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John,
Spring is here! Warmer temperatures! Blooming flowers! Post-legislative session accountability!
Here’s what you need to know before we close out March.
Governor Youngkin has been busy not prioritizing the safety & dignity of LGBTQIA+ Virginians (again) but we're fighting back!
* The Governor had the opportunity to sign House Bill 2769, which would have prohibited health and life insurance companies from discriminating against people who use PrEP for HIV prevention. Earlier this month we sent a joint letter [[link removed]] urging the Governor to sign the bill, launched a paid call program and patched 263 calls into his office , and collectively our community sent 500 emails to his office. While we’re disappointed at his veto (did not sign), we sent a clear message that our community is loud and united. We believe that this legislation was a crucial step towards ensuring that all Virginians have access to the healthcare they need, regardless of their health status, and we won’t stop fighting.
* The General Assembly passed a bill (HB 1678/SB 1048) to require school boards to share potentially life-saving information every year with parents and guardians about safe storage methods for firearms and prescription drugs. But Governor Youngkin is trying to amend the bill to include a requirement for school personnel to forcibly out transgender and nonbinary students to their parents without their consent. This amendment has NOTHING to do with the original bill and the same language has failed the General Assembly as a standalone bill for the past three legislative sessions. Click here to look up your state Senator and Delegate, and send them a message urging them to REJECT the Governor’s amendments when they reconvene on April 2nd! [[link removed]]
Transgender Day of Visibility is just around the corner on March 31st , and we’re thrilled to see so many events happening across Virginia. LGBTQIA+ communities and their loved ones are fighting for a world where everyone can thrive, yet the trans community is under attack by an administration aiming to divide us so that they can rule us. It is through community, solidarity and love that we get free. Let us choose one another and together we can illuminate a path towards liberation that future generations will be proud to carry forth.
On Monday, we’re joining these events to be in community and share the joy of our collective power & purpose:
* Hampton Roads Transgender Day of Visibility at the Southeastern Transgender Resource Center! More information here. [[link removed]]
* VCU’s Reclaiming Trans Visibility ! More information here. [[link removed]]
* [Virtual] Building Power and Solidarity Across Generations webinar! Join a nationwide coalition of LGBTQ+ movement organizations in mobilizing our community for coordinated resistance. Register here. [[link removed]]
Virginians for Reproductive Freedom Power Hour- Thursday, April 3, 2025 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM ET. We’re proud to be a part of a coalition of organizations fighting for reproductive freedom. Join Virginians for Reproductive Freedom Power Hour: the first of many monthly webinars where VRF will share reproductive updates, explore important topics with key speakers, and offer mini trainings to help you enhance your organizing skills. In this first session, we’ll hear from a local provider on the current state of reproductive freedom, discuss the recent legislative session, and host a training sampler to get you started on your journey to organizing alongside us. Virginians for Reproductive Freedom for a webinar on April 3 at 6:30 PM to talk about the intersection of reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy. We’d love for you to join the conversation! Register Here. [[link removed]]
We’re hitting the road and hosting LGBTQIA+ Town Halls! Equality Virginia’s LGBTQIA+ Town Hall Series brings together community members, advocates, and allies from across the state to discuss the everyday challenges and policy needs affecting LGBTQIA+ people. These regional conversations create space for sharing lived experiences, identifying key issues, and strengthening connections across communities. Insights from these town halls will help shape a shared legislative agenda, ensuring that the voices of LGBTQIA+ Virginians are at the forefront of our advocacy efforts. Registration opens soon and we hope you’ll join us to be part of the conversation and help build a more inclusive and equitable future!
* Roanoke – Sat, April 26
* Charlottesville – Tue, April 29
* Fredericksburg – Mon, May 12
* Manassas Park – Sun, May 18
* Norfolk – Tue, May 20
* Virtual – Tue, May 27
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Despite all the challenges, Equality Virginia is moving and shaking and doing what we do best-- advocating for YOU. We're taking time to find joy and to be in community! We appreciate you being part of this movement—your support, action, and presence truly make a difference.
Let’s keep pushing forward together! Stay strong. We can do this-- we ARE doing this.
Narissa Rahaman (she/her)
Executive Director
Equality Virginia
P.S.- You might have heard I have a birthday coming up soon (shoutout to all my fellow Aries). This year I've committed to raising $1983 towards the life-saving work our amazing staff does every single day. Thanks to our awesome community, I'm only $413.07 away from my goal and I hope you'll consider clicking below to join in on the birthday fun!
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Equality Virginia
530 East Main Street
Suite 600
Richmond, VA 23219
United States
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