Equality Federation won’t stop until all LGBTQ+ people are fully empowered and represented in their communities, experiencing full equality in their lives.
The Trump administration has made a heartless, extremist political attack on transgender and nonbinary people. By threatening to enshrine a narrow definition of gender into law, it is clearer than ever they are willing to disregard science, medicine, and decency in order to push their own dogma.
Equality Federation recently conducted two successful regional summits and a strategy session in Connecticut, and I am so excited to tell you about them. First, our West by Midwest Leadership Summit drew 20 leaders from 9 states throughout the Midwest, from Equality Ohio to Equality Illinois.
Last week I traveled to Massachusetts to work with the country’s first ever statewide ballot campaign to uphold protections for the transgender community. The campaign is running an impressive operation, from building a massive volunteer-driven voter contact program to putting up some of the best television ads making the case for dignity and respect under the law.
Earlier this month, I participated in something historic: for the first time ever, LGBTQ leaders from across North Dakota came together to connect, strategize and build a strong movement in their state. Equality Federation member organization North Dakota Human Rights Coalition and their partner Dakota Outright hosted nearly 80 people in Bizmarck for the inaugural North Dakota LGBTQ+ Summit.
In this political moment, as we face unprecedented challenges to fairness, justice, and democracy at the federal level, we look to localities to lead the way in advancing equality for the LGBTQ community. Equality Federation is committed to our partnership with HRC on the Municipal Equality Index because it sets a bar that most localities want to reach.
Every day you are bombarded with bad news. And although there is a lot to be angry about, we want to bring some sunshine into your newsfeed.
The Health Policy Manager will focus on health coverage to ensure that the plans, benefits and coverage of public and private insurers do not require, permit, or encourage the exclusion of coverage for same-sex partners or their children, nor the exclusion of medically necessary transition care.
The Policy Director will manage Equality Pennsylvania’s policy initiatives within the departments of the state government and work to make sure every applicable program is inclusive of LGBT Pennsylvanians and their families, with emphasis on transgender Pennsylvanians. The Policy Director will focus on Pennsylvania government programs to ensure that all plans, benefits and coverage require, permit, or encourage the inclusion of coverage for ALL LGBT Pennsylvanians including their same-sex spouses and their children.
Houston Equal Rights Ordinance ensures that a broad range of hardworking Houstonians – regardless of race, age, gender, orientation, pregnancy, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or military status – has the opportunity to earn a living, take care of their families, have housing, and be served by businesses and government, without fear of discrimination.
Today the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a report (.pdf) detailing the harms and dangers presented by so-called conversion therapy used on LGBTQ youth in attempts to change their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
It's almost that time of year again - time for the final big push and pull for donations. While reaching your year end goals may feel out of reach and loom on the horizon, fear not.
Matthew is excited to lead the expansion of the Federation’s fundraising efforts and has already hit the ground running. He will work to increase our support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other sources to ensure the continued growth of our flagship programs that are winning equality in communities we call home.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
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.
.png)
