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?

When beginning to consider this question, the board, staff, and volunteers of EqualityMaine knew one thing for sure: winning marriage didn’t mean that their work was done. Beyond the marriage milestone, the organization had more to do to fully secure lasting equality for LGBT Mainers.

Elise Johansen was recently chosen to be EqualityMaine’s new executive director -- the leader who will guide the organization’s work through this somewhat uncharted territory. We reached out to Elise to talk to her about her hopes, her plans and her vision for what the post-marriage movement looks like in Maine.

Equality Federation: What inspired you to get involved with a state-based LGBT advocacy organization in a post-marriage moment?
Elise Johansen of EqualityMaine: My wife and I moved to Maine from Florida in order to live in a marriage equality state. We sold our home, our cars (in order to buy cars that would be good in the snow), we left our jobs, our friends and our community, in order to live where our love and commitment would be legally recognized and honored. Prior to our move to Maine, I had been following the great (and imperative) work that EqualityMaine was taking on. I actually had thought that being EqualityMaine's Executive Director would be my dream job! I am an advocate, an activist, and am thrilled to be able to put my 10+ years in nonprofit program development, leadership and administration to use for such an incredible organization!

EF: After winning marriage, what’s next for LGBT advocacy in Maine?
EJ: EqualityMaine, with the support of our staff, our board, and our members, created a 5-year strategic plan that is program focused. We have created a leadership program for youth and are working with other coalition partners in the state on ensuring that all schools in Maine have anti-bullying policies and training for all school personnel. We are advocating for LGBT elders and rural Mainers to ensure that all members of our community, particularly the most vulnerable, are protected and able to live safe and authentic lives everywhere in our state. We are working to ensure that our transgender community members are able to access and receive needed medical services and feel included and connected to the community.

EF: What kind of changes can we expect to see as EqualityMaine works towards full equality for the LGBT community in Maine?
EJ: Currently we are working to defeat LD1428, a so-called religious freedom bill that would allow people to legally discriminate against people in the state of Maine under the guise of religion. This bill would completely undermine our current nondiscrimination laws that our community worked so tirelessly to pass. You will see EqualityMaine working towards ensuring that full equality is real for all Mainers by working to defeat bad bills, and we will continue to fill gaps in service in our community to ensure that there are programs, resources and support for all in the LGBTQ community.

EF: What are you most excited about tackling in your first year?
EJ: All of it! Well, it's true, but I am the most excited about starting new programs and seeing how EqualityMaine can extend our reach into all parts of Maine.

EF: How would you define full equality, and how do we get there?
EJ: Full equality is when ALL people are able to live their lives authentically and in safety and feel connected to their community. We get there by listening, speaking up, taking deep breaths, smiling, advocating, supporting, honoring, stepping up to the plate and being one imperative piece of the important, large puzzle!

Congratulations to Elise Johansen on her new position at EqualityMaine! We’re thrilled to welcome you to the state-based movement, and we look forward to the great work that’s ahead!