News & Resources

Equality Federation won’t stop until all LGBTQ+ people are fully empowered and represented in their communities, experiencing full equality in their lives.

The Latest

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Everything You Need to Know About Summer Meeting (so far!)

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.

April 10, 2014
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Announce Eligibility and Enrollment for Same-Sex Spouses

Just this past week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took the latest step in implementing the Supreme Court’s decision overturning the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) with its announcement that same-sex spouses will be recognized in administering several aspects of the Medicare program, regardless of where the couple lives. Now that Medicare is no longer prevented by DOMA from recognizing same-sex marriages for determining entitlement to, or eligibility for, Medicare, CMS is working with the Social Security Administration to conduct eligibility determinations and to enroll seniors and individuals with certain disabilities in the program.

April 9, 2014
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Recent Polls Show Record-Levels of Support for the Freedom to Marry from the Republican Party

With 17 states and Washington, D.C. allowing same-sex couples to share in the freedom to marry, a major shift in attitudes within the Republican party is increasingly emerging. In a recent memo from Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry, they cite a surge in support coming from Republicans of all ages, as conservatives across generations are changing the way they think about marriage for same-sex couples.

April 9, 2014
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Member Resource: National Center for Transgender Equality Releases Report To Improve Conditions for LGBT Prisoners

In a country that incarcerates more of its people than any other in the world, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people are more likely to end up behind bars, and even more likely to face abuse while there. To address the issues and harms faced by LGBT prisoners, and to give activists and allies tools for working to improve jail and prison conditions for these individuals, the National Center for Transgender Equality has released an excellent new resource: Standing with LGBT Prisoners: An Advocate’s Guide to Ending Abuse and Combating Imprisonment.

April 9, 2014
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Member Opportunity: Management Center to Offer Training at Summer Meeting 2014

Summer Meeting 2014 is coming together, and it's going to be the best one yet -- especially with the newest addition to the program.This year, the Equality Federation Institute is proud to offer a special opportunity for member organizations -- a free fast-paced crash course in the basics of effective management.

April 8, 2014
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Spread the Word: LGBT People Under Attack in Mississippi

We've developed the tools below so that all Federation member groups can organize and engage their supporters in the fight against Mississippi's harmful and dangerous bill to allow discrimination against LGBT people.

April 2, 2014

Press Releases

Member Opportunity: The Trevor Project Needs Your Help Recruiting for Their Youth Advisory Council

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.

November 19, 2013
The New Federation Insider Offers Great Resources Just For Our Members

In June, the Federation launched a weekly "Members Only" newsletter for member staff and boards as well as a biweekly "Friends of the Fed" newsletter for our supporters, donors and friends. Over the past few months, we've gotten a wealth of positive feedback about our new communications, and we've also heard some great suggestions.

November 19, 2013
Even in the Reddest of States, America’s Cities are Leading the Way in the Fight for LGBT Equality

WASHINGTON — From coast to coast, America’s cities are demonstrating a commitment to treating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people with dignity and respect by passing laws and implementing policies that treat all people equally. That’s according to a new report by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization. 

November 19, 2013
Building Momentum for Change

Made possible by support from Gill Foundation and written by three Federation staff members -- Fran Hutchins, Ian Palmquist, and Jace Woodrum -- Building Momentum for Change carefully considers the power of local and incremental campaigns, making a strong case for doing and funding this work. The report also offers recommendations for movement leaders to ensure that these efforts avoid a number of common pitfalls.

November 15, 2013
2013 State of the States, Part 1: State Leaders Advancing the Movement

Since 2006, the State of the States report by the Equality Federation has documented the strength and sustainability of state-based advocacy organizations that advance equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

November 12, 2013
A Month of Marriage Wins

In the course of just one month, our movement has charged forward -- winning marriage for same-sex couples in three more states. Like many of you, I’m in awe of what has happened in just a matter of weeks.

November 12, 2013
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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.