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As we close out 2024, we face a critical moment in our fight for LGBTQIA+ equality in Virginia. This year, we’ve witnessed unprecedented attacks on our rights. These challenges demand bold action, and Equality Virginia can meet them head-on with your support. Thanks to a generous $5,000 matching gift, every dollar you donate will be doubled to support Equality Virginia’s critical work—donate today to make an even bigger impact! Together, we’ve mobilized thousands of Virginians to defeat discriminatory policies, equipped local leaders with resources to fight, and amplified the voices of those most impacted by these harmful policies. But there’s so much more to do.
Starting in 2025, we’re scaling up our efforts to build infrastructures of resistance: |
- Advocacy: We're launching a Statewide Advocacy Institute to equip new and existing leaders with tools and knowledge for effective advocacy in their local communities
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Community Engagement: We're hosting regular regional meetings and forums to lift up community needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and groups, foster open dialogue, and encourage collaboration.
- Election Readiness: We're building a robust electoral infrastructure to cultivate an informed and engaged electorate within our LGBTQIA+ community ahead of the 2025 election.
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Legislative advocacy has always been a cornerstone of our focus and will remain so while our legal rights are under threat. As we move forward, our focus won’t change. Here's what we did in 2024. |
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| Equality Virginia hosted 120 advocates to lobby with us over 4 Lobby Days. Participants traveled from 6 out of 8 of Virginia’s regions: 35 different Virginia cities and counties, plus Washington, D.C. During the 2024 session, lawmakers introduced 11 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills. Collective lobbying was the most effective means to engage lawmakers and communicate our rights and objectives to those in positions of influence. None of these bad bills passed, thanks in part to the tireless work of our advocates speaking up against them. |
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After every legislative session, Equality Virginia staff spend countless hours reviewing votes taken on bills impacting the LGBTQIA+ community. Our 2024 Legislative Scorecard reflects the positions and actions of all 140 state legislators on a variety of bills impacting equity, safety, access, and overall well being for LGBTQIA+ Virginians. Creating a better Virginia for LGBTQIA+ people requires that we hold our elected officials accountable, and we hope that the information contained in this scorecard will help you do just that.
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Equality Virginia staff & Board joined local leaders all across Virginia this year to host community town halls. These events provided us with and opportunity to hear about what matters most in a time when our community is facing unprecedented attacks. Attendees shared about the issues impacting LGBTQIA+ Virginians and discuss the collective future of our community. We shared updates about the 2024 legislative session and what we expect in 2025. Next year we hope to see more of Virginia and will be visiting localities that are often underserved, ensuring that needs, voices, and rights of those communities are prioritized in our advocacy efforts. |
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We can’t do this without you. Every dollar you give strengthens our infrastructure of resistance, fueling our ability to fight back and move forward. Remember- your gift will go twice as far! Thanks to a generous $5,000 matching gift, every dollar you donate will be doubled to support Equality Virginia’s critical work—donate today to make an even bigger impact! With Gratitude, Narissa S. Rahaman Executive Director Equality Virginia
P.S. Gifts made before midnight on December 31st are tax-deductible. Double your impact by checking if your employer offers matching gifts! |
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Gifts made before midnight on December 31st are tax-deductible. Double your impact by checking if your employer offers matching gifts! |
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Equality Virginia
530 East Main Street
Suite 600
Richmond, VA 23219
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