RICHMOND, VA — On February 2, over 60 LGTBQ+ Virginians and allies from across the Commonwealth gathered at the General Assembly Building in Richmond for Equality Virginia’s annual Lobby Day, urging lawmakers to support policies and a state budget that protects, affirms, and includes LGBTQ+ Virginians.
“Our community showed up in force to demand policies and a state budget rooted in compassion, evidence, and justice. At a time when extremist politicians are trying to weaponize federal funding to undermine health care access, Virginia has the opportunity to lead. ” said Narissa Rahaman, Executive Director at Equality Virginia. “Now is not the moment to abandon LGBTQ+ communities or compromise on people’s right to survive and thrive.” Equality Virginia will continue working with lawmakers, community partners, and advocates throughout the legislative session to ensure that Virginia remains a national leader in for LGBTQ+ equality and liberation.
The event opened with remarks from Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi, who emphasized Virginia’s commitment to equality.
“Equality and civil rights are essential protections guaranteed to all under the Constitution. Protecting LGBTQIA+ rights means ensuring every Virginian has the same opportunity to learn, work, and thrive. I stand with Equality Virginia in the ongoing work to defend civil rights, affirm lived experiences, and build a Commonwealth where inclusion is not conditional, it is guaranteed,” said Lieutenant Governor Hashmi.
Participants met with legislators, shared personal stories, and advocated for budget amendments and
policies that support LGBTQ+ youth, families, and communities — particularly at a time when the federal government continues to threaten fundamental rights such as access to lifesaving health care and inclusive education. Advocates — including community partners ACLU-VA, LGBT Life Center, Fredericksburg Area Health & Support Services (FAHASS), and He She Ze & We — called on legislators to support legislation and key budget amendments that would:
- Establish an emergency fund to stabilize and expand non-profit and community-based providers of lifesaving care to communities protected by the Virginia Human Rights Act currently targeted by the federal government.
- Restore millions of dollars in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Part B funding that resulted in immediate loss of access to vital HIV services
- Invest in LGBTQ-inclusive training for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Strengthen non-discrimination protections guaranteed under Virginia Human Rights Act
Photos from Lobby Day are available here.
For media inquiries, interviews or additional information, contact Reed Williams at
press@equalityvirginia.org.
About Equality Virginia
Equality Virginia is a 501(c)3 organization that advocates and organizes across Virginia to build a future
where all LGBTQ+ people thrive.