What We Do
Advance LGBTQ Protections
Virginia's General Assembly
Every year, Equality Virginia monitors LGBTQ-related legislation introduced to the Virginia General Assembly and advocates on behalf of Virginia’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. We work to introduce and support pro-equality legislation and to oppose bills that move us backward.
During the General Assembly session, the Equality Virginia team is talking with legislators every day to ensure equality’s progress in the Commonwealth. Sign up to receive our emails so you can be alerted when urgent action needs to be taken.
Advocate for Inclusive Schools
Equality Virginia believes that all students have the right to a learning environment that is safe, inclusive, and affirming, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We are working alongside youth, families, and local and state organizations across the Commonwealth to make sure LGBTQ students, particularly transgender and nonbinary students, can learn and thrive. We advocate with individual schools, local school boards, the Virginia Department of Education, and the General Assembly to push to ensure all young people, particularly LGBTQ youth, are protected from discrimination, harassment, and bullying in schools.
Since July 1, 2020, new laws protect LGBTQ students, teachers, and staff from discrimination in educational settings, but the work is very far from over and you have a power to make a difference. Virginia has 133 school divisions, and each need to adopt and successfully implement policies that support trans and nonbinary students’ right to a safe learning environment. Laws are only as powerful as the commitment to implement them and the community that is invested in the safety and well-being of trans and nonbinary students.
Your Voice Matters
Equality Virginia knows that your voice matters. Learn what issues are at stake across the state and in your community. See how to engage with your legislator to discuss policies that affect you.
CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS
According to the Williams Institute, nearly nine million LGBTQ adults across the country are registered voters. About 260,000 LGBTQ adults live in Virginia, and every single vote matters.
Elections are high stakes, and voting is one of the most important ways that we can shape the future of LGBTQ equality in Virginia and in our nation. While Virginia now has LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections in place in housing, employment, and public spaces, LGBTQ people, particularly those with multiple marginalized identities, still suffer from discrimination.
Our elected officials are in a position to improve – or harm – the lives of LGBTQ people. That’s why, when it comes to advancing equality, your vote matters.
Connect With Your Legislator
Equality Virginia makes it easy for you to find your senator and delegate in the General Assembly and to contact them to voice your support for policies that move Virginia forward. Reach out to them and let them know you want a Virginia that is a safe, welcoming, and equal place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Virginians to live, love, learn, and work.