Dear John, In light of the most recent statewide elections, we know that many Virginians are worried about the future of LGBTQ equality in our Commonwealth. But, rest assured, we aren’t backing down. While it will be more challenging to pass pro-equality bills in 2022, we have been here before. We know how to successfully build bipartisan partnerships and mobilize advocates to change hearts and minds. Together we can continue to ensure that Virginia remains a welcoming place for all.
Because of you, Virginia is currently one of the safest places in the South for LGBTQ people to live. In 2021 alone we were able to: - Modernize outdated HIV criminalization laws to align with current medical knowledge, which helps to lower stigma and encourage more people to know their status
- Ban the LGBTQ panic defense so that perpetrators of violence are not able to blame their victims’ sexual orientation or gender identity for their actions
- Make headway to remove the anti-marriage amendment from Virginia’s constitution, which is a two-year process and will need to be voted on again during the 2022 session
- Establish the state’s first LGBTQ+ Advisory Board to the Governor, helping to increase visibility and ensure a more equitable and representative Virginia
- Protect LGBTQ elders by updating the Older Americans Act to make it easier for LGBTQ Virginians to age in their homes and access programs like Meals on Wheels
- Affirm diverse family structures by establishing a legal pathway to parenthood for unmarried LGBTQ couples raising children together
You made this possible. Not only did we pass these life-changing bills, but we also partnered with 67 community-based organizations, hosted 47 advocacy and educational programs, and sent 1,416 emails to lawmakers from Virginians in every corner of the state. Your support made a real difference this year and we made history yet again. As we prepare for 2022, you can trust that Equality Virginia will be in the General Assembly every day, and it will be as important as ever for you to join us. Even with a less friendly House of Delegates, the Senate remains unchanged. We will work with its pro-equality majority to act as a crucial backstop against harmful legislation and efforts to weaken our hard-earned wins passed during the last two years.
Not only will we fight in the halls of the General Assembly, but we will also continue to support transgender and nonbinary students and evolve our programming to respond to the needs of LGBTQ Virginians. Will you help us start the year off strong by making an end-of-year gift? Your support will ensure our lawmakers continue to hear the voice of LGBTQ Virginians and allies loud and clear. We truly cannot do this work without you!
We know that there are many unknowns and concerns about what is to come, but we want you to know that we’re not backing down. Not now. Not ever. Together we will continue to build a Virginia where all LGBTQ people can thrive. In solidarity,
Vee Lamneck
Executive Director |
|
