Equality Federation won’t stop until all LGBTQ+ people are fully empowered and represented in their communities, experiencing full equality in their lives.
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 But in just a few days, I was already out-of-date.The progress being made on marriage is happening so fast, it's unlike anything we've ever seen in the LGBT movement.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!
On Saturday, February 8, I joined tens of thousands of people—including an impressive team from Equality North Carolina—for the Moral March on Raleigh, the largest gathering in the South since Selma.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch Carmichael delivered a tearful floor speech in support of a “civil rights amendment” to an anti-LGBTQ religious exemption bill, #HB4012, to prevent the bill from being used to discriminate. The amendment passed, and on Wednesday, March 2nd, the entire bill was killed in a 27-7 vote.
Over 400 companies including major corporations like Delta, Coca Cola, Home Depot, SalesForce, and Hyatt, along with small businesses throughout Georgia and the Georgia Visitors and Convention Bureau, have come together to say no to discrimination and stand in opposition to the antii-LGBTQ religious exemption bills making their way through the legislature.
Governor Daugaard of South Dakota has vetoed discriminatory legislation that would have prevented transgender students from using the facilities that match the gender they live every day.
On February 22nd, after mounting pressure, SB1289 was pulled from consideration by its sponsor Senator Breechen before being heard by Senate General Govt. Committee. The bill would have prevented the people of a local community from passing their own laws.
South Dakota Governor Dauggard met with transgender students on Tuesday, February 23rd, just days before he needs to make a decision on signing an extreme, anti-transgender bill (HB 1008) that would require students to undergo DNA, Birth Certificate, or genital checks and force them to use restrooms and facilities that do not match the gender they live every day. South Dakota would become the first state to enact such a law if he signs it.
Equality Federation extends a hearty congratulations to Federation member Equality North Carolina, HRC, MeckPAC and the TurnOUT! Charlotte coalition for making history tonight with Charlotte’s passage of nondiscrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in public accommodations, vehicles for hire, and in government contracting. And, thank you to the Charlotte City Council!
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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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