Transgender Advocacy Speakers Bureau

In 2016, Equality Virginia created a Transgender Advocacy Speakers Bureau, which is now made up of 23 transgender and non-binary members who live in nearly every corner of the Commonwealth and represent a cross-section of Virginia’s diverse trans community. 

This year, speakers have given dozens of digital presentations in a variety of places: churches, synagogues, pride events, university classes, libraries, and professional associations. These presentations provide a unique opportunity for organizations to connect with a local trans or non-binary person as well as deepen their understanding of trans experiences in Virginia.

If you are interested in welcoming a speakers bureau member in your community, schedule a presentation or email [email protected]. 

Staff Spotlight: Kyleigh Hynes 

This fall, we welcomed our amazing intern, Kyleigh, to the EV office. She is a second year student in VCU's Master of Social Work program, and we wanted to give you an opportunity to get to know her a little better.

What have you been up to: "Since arriving at EV, the three main project areas I have worked on are: the Equali-TEA sessions, the TIES Wellness Center and volunteer planning, and some prep for the General Assembly session. 

TIES was the biggest task. I was so honored to get to help plan a fully virtual version of the conference for this year. The planning process for TIES impacted me greatly because I was able to see how the work I put in translated into real outcomes for folks seeking services at the Wellness Center, and how access (physical access, financial access, internet access) is such a significant factor in whether folks can obtain the services they need.

My work here at EV has allowed me to build the macro skills that I will draw upon as a macro social worker and the field work fit well with the path that I want my social work career to take."

What are your plans after graduation: "My ultimate goal is to work in policy analysis and advocacy, and I am excited to dive into the policy realm further when the General Assembly session starts." 

Fun Facts: "I studied undergrad at Virginia Tech, where I was in the Marching Virginians and played the saxophone (I played sax for 11 years total). I like listening to Rosalía, Pale Waves, and The 1975. I don't have any pets right now, but my partner and I are looking into getting a cat soon."

Hobbies: "I enjoy taking care of my houseplants, trying new recipes, and going on walks near the river."

We are so grateful to have Kyleigh on the EV team this year. Say hello to her at [email protected]. 

World AIDS Day Panel 

Every year on December 1st, thousands of organizations and individuals across the world show support for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day. 

Tomorrow, Equality Virginia will host a panel discussion to bring together powerful voices for a conversation about modernizing laws that target those living with HIV in Virginia.

This dynamic panel of medical and community leaders will examine the state of the epidemic in the Commonwealth and discuss efforts to modernize the laws targeting those living with HIV/AIDS. If you haven't already, we encourage you to register today to be a part of this important conversation! 

Transgender Student Policies

Over the past couple of months, more than 100 advocates joined us for two town halls to learn more about the new law requiring school districts to implement policies protecting transgender and non-binary students in K-12 schools. 

During these digital sessions, EV and Side by Side provided an overview of what the law covers and outlined ways to get involved. The Virginia Department of Education will soon release their first draft of the official guidance, and the public will be invited to comment on the guidelines.

While we all enthusiastically await this release, we invite you to check out our own resource: Transgender Student Policy Recommendations for Virginia’s K-12 Schools.