Taylor has denied the allegations and the man who wrote the email, Jermaine Callahan, admits he does not have proof to back up his claims.

Watch the press conference of his announcement, which took place at the offices of Georgia Equality, AFTER THE JUMP.

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