March Forward with Equality Federation: We Can End HIV in Our Lifetime

March 30, 2017

Twenty five years ago, I first started working in the LGBTQ movement. Back then I was hopeful for so many things that have since been realized, but one thing has yet to come true: an end to HIV.

HIV isn’t over because we’ve let our guard down. HIV service organizations have done an incredible job serving people living with HIV, but policy has lagged behind. HIV is no longer the issue that once catalyzed our movement, as it did in the late 1980s when we chose action over fear.

Equality Federation is working to change that, and we have a lot of work to do. Did you know that in thirty states, people with HIV can be imprisoned for having sex? Ending HIV begins with eliminating ignorance and stigma. That’s why we’re working with our members to end the criminalization of HIV.

We are proud to launch a nationwide initiative to bring together HIV advocates and our 41 LGBTQ equality member organizations to affect policy change at the state level. Members like Georgia Equality and Equality California are already on the forefront of these actions – paving the way for Equality Federation to expand these efforts across the country.

My dream of an end to HIV is still possible, but only if we maintain focus and build capacity across the country. As the movement builder and strategic partner to state-based LGBTQ organizations, Equality Federation is uniquely positioned to build national momentum on HIV.

Our commitment is here, but we can’t do the work without you. Will you support us?

More You might like

Equality Federation Adds Alexis Sanchez and Vincent Paolo Villano to Senior Leadership Team

We are pleased to announce the addition of two effective and experienced leaders to our senior leadership team!

June 12, 2025
National Coalition of HIV, LGBTQ+ and Health Advocates Applauds Court Decision Upholding Law that Ensures Access to PrEP and other Healthcare Preventive Services

In response to the Supreme Court decision on the Braidwood case today, June 27, a national coalition released the following statement from the Executive Directors of Lambda Legal, PrEP4All, the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation, the Center for HIV Law and Policy, and Equality Federation.

June 12, 2025
Equality Federation Response to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, upholding Tennessee’s ban on affirming healthcare for transgender youth.

June 12, 2025
A young man looking up, smilingA young man smiling straight at the camera
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.