Equality Federation won’t stop until all LGBTQ+ people are fully empowered and represented in their communities, experiencing full equality in their lives.
Early next month, new protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community will become law in Maryland without Governor Larry Hogan's signature. Federation member Equality Maryland's work in the state was imperative to the passing of two pro-LGBT bills in the House and Senate this legislative session.
This summer, Hawaii will become the next state to advance equality for the transgender community.During Hawaii's 2015 legislative session, Federation member Equality Hawaii strongly advocated for HB 631, the transgender birth certificate bill.
Earlier this month, I flew to Albuquerque for a remarkable convening of activists from movements for reproductive rights, reproductive justice, and LGBT issues in the Southwest. Organized by ConwayStrategic (with funding from the Ford Foundation) the gathering included advocates from Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, including Equality Federation members Equality New Mexico and Equality Arizona, along with some national organizations.
Over the past few months we have seen an increase in the number of anti-conversion therapy bills introduced in legislatures across the country. These bills call for the end of this dangerous practice that causes real harm to the LGBT community, and especially to LGBT youth who are subjected to it against their will.
Louisiana set a dangerous precedent this week. Two different nondiscrimination bills -- both positive pieces of legislation that would have extended protections to LGBT Louisianans -- were tabled.
Like its neighboring state of Oklahoma, Texas has seen a dizzying number of anti-LGBT bills this session, 22 to be exact. Federation member Equality Texas helped to soundly defeat four preemption bills that would have invalidated local LGBT nondiscrimination ordinances.
Here at the Federation, the year has gotten off to an exciting start as our team implements our 2014 plan. Through our programs in leadership development, policy advocacy and organizational development, we’re poised to make a huge impact in the coming months.
In 2012, Mainers voted to extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples in the state. After that historic victory at the ballot box, EqualityMaine -- like a growing number of states -- wrestled with an increasingly common question: What’s next?
Last week, I wrote about the incredible momentum we're seeing for marriage, even in the reddest states. But in just a few days, I was already out-of-date.The progress being made on marriage is happening so fast, it's unlike anything we've ever seen in the LGBT movement. I never thought I'd say this, but it's hard to keep up.
At our annual Summer Meeting, state and national movement leaders from across the country gather to celebrate recent victories, connect with colleagues and friends, old and new, and collaborate for future success. Each year, our host organization partners with us to ensure that the meeting is fun, informative, and unforgettable.
Every year, the Equality Federation Institute hosts its annual Summer Meeting, bringing together LGBT movement leaders from across the country to build skills and create strong connections. This year’s meeting will be here before you know it, and it's time to mark your calendars and save the date!
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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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