Equality Federation won’t stop until all LGBTQ+ people are fully empowered and represented in their communities, experiencing full equality in their lives.
On July 4, 1999, I left Alabama, the state I had called home for my entire life. Since the moment that I pulled away from my childhood home in a car packed to the gills, I have considered that day my own personal Independence Day.
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.
With incomplete nondiscrimination protections in 32 states and misleading religious exemption bills popping up across the country that would create loopholes allowing unfair treatment and discrimination against gay and transgender people, it is increasingly important that we raise awareness about the need for complete nondiscrimination protections for all people. Despite the momentous victories for the freedom to marry, many people remain unaware that there is still work to do to ensure full equality under the law.
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Alabama Attorney General’s request for a stay on a judge’s ruling allowing same-sex marriage in Alabama. This should clear the way for same-sex marriage to begin next week unless the Supreme Court intervenes.
D.W. Trantham testified in support of a bill that would ensure LGBT citizens of Idaho were protected from discrimination in its statewide human rights law. Unfortunately, the bill was defeated. Idaho is one of the 32 states that urgently need to update their laws so that all people, including LGBT, people are protected from discrimination. Get involved in our #DiscriminationExists campaign to learn more about where your state stands and what you can do to help.
Equality Federation is deeply concerned that Donald Trump has surrounded himself with a team of individuals who actively support the denial of LGBTQ equality and promote racism, xenophobia, and misogyny. Together with our state-based equality group membership we are prepared to defend our hard-fought gains at every level.
Update: Senator José Rodríguez has introduced a comprehensive nondiscrimination bill, SB 165, that would protect LGBT Texans from discrimination in employment, housing, and in public accommodations – places like restaurants. Pledge your support!
Today, a Minnesota District Court ruled that transgender people on Medical Assistance in Minnesota deserve access to medically necessary services related to gender transition. Since 2005, surgical treatments for gender dysphoria have been excluded from coverage even though equivalent treatments were covered under the federal Medicare program and private insurance plans.
Equality Federation is deeply concerned about the anti-Muslim rhetoric and potential policies of Mr. Trump’s team, including the proposed registry of Muslim immigrants. Here are a few organizations you can learn about and support during this troubling time. We are dedicated to working hand-in-hand with our partners to combat racism and bigotry in all its forms.
Like you, I am still grappling with the sadness, anger, and shock over the victory of a candidate who could not be more removed from our values, and the values of my daughter’s generation. This is a candidate who stirred-up bigotry, racism, and misogyny that has seriously divided our country.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
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.
.png)
