Equality Federation

2024 at a Glance: Equality Federation Team Shares Snapshots from This Year

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December 19, 2024

As we close out 2024, we’re reflecting on the incredible work that happened behind the scenes at Equality Federation. This year has been one of growth, action, and meaningful connections, and we’re excited to share a glimpse of it with you. From international travels to our annual Leadership Conference, these snapshots offer a look at some of the year’s most memorable moments, as seen through the eyes of the Equality Federation team.

Scroll down to hear from the Fed team, and take a look at what we’ve been up to in 2024!

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^{Hutch standing outside of Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) in Cape Town, South Africa with SWEAT leaders and partners from TLC.}

Hutch smiling with zebras in the background. — ^{Hutch in Capetown, South Africa.}

^{Hutch smiling with Equality Federation board members.}

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"After this year's election, I was lucky enough to attend the ILGA World Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, the largest global gathering of LGBTQ+ changemakers. It was so important to share space with people in the fight from all over the world. Meeting advocates from Poland, Uganda, South Africa, and many other countries reminded me that no matter who is in office and no matter where in the world we are, we will always come together to stand up for what our people need to survive and thrive. While there, I not only was able to learn from local organizations like the Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) but also took a day to see the local wildlife!

I am also so grateful for the leaders who volunteer to serve on our board of directors, most of whom are also state leaders. Here we are looking cute at our annual meeting before Leadership Conference. These folks believe in our work, help us set strategy, and support the team."

- Hutch, Executive Director

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^{Janeesha with partners from PROMO Missouri smiling together at Game Night in St. Louis Missouri after the Race Forward Conference.}

A picture of Hutch, Mike, Janeesha, and Vivian smiling at a convening in Palm Springs, CA.] — ^{Hutch, Mike, Janeesha, & Vivian smiling at a convening in Palm Springs, CA.}

Janeesha dancing with Hutch and EqFed staff at the close of LC2024 — ^{Janeesha dancing with Hutch and EqFed staff at the close of Leadership Conference 2024.}

"What a phenomenal year of partnership, support, and growth for Equality Federation! One of the standout moments was celebrating our 27th Annual Leadership Conference in Portland, OR, with our incredible members, partners, and friends. With record-breaking attendance, impactful plenaries led by movement leaders, and the honor of celebrating the lifetime leadership of Ian (former EqFed Deputy Executive Director), the conference was a powerful testament to the strength and vibrancy of our network. From hearing about the phenomenal work of our state partners during the Welcome Circle and FEDTalks to every workshop and social event in between, this year’s Leadership Conference felt truly special. The energy and passion were palpable in every corner, from deep discussions in breakout sessions to shared laughter during our offsite events, reminding us of our movement's resilience and brilliance. This was my second year leading the Leadership Conference, and it’s an honor that I do not take lightly. The cross-collaboration among our teams and trusted partners has created a transformative space where meaningful connections are forged and the seeds of impactful change are planted. Reflecting on this year, I’m filled with gratitude and inspiration, knowing that together, we’re building stronger communities and planting the seeds for a brighter, more equitable future."

- Janeesha, Director of Leadership & Capacity Building

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A photo of Sami, Mario, Skye, and Vashti smiling and posing joyfully in front of an iridescent rainbow photo wall. — ^{Sami, Mario, Skye, and Vashti at Leadership Conference in Portland, Oregon.}

‍"My favorite moments from my first year with the Fed are the times we shared together in person! One that stands out is meeting the Equality Federation team for the first time at our Spring Staff Retreat. There were so many new folks, including me, and it was such a meaningful time together to connect deeply and get to know each other as we dove into the work ahead. I could truly feel how much care we hold for the work and for each other. It feels special to be a part of a team that not only gets s#%* done together but also makes space for levity and the queer joy that sustains us.

Another highlight was attending my first Leadership Conference. It felt incredibly powerful and inspiring to be surrounded by and to learn from a beautiful abundance of queer and trans folks who keep the movement alive. I’ve officially been with Equality Federation for one year now, and I can honestly say working alongside all these queers has been the highlight!"

- Sami, Digital Communications Manager

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^{Mike smiling with partners at Freestate Justice.}

^{Mike smiling with a large group of public health leaders at ViiV Healthcare’s Roundtable on Policy, Community, and Public Health Engagement for Long-acting treatment & prevention medicines in Amsterdam.}

^{Mike smiling beside partners at Gilead Compass: Breaking Silos - Creating a Southern HIV Advocacy Network workshop.}

^{Mike, Joellyn, and EFI Board Member Justin at the Southern AIDS Coalition’s Saving Ourselves Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia.}

"It's been an incredible year of collaboration and impact. One of my personal highlights was attending ViiV Healthcare's Roundtable on Policy, Community, and Public Health Engagement for Long-acting treatment & prevention medicines in Amsterdam. Being one of only two U.S. organizations, alongside the Center for HIV and Infectious Disease Policy at Georgetown University, allowed us to share insights on domestic policy and advocacy strategies with a global audience, informing strategies to increase access to groundbreaking HIV treatment and prevention advancements for years to come.

Our expanding public health policy impact would not be possible without meaningful partners like Center for HIV Law & Policy, EFI HIV Advocacy cohort and HIV Policy Fellowship partners like FreeState Justice in Maryland and BlaqOut in Missouri, Southern AIDS Coalition, Gilead Compass at Emory University School of Public Health, ViiV Healthcare, and many other public health leaders and stakeholders, including the team of experts of lived experience that fuels the foundation of our work including Robert Suttle Consulting.

Thanks to meaningful partnerships and our network of state partners, throughout 2024, we contributed to more public health and HIV-related learning opportunities than ever before, leading or contributing to over 33 workshops, trainings, and panel discussions. We truly fulfilled one of our core public health missions: activating state-level LGBTQ+ advocacy to accelerate collective efforts to end HIV as we know it and achieve health equity for every LGBTQ+ community member, no matter where we call home."

- Mike, Director of Public Health Policy

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Mario, Ari, and Vashti smiling at the Leadership Conference Reception — ^{Mario, Ari, and Vashti smiling at Leadership Conference.}

"This was my first Leadership Conference as staff, and it went above and beyond what I could have imagined.

‍Getting to see our state partners in person and being surrounded by so much powerful queer joy and energy was something I won’t forget. My personal highlight was during the Development Institute with our partners. While we learned a lot together and strategized, we also held space to talk through some of the struggles that come with fundraising as queer people raising money for protections that affect every one of our lives. This work can be challenging and draining at times, but I left Portland feeling full of love and renewed energy for the work ahead."

- Mario, Donor Relations Manager

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A photo of Ari, Hutch, and Mike dressed up and smiling at USCHA. Mike is in between Hutch and Ari sitting on a fancy white and gold throne. — ^{Ari, Hutch, and Mike dressed up and smiling at USCHA.}

"Attending USCHA on behalf of Equality Federation was life-changing.

We met and learned from many amazing public health advocates and partners in public health advocacy work. It also blew me away to meet so many of our state partners in person and hear them talk about the impact of the work that they’re doing in the states, as well as the expert way in which they approach their strategies. It was amazing to see how our work fits within the broader field of HIV advocacy, prevention, and treatment. I left feeling very inspired to help support this work!"

Ari, Grants Manager

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^{Mike and Vivian smiling in front of a bright red ViiV Healthcare sign.}

Vivian & Mario smiling in a selfie at Equality VA’s Transgender Information Empowerment Summit (TIES) in Richmond, VA — ^{Vivian & Mario smiling at Equality VA’s Transgender Information Empowerment Summit (TIES) in Richmond, VA.}

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^{Vivian & Jenn smiling in a group photo with partners at the TONS Convening in Chicago, IL.}

Vivian (Fed Staff), Brielle (EqFed Board Member & Garden State Equality), Layla (Garden State Equality), and Phillip (Freestate Justice) at the Elton John AIDS Convening — ^{Vivian, Brielle (EqFed Board Member & Garden State Equality), Layla (Garden State Equality), and Phillip (Freestate Justice) at the Elton John AIDS Convening.}

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Wow! This has been such an amazing year at Equality Federation. I've been with this organization for almost 6 years now, and it is stunning to see our growth. From new team members like Mario to program expansions like the Trans Organizing & Narrative Shift Project, we've built fantastic power to support our members and strengthen the state-based movement.

I've had the chance to work with state partners nationwide and collaborate with our team. Mike and I toured Viiv Labs in North Carolina, where we spoke with scientists who are developing innovative medicine and technologies to end the epidemic of HIV. I was also able to support Freedom Oklahoma by attending a community legislative hearing about the need to decriminalize HIV in Oklahoma.

Closest to my heart is being able to launch the Trans Organizing & Narrative Shift project. This is at the core of my work at Equality Federation. We are working directly with a coalition of trans people and our allies to build a narrative framework that doesn't just slow anti-trans legislation but can help us change hearts and minds about trans people in our country. The project is guided by our Trans Advisory Committee, a group of trans leaders both in and outside Equality Federation's network who advise us on the project and help ensure diverse trans perspectives are guiding the work.

- Vivian, Director of Advocacy & Civic Engagement

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