ATLANTA -In a noon press conference today, State Rep. Rashad Taylor, who has worked extensively with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, publicly stated before reporters that he is gay.

Standing next to his mother, and surrounded by supporters and fellow legislators he announced, "I am a gay man."

"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 forward.

"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."

The press conference stemmed from an email circulated throughout the capitol which accused Taylor of several things, including being gay. Taylor says that the email was an effort to intimidate and harass him. Taylor, who denied the allegation for a long time, was accused also of inappropriately using his office for unethical conduct. He denies that allegation however.

Taylor, says that he has spent the past few days with family, friends and his pastor and that he has not thing to hide. "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. To be gay, is not a horrible secret. I will continue to serve my constituents with integrity."

Taylor states that had it not been for the recently circulated email confronting his sexuality, that he would not have come out. He further stated that he did not want anyone to feel as though they had something to hold over his head and now feels at peace with his decision. Taylor has no intentions to seek litigation regarding the email and expressed that he wants to keep further discussions personal for the time being.

Taylor now is the first openly gay male in the Georgia legislature.

His family did not know that he was gay until yesterday.