#DiscriminationExists Is Just The Beginning

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 #DiscriminationExists campaign, coordinated alongside our 43 member groups, was the beginning of a renewed commitment to our fight to end discriminatory laws and policies. In just one week, January 26 - 30, over 600 people posted using the hashtag reaching over two million people and achieving almost 4 million tweet and post impressions.

Equality Pennsylvania integrated several events into the campaign including a prayer breakfast and a gathering for business leaders who support fairness for all. Governor Wolf attended the meeting, and even tweeted his support for including LGBT people in the state’s nondiscrimination laws. Representative Kevin Schreiber also tweeted his support.

Several organizations got creative bringing in their own graphics and flair:

RT @EqualityTexas: #DiscriminationExists. But discrimination is NOT a #Texas value! RT if you agree! pic.twitter.com/HPfYV47RH5

— Dallas Faces Race (@DFacesRace) January 30, 2015

No one should live in fear that they will be denied housing because of who they are. #DiscriminationExists pic.twitter.com/wiDWvwdIwM

— PROMO Missouri (@PROMOMissouri) January 29, 2015

Beyond state-based equality groups, hardworking folks from almost every state and even some people from around the world took the time to use the hashta to share their own stories and posts in the news about discrimination. Scroll through the twitter feed below to see more, and be sure to follow @EqualityFed for more engaging campaigns like this one!

#DiscriminationExists Tweets

In order for us to build the kind of understanding we need to ensure fairness for all, we will need to elevate real stories of discrimination. That’s why we’re going to keep the #DiscriminationExists campaign active, and encourage people to share their stories at http://www.discriminationexists.org.  If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination in employment, housing, or other situations, and you are willing to share it publicly, please let us know. 

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