Joint Statement in Support of Trans Kansans Harmed by SB 244
As leaders of state-based equality organizations from across the country, we stand together in solidarity with and support for the people of Kansas following the passage of SB 244, a dangerous and discriminatory law targeting the rights of transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and gender diverse Kansans. Our hearts are with you.
Support for HB 60 – Ensuring Equitable Access to Life and Health Insurance
Dear Governor Spanberger, We are writing to express our strong support for HB 60, which prohibits discrimination based on PrEP use, blindness or partial blindness, mental or physical impairments, and domestic violence victim status in the issuance and pricing of life, accident, and sickness insurance. On behalf of Equality Federation and Equality Virginia, we urge you to sign HB 60, we believe that this legislation is a crucial step towards ensuring that all Virginians have access to the healthcare they need, regardless of their health status.
Virginia’s HIV Safety Net is Fraying. Lawmakers Must Act.
Originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on February 18, 2026 Virginia’s HIV Safety Net is Fraying. Lawmakers Must Act. Karen Legato Executive Director, Health Brigade This past Friday, I was asked point blank: “What would happen if we don’t have funding for your Ryan White Part B program in April?” It was framed as a […]
Equality Virginia on Governor Signing Marriage Equality Referendum, Sending Measure to 2026 Ballot
RICHMOND, VA — Today, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed House Bill 612 (Cohen), which advances a voter referendum to repeal the 2006 Marshall-Newman Amendment banning same-sex marriage and replace it with an affirmative right to marry for all Virginians. Narissa Rahaman, Executive Director of Equality Virginia, who attended the signing, released the following statement: “Twenty years after banning marriage equality, it’s time for our commonwealth to fully complete our evolution – and finish the job on protecting marriage equality for all…”
ICYMI: Over 60 LGBTQ+ Advocates Gathered at Virginia General Assembly for Equality Virginia Lobby Day
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.
Virginia Lawmakers Advance Marriage Equality Amendment to the Ballot
Today, the Virginia General Assembly passed House Joint Resolution 3 (Sickles), a constitutional amendment to protect marriage equality, with bipartisan support in both chambers. Senate Joint Resolution 3 (Ebbin), which also passed the Senate with bipartisan support, will head to the House next week for final votes. With the passage of HJ3, today’s vote sends the amendment to the November ballot, where Virginians will have the final say on enshrining marriage equality in the state constitution.
Joint Letter in Support of Gender-Affirming Care in Virginia
As Virginians, we stand unequivocally for the right of transgender people and their families to access medically appropriate, evidence-based health care—free from fear, stigma, or political intrusion. Decisions about health care belong where they always have: between patients, families, and qualified medical professionals, guided by compassion, expertise, and respect—not ideology.
Support for HB 2769 – Ensuring Equitable Access to Life and Health Insurance
Support for HB 2769 – Ensuring Equitable Access to Life and Health Insurance PDF Copy of the Letter Dear Governor Youngkin, Equality Federation champions critical non-partisan issues that affect how Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and the broader spectrum of people (LGBTQ+) experience the world. Our member organization in the Commonwealth, Equality Virginia, advocates and […]
An Open Letter To Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia and Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughter Health Board of Directors and Executive Leadership
An Open Letter To Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia and Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughter Health Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Thursday, February 13, 2025 Executive Leadership and Board of Directors at VCU Health, UVA Health and Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughter, We, the undersigned, write to express our unequivocal opposition to VCU […]
Equality Virginia: New ACLU of Virginia Lawsuits Would Block Governor Youngkin’s Anti-Trans Education Policies
Equality Virginia: New ACLU of Virginia Lawsuits Would Block Governor Youngkin’s Anti-Trans Education Policies RICHMOND, Va – Equality Virginia, the Commonwealth’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) equality, applauded two new lawsuits filed by the ACLU of Virginia that seeks to overturn the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) guidelines for […]