News & Resources

Equality Federation won’t stop until all LGBTQ+ people are fully empowered and represented in their communities, experiencing full equality in their lives.

The Latest

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150+ Grassroots Organizations Announce Support of Equality Act

Freedom for All Americans, Equality Federation join local and state groups following decades of on-the-ground work to pass federal nondiscrimination legislation for LGBTQ people in virtually every area of life

February 18, 2021
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2020 State Equality Index

The State Equality Index (SEI) is a comprehensive state-by-state report that provides a review of statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ people and their families.

January 25, 2021
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Equality Federation Praises the Reversal of the Ban on Transgender Military Service

Today is a new day for transgender service members. We applaud President Biden and the newly confirmed Secretary of Defense, General Lloyd Austin, for their action today to reverse the discriminatory transgender military ban.

January 25, 2021
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10 Things to Know About Executive Director Fran Hutchins

New year, new executive director. We’ve known her for many years as Equality Federation’s deputy director, but this week Fran Hutchins started her new role as executive director. Get to know a little about Fran!

January 7, 2021
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Equality Federation Names Fran Hutchins as New Executive Director

Today, Equality Federation announced that Fran Hutchins, the organization’s current Deputy Director, will lead the organization as Executive Director starting January 1, 2021.

December 8, 2020
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Municipal Equality Index: A Nationwide Evaluation of Municipal Law

The Municipal Equality Index (MEI) examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and the city leadership’s public position on equality.

December 3, 2020

Press Releases

Ian Palmquist to Speak at LGBT in the South: Advocacy Within and Beyond the Law

In just a few weeks, advocates, attorneys, organizers, ministers and community members will come together to strategize about new approaches to LGBT advocacy in the South. The Federation’s Ian Palmquist will join the conversation. 

February 4, 2014
Unsung Victories: Maryland, Kentucky, Louisiana and West Virginia

State-based organizations across the country are making change in the communities we call home -- where the work is hard, but the impact is great. 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, these wins go unsung by the broader LGBT movement.

February 4, 2014
Marriage Efforts Move Forward, Even in the Reddest States

Thinking back to this time last year, I certainly didn’t expect to be looking at an equality map showing that 17 states and the District of Columbia have extended the freedom to marry to same-sex couples. But in nearly every region of this country, we’ve seen monumental progress that has dramatically changed the map.

February 4, 2014
Stories from the States: Equality Michigan and Partners Win Fairness and Equality for LGBT People in Royal Oak

On November 5, 2013, voters in the Michigan community of Royal Oak approved a local ordinance protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people from discrimination. Passage of this ordinance, in a 54 to 46 percent vote, comes 12 years after Royal Oak residents previously voted down a similar proposal. Federation member Equality Michigan was a key player in the fight for fairness and equality in Royal Oak. We talked with Emily Dievendorf and Sommer Foster about the campaign that led to this historic win.

February 3, 2014
Data Strategist & Technical Assistance Manager, Mobilize the Immigrant Vote

Mobilize the Immigrant Vote (MIV) is a California alliance of organizations advancing the broader movement for social change by building immigrant voting power. MIV strategies include building the capacity of community-based organizations working with New American and immigrant communities of color to educate and mobilize their constituents to vote; linking these efforts with ongoing community organizing; shaping the debate on immigrant civic participation; and developing models for collaboration.

February 3, 2014
Director, Nevada Marriage Education Campaign

A coalition of local and national organizations is planning a grassroots public education campaign to win the freedom to marry in Nevada. This newly formed program will work with Nevada businesses, faith communities, community groups and opinion leaders to increase support for marriage, pass the necessary legislative resolution and lay the groundwork for a ballot measure campaign.

January 27, 2014
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