Mark Snyder

Stories from the States: Garden State Equality’s New Executive Director Works Toward Full Equality For All

At the end of 2013, New Jersey became the 14th state to extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples. This historic victory was the result of the hard work of many LGBT activists and organizations, including Federation member Garden State Equality.

September 6, 2024
Last Round of 2014 FEDtalks Now Available!

At this year’s Summer Meeting, we invited state leaders to take five minutes to share a big idea, talk through an innovative strategy, or offer up an exciting concept in a FEDtalk. These energetic and captivating presentations about the most innovative parts of our members’ work stood out, once again, as a major highlight of Summer Meeting. So we wanted to share them with everyone, not just the folks who joined us at this year’s meeting.

September 6, 2024
Another Round of 2014 FEDTalks Now Available!

At this year’s Summer Meeting, we invited state leaders to take five minutes to share a big idea, talk through an innovative strategy, or offer up an exciting concept in a FEDtalk.These energetic and captivating presentations about the most innovative parts of our members’ work stood out, once again, as a major highlight of Summer Meeting.

September 6, 2024
Lived Equality Project

At Equality Federation, we believe the movement for equality is not done once the freedom to marry has been extended to same-sex couples nationwide. We know we have more work to do.

September 6, 2024
State Leadership Project

We’re in the midst of a unique moment in the movement for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. As marriage wins continue in the courts, and national attention shifts to work in places where LGBT people aren’t protected from discrimination — strong leadership in the states is more important than ever.To guide the movement beyond the marriage milestone, we need adaptive leaders.

September 6, 2024
Fairness Project

Protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations has been a priority for the movement since the 1980s. And still, the end goal of prohibiting discrimination nationwide eludes us.

September 6, 2024
Unsung Victories: Arizona, Oregon, Florida, and Arkansas

State-based organizations across the country are advancing major progress in the communities we call home — where the work is hard, but the impact is great. Nearly every week, we hear about another victory that provides LGBT people with the protection, respect, and dignity they need and deserve, but far too often, these wins are unrecognized by the broader community.

September 6, 2024
Stories from the States: Tennessee Equality Project Prepares for Marriage on DAY ONE

As marriage litigation makes its way through the courts, state leaders across the country are preparing their communities for the day when the freedom to marry is a reality for all committed couples nationwide. In one state, member organization Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) has created a statewide campaign to prepare the LGBT community in Tennessee for marriage on DAY ONE.

September 6, 2024
More 2014 FEDtalks Available — Watch Now!

At this year’s Summer Meeting, we invited state leaders to take five minutes to share a big idea, talk through an innovative strategy, or offer up an exciting concept in a FEDtalk. These energetic and captivating presentations about the most innovative parts of our members’ work stood out, once again, as a major highlight of Summer Meeting.

September 6, 2024
Equality Michigan Takes Action Against Michfest’s Transgender Exclusion Policy

Exclusionary policies go against our movement’s commitment to winning equality for all. But our members stand up against such hurtful practices that leave out people in our communities.Groups like Equality Michigan, who recently publicly denounced the exclusion of transgender women from the state’s annual Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival (Michfest), are reaffirming our movement’s commitment to equality for all — with no one left behind.

September 6, 2024
Federation Staffers Train Houston Activists on Effective Messaging for Nondiscrimination

Many people are surprised to learn that in the fourth largest city in the country, it’s perfectly legal to fire someone, deny them an apartment, or refuse them service at a business simply because of who they are. That’s why, earlier this year, activists in Houston were pushing for HERO, the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, a law protecting Houston residents from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, familial status, military status, religion, disability, genetic information, and sex.

September 6, 2024
Summer Meeting 2014 FEDtalks — Watch Now!

Every Summer Meeting is special, but the energy of this year’s gathering was as unique as the movement moment we’re in. This energy was felt throughout the Meeting, but especially during our favorite plenary session: FEDtalks.

September 6, 2024
Stories from the States: EqualityMaine Uses Toolkit to Advance Transgender Healthcare Coverage

In Maine, Federation member organization EqualityMaine is working beyond the marriage milestone — proving to Mainers and Americans that we have a lot more to do after winning the freedom to marry. In recent months, since completing its new strategic plan, EqualityMaine has shifted its focus to ending transgender discrimination in healthcare.

September 6, 2024
Member Resource: SIECUS Publication Provides Individual State Snapshot of Sex Education and Federal Funding

Although our country has come a long way in teaching sexual education to adolescents, many states still teach ineffective abstinence-only-until-marriage programs to students. Many of our members live in these states, but are working within their communities to implement more comprehensive sexual education programs that educate students while supporting the sexual health of adolescents. But federal funding plays a huge role in what sexual education programs can be provided.

September 6, 2024
Comprehensive Report Provides Effective Approaches to School Discipline

Each year, millions of students are removed from their classrooms for minor misconduct. This puts them at a significantly higher risk of falling behind academically, dropping out of school, and potentially being forced into the juvenile justice system.

September 6, 2024
NYC Administration for Children’s Services Releases Best Practices Guide for Working with Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Children

Transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth are disproportionately represented in the foster care population and are particularly vulnerable to mistreatment due to widespread anti-transgender bias, prejudice, and transphobia. Young transgender individuals may face unnecessary barriers while under the care of Children’s Services, such as in foster care or juvenile detention.

September 6, 2024
Member Resource: Communications & Organizing Toolkit for LGBT-Inclusive Schools

Across the country, our members are working hard to ensure that young people feel safe and protected at school. In order to build safe environments for students, we need support from decision makers in the community. But it isn’t always easy to build community support for schools that openly affirm people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

September 6, 2024
Michael Nordman

Michael Nordman is the Director of Development at Equality Illinois. Since starting in 2012, he has helped the organization raise more than $2.8 million towards their fight for LGBT equality by mobilizing existing supporters and inspiring Illinoisans from all walks of life to join the movement.

September 6, 2024
Monica Meyer

Monica Meyer became the Executive Director of OutFront Minnesota in 2010, after serving as Public Policy Director since 2001. Under Monica's leadership, OutFront Minnesota and Project 515 co-founded Minnesotans United for All Families, the campaign which defeated the proposed constitutional amendment to limit the freedom to marry in 2012 and won marriage equality just seven months later.

September 6, 2024
In the Courts: Marriage Litigation Continues Its Path to the Supremes

In the past year since the Supreme Court struck down the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), we’ve witnessed 36 consecutive victories, and zero losses, for the freedom to marry. Twenty rulings have been issued in federal court, 13 in state court, and 3 by a federal appellate court.

September 6, 2024
Unsung Victories: Washington, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and California

State-based organizations across the country are advancing major progress in the communities we call home — where the work is hard, but the impact is great.Nearly every week, we hear about another victory that provides LGBT people with the protection, respect, and dignity they need and deserve, but far too often, these wins go unsung by the broader LGBT movement.

September 6, 2024
Stories from the States: Equality New Mexico Shifts Focus After Winning Marriage

After winning marriage, the next question that’s typically asked is: “What’s next?” For Equality New Mexico, this question has a multitude of answers.

September 6, 2024
Amber Royster

Amber Royster is the Executive Director of Equality New Mexico (EQNM), New Mexico's LGBTQ advocacy organization. Following six years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Master of Public Administration degrees at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.

September 6, 2024
Summer Meeting 2014: Full Program & Final Reminders

In just a few days, more than 160 advocates from across the country will gather in Minneapolis to connect and forge relationships, collaborate for future success, and build momentum toward even greater wins in the communities we call home. The 2014 Summer Meeting (July 30 – August 2) will feature informative workshops, inspiring speakers and incredible social events — in the amazing city of Minneapolis, with OutFront Minnesota as our host.

September 6, 2024
LGBT Movement Leaders Applaud President Obama’s Historic Executive Orders Protecting LGBT Workers from Discrimination

Equality Federation, the strategic partner to state-based organizations advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, is celebrating the signing of two executive orders today. Executive Order 11246 will now prohibit federal contractors from discriminating against workers based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

September 6, 2024
Curtis Thornhill

Curtis Thornhill is the CEO and Founder of Apt Marketing Solutions, an organization that creates tools and services to help marketing teams improve the visibility, accountability, and effectiveness of marketing programs.

September 6, 2024
Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis is a Director at PepsiCo, Inc. and works in marketing on their North America beverage business. He started his marketing career in the consumer packaged goods industry over a decade ago at Procter & Gamble and has also worked in marketing for Teach For America.

September 6, 2024
Julia Rosen

Julia Rosen is the Digital Director at ActBlue, where she brought a decade of online organizing experience on both electoral and issue campaigns. She comes from MoveOn.org, where she served as a Campaign Director, helping lead their electoral efforts, multi-issue advocacy and fundraising.

September 6, 2024
Member Resource: Build Support in Your Community Through Mayors for the Freedom to Marry

Looking for a concrete, meaningful project to engage activists in your state? Consider helping to grow the list of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. Or use the list to help find allies in key districts you may be targeting for nondiscrimination campaigns.

September 6, 2024
Jenn Curtin

Jenn is the Program Associate at Equality Federation, the strategic partner to state-based organizations winning equality in the communities we call home. In her role, she strengthens our major donor program — from managing a portfolio of our current donors to communicating with prospective donors.

September 6, 2024
Last Chance to Sign Up for The Management Center Training at Summer Meeting 2014

Summer Meeting 2014 is just a few weeks away, and we only have a few spots left for Wednesday’s FREE crash course in the basics of effective management.With support from Arcus Foundation, we’re bringing in our friends from The Management Center to share their Managing to Change the World training with Summer Meeting participants.

September 6, 2024
Press Release: Equality Federation Institute Releases Report on the Movement After Marriage

Today, Equality Federation Institute released What’s Next: Building Strong LGBTQ Organizations Beyond the Marriage Milestone. This report carefully considers what effective advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) equality looks like after winning marriage for same-sex couples.

September 6, 2024
Press Release: LGBT Movement Leaders Tell President Obama Executive Order Shouldn’t Contain Broad Religious Exemptions

For Immediate ReleaseLGBT Movement Leaders Issue Strong Request to President ObamaExecutive Order Shouldn’t Contain Religious Exemptions Beyond the Constitution and Title VII

September 6, 2024
Stories from the States: Overcoming Harsh Opposition in Hawai’i

Hawai’i is often thought of as the state that put in motion our modern march toward marriage equality. Even so, the Aloha State didn’t extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples until last year. But it did so through a dramatic campaign that ended with a special legislative session and the passage of SB-1 — the Hawai’i Marriage Equality Act.

September 6, 2024
Summer Meeting 2014: Full Schedule Released

Equality Federation Institute’s annual Summer Meeting is the premier gathering of LGBT movement leaders. The 2014 Summer Meeting (July 30 – August 2) will feature informative workshops, inspiring speakers, and incredible social events — in the amazing city of Minneapolis, with OutFront Minnesota as our host.

September 6, 2024
The Latest on Summer Meeting: Schedules, Lodging Details, and More

Equality Federation Institute’s annual Summer Meeting is the premier gathering of state-based and national LGBT movement leaders. More than 150 advocates from across the country gather to connect and forge relationships, collaborate for future success and build momentum toward even greater wins in the communities we call home.

September 6, 2024
Supreme Court Gets It Wrong in Hobby Lobby Case

In an unprecedented decision this week, the Supreme Court ruled that employers can use their religious beliefs to deny their employees access to benefits that they are guaranteed by law to receive.

September 6, 2024
By Just 147 Votes, LGBT Advocates Win Big in Pocatello

Seven cities in Idaho protect LGBT individuals from discrimination. But that number almost dropped to six — until advocates ran a robust campaign to keep the challenged law in place. In 2013, Pocatello, Idaho adopted a local nondiscrimination ordinance barring employers, landlords and most businesses from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

September 6, 2024
Equality Federation Responds to Supreme Court Decision On Contraception Access

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down its highly anticipated decisions in two cases that were brought by for-profit companies arguing that requiring them to include contraception in their employees’ health plan violates their religious liberty rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

September 6, 2024
Summer Meeting 2014 Workshops Released!

The workshops at Summer Meeting 2014 are going to blow you away. All the topics you care about, all the speakers you want to learn from, all the opportunities you need to strengthen the work you're doing. Just check out our full list below!

September 6, 2024
Member Resource: Policy Report on LGBT Workplace Discrimination

In states across the country, Federation members are working hard to advocate for statewide and local nondiscrimination laws that protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) workers.

September 6, 2024
Just Released: Summer Meeting 2014 Preliminary Schedule

Getting ready to make plans for Summer Meeting? Not sure if you're joining us? Itching for more details?Check out our just released preliminary schedule now! And go ahead and register now to reserve your spot before the early bird discount expires on July 1!

September 6, 2024
LGBT Organizations Unite to Call on Obama to Stop Deportations and Detention

Dear President Obama, as advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans and their families – including an estimated 267,000 undocumented LGBT Americans – we write to join the call for you to take swift executive action to suspend mass immigration detention and deportations.

September 6, 2024
Member Opportunity: Management Training at Summer Meeting 2014 in Minneapolis

Summer Meeting 2014 is just a few months away, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet — especially with the addition of a special members-only program. This year, with support from Arcus Foundation, we’re bringing in our friends from The Management Center to share their Managing to Change the World training — only with Federation members.

September 6, 2024
Racial Justice and Intersectionality Take Center Stage at Equality Federation's Leadership Conference

Nearly 200 leaders from Equality Federation’s state-based partner membership as well as leaders from national LGBTQ organizations attended our annual Leadership Conference this July in Portland, Oregon. Local hosts Basic Rights Oregon supported the efforts and an array of new sponsors ensured the event was a smashing success.

September 6, 2024
How To Do Trauma-Informed Organizing

September 6, 2024
Municipal Equality Index: How Does Your City Score?

HRC Foundation in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute, announced that a record-setting 88 cities across the U.S. earned the highest possible score in the eighth annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI). The MEI is the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law, policy and services.

September 6, 2024
The 3 Million+ LGBTQ People in Rural America...

Popular culture images of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people suggest that most LGBT people live in cities or on the coasts. Yet an estimated 2.9 – 3.8 million LGBT people call rural America home. Today, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) released a new report, Where We Call Home: LGBT People in Rural America, which examines the structural differences in rural life and their unique impact on LGBT people in rural areas, who are both more vulnerable to discrimination and less able to respond to its harmful effects.

September 6, 2024
Freedom Oklahoma Welcomes New Executive Director

Big congrats to Freedom Oklahoma!The organization has recently welcomed their new executive director Allie Shinn.

September 6, 2024
Equality Act Reintroduced With Historic Support!

Today Equality Federation lauded the reintroduction of the Equality Act by Representatives David Cicilline (D-RI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in the House and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) in the Senate. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has made passage a top priority for the new Congress.

September 6, 2024
VICTORY: All Anti-Transgender Bills Defeated in South Dakota!

Four anti-transgender bills were defeated in South Dakota’s legislature this month! HB1225 and SB 49 would have made it difficult for transgender youth to participate in school sports and programs; HB1108 would have banned discussion about gender identity and expression; and HB1205 would have allowed parents to deny healthcare for transgender children.

September 6, 2024
Introducing Our New Director of Advocacy and Civic Engagement!

Today Equality Federation is excited to introduce our new Director of Advocacy and Civic Engagement, David Topping. In this role, David will work with our member organizations to craft smart, effective legislative and electoral campaigns that build political power and allow supporters to take action in their communities.

September 6, 2024
Statewide LGBTQ Organization Launched in Nebraska!

Today Equality Federation celebrates the launch of OutNebraska, formed from OutLinc, Lincoln’s LGBTQ community center, which will serve as a statewide organization to secure fairness and equality for LGBTQ+ Nebraskans and their families.

September 6, 2024
Historic! New York Legislature Passes GENDA & Bans Conversion Therapy

Today New York’s legislature passed GENDA, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, that will ensure New Yorkers are protected from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The legislature also passed a ban on the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy.

September 6, 2024
Progress! Wisconsin and Michigan Governors Sign Executive Orders Banning Discrimination

On Monday, January 7th, Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order banning discrimination against LGBTQ state employees and Wisconsin’s Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order expanding nondiscrimination protections to transgender state employees.

September 6, 2024
Upcoming Webinars for EQFED Members

We have something new, to bring in the new year! In January/early February, we are pleased to offer How State Agencies Protect Transgender Rights: A Series with the National Center for Transgender Equality.

September 6, 2024
Lily & Jane & Rashida: Here's how to swing the election our way...

Equality Federation is partnering with The Last Weekend to connect you with a local campaign that is on the edge of flipping toward pro-equality candidates who will fight Trump.

September 6, 2024
We're here and we will not be erased.

The Trump administration has made a heartless, extremist political attack on transgender and nonbinary people. By threatening to enshrine a narrow definition of gender into law, it is clearer than ever they are willing to disregard science, medicine, and decency in order to push their own dogma.

September 6, 2024
Act Now to Stop Kavanaugh!

Kavanaugh is an immense threat to the rights of LGBTQ people. A Supreme Court with Brett Kavanaugh will be far more likely to give a license to discriminate to business owners, health care providers, adoption agencies and others who object to LGBTQ people or to same-sex relationships, marriage, or parents.

September 6, 2024
These Companies Stand With Us for Equality! Meet Our Sponsors...

Thank you to the sponsors of Equality Federation’s 2018 Leadership Conference. Over 230 leaders from the state-based LGBTQ movement convened to strategize for a more fair and just America, and we couldn’t have done it without the generous support of these companies. Watch our opening reception above for inspiring remarks from Lyft, Clarity Campaigns, and Tito’s!

September 6, 2024
Watch: Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida, on Trump, leadership, and hope for the future...

You won’t want to miss this moving speech from Equality Federation’s 2018 Leadership Conference. Nadine Smith of Equality Florida is a powerful storyteller and leader in our movement for justice and equality.

September 6, 2024
Updates from Equality Federation's 2018 Leadership Conference

Over 230 LGBTQ leaders from the state-based movement for equality will convene in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the end of July for Equality Federation’s 21st annual Leadership Conference.

September 6, 2024
Equality Federation Condemns Cruel Family Separation at Border

Equality Federation unequivocally condemns the Trump Administration’s cruel and unnecessary efforts to tear children away from their parents at the border. This practice is the most egregious example of Trump’s actions to erode America’s civil rights and human decency, and is widely condemned by leaders of faith, doctors and childcare professionals, and lawmakers across the political spectrum.

September 6, 2024
Video: What the Masterpiece Ruling Means for Us...

September 6, 2024
State Based LGBTQ Leaders Respond to the Masterpiece Ruling

Today the Court recognized the harm of discrimination and reaffirmed that states can act to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. The Court’s 7-2 decision in favor of the baker in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case is limited specifically to the unique circumstances of this case and calls into question actions from the Colorado Civil Rights Commission—but it leaves intact Colorado’s LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination protections, as well as similar protections in 19 states and 200+ cities and towns.

September 6, 2024
Freedom Oklahoma Tells Governor: We'll See You in Court!

Equality Federation stands with our member organization Freedom Oklahoma in our disgust at the passage of SB 1140.

September 6, 2024
The Latest Threat to Progress and Equality

In 2016 we published a blog post on the growing threat – the use of preemption legislation. Today, we’re proud to participate in the release of a new report led by Movement Advancement Project in partnership with A Better Balance, Family Values @ Work, and the Local Solutions Support Center.

September 6, 2024
Goat Parties for Equality on Two Coasts!

Equality Federation staff will hold parties featuring live goats on both coasts this spring, and anyone who contributes to the organization’s Give OUT Day efforts will be added to the guest lists. Give OUT Day, held on April 19th, is a national day of giving for LGBTQ organizations raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the movement.

September 6, 2024
HIV is still very much an LGBTQ issue.

HIV is still very much an LGBTQ issue. Yet, for the past two decades, HIV has not been a high priority for many LGBTQ advocacy organizations; it’s past time for that to change. HIV organizations and advocates living with HIV are doing important and successful work but there are significant gaps in HIV advocacy capacity in many states.

September 6, 2024
Widespread Threat to Equality - License to Discriminate Bills

Our families are under attack. From the White House to state legislatures across the nation, right-wing politicians are trying to prevent justice and equality under the guise of protecting religious freedom.

September 6, 2024
Breaking: Dept. of Education Won't Hear Discrimination Complaints from Transgender Youth...

The Education Department has said it will not investigate or take action on any complaints of discrimination filed by transgender students who are not permitted to use the facilities that match their gender identity.

September 6, 2024
Virginia Lawmakers Block LGBTQ Equality

Four bills that would have updated Virginia’s laws to include LGBTQ people in nondiscrimination protections were killed in a committee despite the broad support of fair-minded Virginians. Two of the bills had passed in the state’s Senate with 75% of the vote.

September 6, 2024
Stop Trump's Anti-LGBTQ Judicial Nominee!

This is urgent. Trump’s extremist, anti-LGBTQ nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Stuart Kyle Duncan, could be confirmed as soon as Wednesday.

September 6, 2024
Greying the Rainbow: Why Aging Matters

Explore why aging must be part of the LGBTQ movement’s work in this guest post by Dan Stewart, Program Coordinator of SAGE of PROMO Fund (our Missouri member organization) featuring a fabulous FEDTalk by PROMO executive director Steph Perkins!

September 6, 2024
Trump's Promise to the LGBTQ Community a "Giant Con"

Equality Federation’s Executive Director Rebecca Isaacs provided commentary, analysis, and background information for this in-depth article from VOX about what a year under Trump has meant for the LGBTQ community.

September 6, 2024
Trump’s Proposed Discriminatory Health Care Exemptions Put Lives at Risk

President Trump’s reported decision to upend Health and Human Services (HHS) rules could create a dangerous license to discriminate, and while LGBTQ people and our families along with anyone seeking reproductive health services are no doubt the targets of this overhaul, any person or family could be at risk of discrimination as a result.

September 6, 2024
Watch: New Ad Features Transgender Man Facing Discrimination & Report Exposes Patchwork of Protections

The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to issue a ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, a case involving a business asking the Court for a Constitutional right to refuse service to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

September 6, 2024
State Equality Index: How Does Your State Score?

Today, Equality Federation Institute and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation and the released their annual State Equality Index (SEI), a comprehensive state-by-state report detailing statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ people and their families and placing states in one of four categories based on their pro- and anti-LGBTQ state laws.

September 6, 2024
Watch: Why We're Fighting HIV Stigma and Criminalization

September 6, 2024
Giving Tuesday: Support Our Movement!

Today is #GivingTuesday, a national day of charitable giving, and we need you to support the state-based LGBTQ resistance.

September 6, 2024
Transgender Candidates Make History! [updated with more]

Update: Raven Matherne won a seat on the Stamford Connecticut Board of Representatives and is believed to be the city's first openly transgender lawmaker.On Tuesday, November 7th EIGHT transgender candidates made history!

September 6, 2024
How Did Your Town Score? 2017 Municipal Equality Index

Equality Federation is proud to participate in the annual Municipal Equality Index with HRC, which illustrates both the tremendous progress we have achieved as well as the challenges that still lie ahead in our fight for equality in the communities we call home. This important tool provides a roadmap to a future in which every LGBTQ person experiences fairness and equality no matter where they live. Click here to see your city's score!

September 6, 2024
The Most Significant LGBTQ Equality Case of Our Time?

Equality Federation joined an amicus brief (see below) filed by Lambda Legal in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant LGBTQ equality cases of our time, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. Don’t be fooled by the name or the right-wing’s arguments; This case is not just about cakes or one small business, it is about whether laws against discrimination can continue to be enforced without sweeping exemptions.

September 6, 2024
Commitment to Racial Justice

Equality Federation is committed to promoting racial justice and equity in all facets of our work. When we began our racial justice initiative in 2014, we decided that it was not enough to have a stand-alone program or project.

September 6, 2024
Our Funders & Financials

September 6, 2024
Local Wins, National Impact

Equality Federation members scored key municipal policy wins this year. While we often focus on statewide wins, these city and county victories are critical components of the fight for equality in the communities we call home.

September 6, 2024
More Than Just A Conference - Equality Federation's Convenings Make Change!

Equality Federation’s conferences, convenings, and trainings provide an extraordinary opportunity for member organizations to learn from and support each other.

September 6, 2024
Breaking: CA Gov. Jerry Brown Signs LGBTQ Equality Bills - Nonbinary IDs & More

Equality Federation congratulates Equality California as Governor Brown has signed seven of their sponsored bills that will ensure fairness and equality for LGBTQ Californians! The groundbreaking roster of legislation includes a bill that will allow for a nonbinary gender marker on state issued IDs, a bill of rights protecting LGBTQ seniors, and an update to the state’s HIV criminalization laws.

September 6, 2024
BIG LGBTQ MIXER TICKETS

Our BIG LGBTQ MIXER event has become a San Francisco institution! Hundreds of locals, from tech gurus to artists, come out to have a good time for a good cause.

September 6, 2024
Victory: California Updates HIV Laws

Right now, all across the country, there are dozens of outdated laws based on old stereotypes, not science, that treat people living with HIV differently. California is now leading the nation in changing course with the passage of SB 239. Federation member Equality California prioritized this legislation for 2017.

September 6, 2024
Equality California Sues Trump

Equality California has filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s Aug. 25 directive prohibiting transgender people from joining the military and banning military healthcare plans from providing vital services to transgender servicemembers. Equality California is an organizational plaintiff in the lawsuit, together with seven transgender individuals impacted by the ban.

September 6, 2024
Breaking: DOJ Issues Anti-LGBTQ License to Discriminate

Attorney General Jeff Sessions just issued guidance granting an anti-LGBTQ “license to discriminate.” Federal government staff and contractors will now be able to claim a broad religious exemption from federal laws, rules and regulations meant to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination.

September 6, 2024
Victory: Birmingham Enacts LGBTQ-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Ordinance!

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Sept 26, 2017) — After a public hearing and over five years of groundwork, the Birmingham City Council has passed a fully inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance, and Mayor William Bell has committed to signing the ordinance into law immediately.

September 6, 2024
Watch: #TAKEIT: I’M PREP’D

Equality California’s #TakeIt:I’m PrEP’ed program is a statewide educational campaign to educate the LGBTQ community and healthcare providers on the availability and benefits of PrEP, the daily pill to prevent HIV, as well as other forms of HIV treatment and prevention. More broadly, this program falls under our broader efforts to end the HIV epidemic in California by “Getting to Zero” – zero new HIV transmissions, zero HIV-related deaths and zero HIV stigma.

September 6, 2024
Gov. Brown: Sign the Gender Recognition Act

Equality Federation applauds Transgender Law Center and Federation member Equality California for their leadership on this legislation and calls on Governor Brown to sign it into law.

September 6, 2024
The Leader of Basic Rights Oregon on How She Resists

Nancy Haque, leader of Basic Rights Oregon, made us laugh, cry, and feel charged up and ready to resist the Trump Administration’s attacks on all our communities. In this FEDTalk, she describes her reaction to the election as a single mom and having an immigrant family.

September 6, 2024
Cruel & Heartless: We Stand Against Trump's Attacks on Immigrants

President Trump’s announcement that he will end DACA, a program that protects undocumented young people who grew up in America from deportation, is a cruel and heartless attack on 800,000 families.

September 6, 2024
5 Ways to Stay Active in the LGBTQ Movement (Without Succumbing to Abject Martyrdom)

Equality Federation recently held our annual Leadership Conference, featuring our fabulous FEDTalks – 5 minute talks given by the leaders of the state-based LGBTQ movement. We’re proud to debut Sara Burlingame’s (Wyoming Equality) hilarious talk 5 Ways to Stay Active in the LGBTQ Movement (Without Succumbing to Abject Martyrdom)!

September 6, 2024
Trump Signs Discriminatory Anti-Transgender Military Directive

Today President Trump signed an unnecessary and divisive directive that bans the military from recruiting transgender service members, and bans the Department of Defense from providing necessary medical care for current transgender service members. At press time, it is unclear if currently serving members will be able to continue since The White House has left questions unanswered.

September 6, 2024
Victory! Texas Defeats Anti-Transgender Bathroom Bans

Today we join transgender Texans and their families in celebration because, after many months of courageous storytelling and coalition building, the efforts to pass anti-transgender bathroom ban legislation have FAILED.

September 6, 2024
A young man looking up, smilingA young man smiling straight at the camera
Confident young woman standing with crossed arms.

Want To Make A Difference? Support Our Work

With your support, we'll be able to continue our work to build the leaders of today and tomorrow, strengthen state-based LGBTQ+ organizations, and make critical progress on the issues that matter most—like protecting transgender people, ending HIV criminalization and ensuring access to care, and banning conversion therapy across the country.