Over the past several months, we have seen great changes in the state-based LGBT movement. Marriage wins continue in states across the country, and national attention is shifting to work in places where LGBT people aren’t protected from discrimination.

For many Federation members, this time has also brought about a change in their organizations. New strategies are being created, new partnerships formed, and for many, new leaders to forge the path ahead.

We would like to introduce you to these new leaders and share some of the great work they’ve already done!

Equality Arizona

Catherine Alonzo and Nate Rhoton have been members of Equality Arizona’s Board of Directors for many years, but became the new Co-Chairs earlier this year. Under their leadership, the organization has already made incredible advances for the LGBT community in the Grand Canyon State. Arizona same-sex couples won the freedom to marry this past month, thanks in part to Equality Arizona acting as one of the plaintiffs in one of the two marriage cases. The organization partnered with Lambda Legal, who represented numerous same-sex couples, to successfully win marriage for committed and loving couples in their state.

Equality California

This past summer, Equality California board member Rick Zbur was elected as the organization’s new executive director. With only a few months in his current position, Zbur has already begun to lead the organization through a period of evolution and growth. Equality California has expanded their mission to include working to achieve full equality and acceptance for LGBT people outside of California, working for a fair and just society for everyone, and ensuring the health and well being of LGBT Californians. Under Zbur’s leadership, the organization has already launched a campaign to end the FDA’s discriminatory blood donation ban.

Garden State Equality
In New Jersey, Andrea Bowen is now leading Garden State Equality beyond the marriage milestone. Andrea has already helped the organization accomplish great achievements for the LGBT community in the short amount of time she has been the executive director. In just a few months, the organization has helped an LGBT senior couple get protections following an alleged hate crime, joined a coalition of groups that are trying to bring residence accountability to the Newark police force, facilitated workshops with LGBT homeless youth, and trained an entire school district’s set of guidance counselors in LGBT sensitivity.

Fairness West Virginia
In West Virginia, Andrew Schneider has returned to his home state to lead Fairness West Virginia as its executive director. The organization has played a crucial role in winning hearts and minds across the state in support of marriage, as their own board Vice-Chair was one of the plaintiffs in the marriage case won this past month. Under his direction, the organization will continue to fight for justice and equality for LGBT West Virginians who still lack basic protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Equality Utah
Troy Williams is now the newest leader to one of our state groups, starting as executive director of Equality Utah in late September. Shortly after his start at the organization, same- sex couples were granted the freedom to marry. Now, Troy is leading his organization beyond marriage to gain protections for the LGBT community in the state. Just this week, Equality Utah launched a new video series as part of the organization’s Transgender Awareness Project, a public education campaign to help elevate, empower, and humanize the real lived experience of transgender Utahns and their families.

As our movement enters uncharted territory -- where an increasing number of LGBT Americans have the freedom to marry, but aren’t protected from discrimination -- it is more important than ever that we have strong leaders advancing equality in the states.

The Federation is thrilled to welcome these new leaders to the state-based movement, and we look forward to the great work ahead!