Equality Federation won’t stop until all LGBTQ+ people are fully empowered and represented in their communities, experiencing full equality in their lives.
We’re all holding our breath for the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage, which will be announced any day now. At the same time, we’re also finally catching our breath, because by the end of this month, all but a handful of state legislatures will be out of session.
Yesterday, the Bexley City Council approved a nondiscrimination ordinance protecting individuals against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations, based upon sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Ordinance 1215 was approved with a majority six “yes” votes.
Like you, Equality Federation staff and board are on pins and needles with anticipation for the Supreme Court’s ruling on the freedom to marry. At press time, the Court has indicated that a decision could be issued on Thursday, Friday, or Monday.
Our hearts are broken over the senseless murders in Charleston, and we send our love and condolences to everyone impacted by this hateful act. Racism, hate, and bigotry continue to manifest unspeakable destruction in our lives and communities. We stand with all who want to create a world free of racism and injustice.
Finalizing your plans for Summer Meeting in Charlotte? Itching for more details?Check out our just released schedule! And go ahead and register now to reserve your spot!
Over 3,000 children are awaiting adoption in Michigan, yet on Thursday, June 11, Governor Rick Snyder signed a law permitting faith-based adoption agencies that receive public funding to discriminate against potential parents - including same-sex or unmarried couples - if doing so would violate the agencies' religious beliefs, leaving the needs of children on the sidelines.
At Equality Federation, we know how tough it can be to work in the South. That's why, for years, we've been facilitating, supporting, and growing partnerships and collaborations across the region that strengthen our state groups and accelerate the progress we've been making.
Today the Obama Administration’s Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Justice (DOJ) signed a groundbreaking letter that was sent to public schools directing them to embrace transgender students by allowing them to participate fully and use the facilities that match the gender they live every day.
In 2013, Equality California and its coalition partners successfully advocated for the passage of the School Success and Opportunity Act (AB1266), which went into effect on January 1, 2014. AB1266 ensures that schools have the guidance they need to make sure all students, including those who are transgender, have the opportunity to do well in school and graduate.
It's an exciting time here at the Federation! Each year, we ask our beloved members to complete our recertification survey. Recertification is a chance for you to update the Federation about your work, your priorities, and your team. It’s also an opportunity to let us know of any changes we can make to improve your experience as a member.
In the past few years, we have seen growing public support for allowing same-sex couples to marry. This support has come from years of important public and private conversations about marriage for same-sex couples -- between friends, families, neighbors -- and in the media for all to hear.
We are excited to announce the addition of two new member organizations to the Equality Federation: Gender Justice League and Wyoming Equality! Gender Justice League is a Washington State trans* and allied activist group based out of Seattle.
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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.
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