Dear John,

Today marks the 5th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges. This historic decision affirmed the freedom to marry for same-sex couples across the United States, and we are proud to celebrate this pivotal moment in LGBTQ history with you! This ruling was a major step in the journey toward equality for LGBTQ people, and helped pave the way for the recent Title VII victory. 

This year also marks another big win as lawmakers at the 2020 General Assembly voted to remove the ban on same-sex marriages and unions from the Virginia Code. As of July 1st, the law of the Commonwealth will now reflect the Supreme Court decision from 2015. LGBTQ Virginians tell us, time and again, that removing the ban on same-sex marriages from the Code is like hearing the state government say, "You count, too. We value you and your love." We pledge to keep fighting to bring that feeling of support and acceptance to all LGBTQ people in Virginia.

As we celebrate this anniversary today, tomorrow is an opportunity for us to look forward at the work that still remains. The marriage equality conversation as a whole brought gay and trans Americans new visibility, new allies, and new power, and we will carry that spirit of perseverance into the fight ahead of us. 

To celebrate marriage equality and to help fund our work to achieve full-lived equality for all LGBTQ Virginians, we hope you will consider contributing this Give OUT Day. This event is the only national day of giving for the LGBTQ community, and each unique donation of $10 or more helps us rise in the rankings to win additional prize money. Please consider making a gift between now and Tuesday, June 30th to support our work going forward! 

In Solidarity,
All of us at Equality Virginia