Equality Federation won’t stop until all LGBTQ+ people are fully empowered and represented in their communities, experiencing full equality in their lives.
On November 5, 2013, voters in the Michigan community of Royal Oak approved a local ordinance protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people from discrimination. Passage of this ordinance, in a 54 to 46 percent vote, comes 12 years after Royal Oak residents previously voted down a similar proposal. Federation member Equality Michigan was a key player in the fight for fairness and equality in Royal Oak. We talked with Emily Dievendorf and Sommer Foster about the campaign that led to this historic win.
Mobilize the Immigrant Vote (MIV) is a California alliance of organizations advancing the broader movement for social change by building immigrant voting power. MIV strategies include building the capacity of community-based organizations working with New American and immigrant communities of color to educate and mobilize their constituents to vote; linking these efforts with ongoing community organizing; shaping the debate on immigrant civic participation; and developing models for collaboration.
A coalition of local and national organizations is planning a grassroots public education campaign to win the freedom to marry in Nevada. This newly formed program will work with Nevada businesses, faith communities, community groups and opinion leaders to increase support for marriage, pass the necessary legislative resolution and lay the groundwork for a ballot measure campaign.
Oregon United for Marriage (orunited.org) is building a broad coalition of individuals and organizations to win the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in Oregon. We believe marriage and family are about love and commitment, working together, bettering the community, raising children, and growing old together. We believe in an Oregon that supports strong families and values freedom and equality. And we believe that marriage matters to all Oregonians.
Oregon United for Marriage (orunited.org) is building a broad coalition of individuals and organizations to win the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in Oregon. We believe marriage and family are about love and commitment, working together, bettering the community, raising children, and growing old together. We believe in an Oregon that supports strong families and values freedom and equality. And we believe that marriage matters to all Oregonians.
Oregon Says I Do is building a broad coalition of individuals and organizations to win the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in Oregon. We believe marriage and family are about love and commitment, working together, bettering the community, raising children, and growing old together.We believe in an Oregon that supports strong families and values freedom and equality. And we believe that marriage matters to all Oregonians.
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!
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.
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!
Since 2013, the Affordable Care Act (or “Obamacare”) has made it possible for LGBTQ people and families get access to quality, affordable health insurance. Thanks to the law, the rate of uninsured low- and middle-income LGBTQ people has dropped by 35%! More people in our community have access to medically necessary services they need, from life-saving HIV drugs to gender affirming health care.
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.
Equality Federation’s conferences, convenings, and trainings provide an extraordinary opportunity for member organizations to learn from and support each other.
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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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