Equality Virginia

Conduct public education and outreach events throughout Virginia to keep tens of thousands of virginians aware of the issues impacting the lgbt community and involved in the organization's programs. Email campaigns around issues including ending discrimination in employment and housing, increasing transgender visibility, reengaging the business community, and creating inclusive schools reached 13,000 individuals. Additional public education and outreach events include pride festivals, regional events, and community forums that collectively bring thousands of people together to learn about and discuss issues important to the lgbt community. Program successes include: implementing Virginia competes, an innovative way to get fortune 500 companies based in Virginia and small businesses involved in moving Virginia toward a fair and welcoming place for lgbt employees and families to call home; expanding Equality means business, a directory of nearly 750 lgbt friendly businesses in Virginia; increasing transgender advocacy including hosting an annual transgender conference, launching a transgender spokesbureau program, and fostering the growth of small transgender organizations; and creating inclusive schools by staying engaged as school boards across the commonwealth look to implement lgbt protections for both students and employees.

The organization's annual commonwealth dinner is a significant fundraiser and brings more than 1,000 people together to honor outstanding virginians, celebrate successes, and energize supporters as the organization continues to work for lgbt Equality.