We accelerate advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community

Equality Federation is an advocacy accelerator rooted in social justice, building power in our network of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) advocacy organizations.

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Amplifying the power of the state-based lGBTQ+ movement

We work collaboratively on critical non-partisan issues—from advancing workplace fairness and family recognition to defeating anti-transgender bills and HIV criminalization laws—that affect how LGBTQ+ people experience the world from cradle to grave.

What We Do


Advocacy & Civic Engagement Program

Equality Federation works closely with our state partners, national partners, and other stakeholders to build an active base of LGBTQ+ supporters in every state to advance pro-LGBTQ+ policies and defeat anti-LGBTQ+ policies from the ground up.

Leadership & Organizational Development Program

Winning equality and justice is a marathon, not a sprint. That’s why we prioritize developing strong, resilient, and adaptive leaders in powerful, sustainable organizations in the states. Because of our ongoing relationships with state leaders, we are able to provide tailored support that meets their individual needs and follow them as their organizations grow. We believe that racial justice is a critical area for growth for many organizations and leaders, and strive to integrate a racial equity perspective and strategy into all aspects of leadership and organizational development work.

Connect With
Your State

Equality Federation has become the leading movement builder, national network, and strategic partner to our 40+ member organizations. From Equality Florida to Freedom Oklahoma to Basic Rights Oregon, we amplify the power of the state-based LGBTQ+ movement.

News & Resources

Together with our partners, we work on cross-cutting issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community such as racial equity, reproductive justice, and immigration.

President Biden Signs the Respect for Marriage Act

December 14, 2022 - Yesterday, President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law, ensuring that the federal government respects and protects all marriages equally.

November 3, 2022
Equality Federation Institute Honored to be Recipient of Major Gift from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Today, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott announced that she has made a major gift to Equality Federation Institute as part of her pledge to give away a majority of her wealth through the Giving Pledge. Equality Federation received a $2 million gift to support the organization’s work as an advocacy accelerator for the state-based LGBTQ+ movement.

November 3, 2022
Report: Trans Defense Campaign

This year, in addition to our usual planning, coaching and other legislative support work, Equality Federation launched the Trans Defense Campaign to demonstrate the unified power of the state-based movement to defeat anti-transgender bills and win public support for transgender people. 

November 3, 2022
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Confident young woman standing with crossed arms.

Want To Make A Difference? Support Our Work

With your support, we'll be able to continue our work to build the leaders of today and tomorrow, strengthen state-based LGBTQ+ organizations, and make critical progress on the issues that matter most—like protecting transgender people, ending HIV criminalization and ensuring access to care, and banning conversion therapy across the country.