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.

We are only two weeks into 2015, and already another state has won the freedom to marry, and another could be on its way.

On January 6th, a federal judge’s stay in favor of the freedom to marry expired, allowing same-sex couples throughout Florida to get married. Florida marks the 36th state, plus D.C., with the freedom to marry. About a week after this victory on January 12th, Federal District Court Judge Karen Schreier ruled in favor of the freedom to marry in South Dakota. The order was stayed immediately pending an appeal, meaning that couples are not yet able to get marriage licenses in South Dakota, but the state is one step closer to marriage.

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, wins beyond marriage are unrecognized by the broader community.

At the Federation, we’re committed to telling the story of these victories, and highlighting the work our members are doing to protect the LGBT community beyond winning marriage. And this week, we're headed to Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Oregon.

• Last week, Governor Patrick of Massachusetts signed into law the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth bill which defines who is an unaccompanied homeless youth and instructs the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to enter into contracts to provide housing and supports for these young people ages 24 and below. The bill also paves the way for  implementing services aimed at improving the physical, mental and educational outcomes for homeless youth, many of whom are LGBT. Thank you to Federation members MassEquality and MTPC for your commitment to protect homeless youth in your state!
• In a unanimous vote by city council members, Greensboro became the first North Carolina city to ban discrimination in housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The city council also codified Greensboro’s long existing nondiscrimination policy for city employees, making it an official part of the Greensboro Code of Ordinances. Congratulations to the team at Equality NC for your hard work to protect the LGBT community in Greensboro!
• As of January 1, 2015, the Oregon Health Plan now includes transgender healthcare. This plan will include coverage for most transition-related healthcare, although individuals will still need to work with their doctors to determine what treatments are medically necessary for them. This is a huge step forward for the transgender community in Oregon, and we applaud Basic Rights Oregon for their work to provide individuals access to adequate and affordable healthcare.

What else? Let us know about a win in your community, and we’ll feature it in an upcoming edition of Unsung Victories! Just send an email to communications@equalityfederation.org.