Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance

Founded in 1981 as the Arlington chapter of the Virginia Gay Alliance, the Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance (AGLA) is the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ organization in Virginia. Initially established to address equal rights issues for gays from a local and state perspective, the organization underwent several name changes, eventually becoming the Northern Virginia Gay Alliance before adopting its current name in the late 1980s[1][2].

Early Activities and Accomplishments

AGLA's early goals focused on visibility and equal rights. One of its first significant accomplishments was securing the support of Arlington County Board Chairman Ellen Bozman to appoint openly gay men and lesbians to county advisory boards and commissions around 1982, which generated some controversy at the time[1].

A pivotal moment came in 1990 when the Arlington County Board passed the Arlington Human Rights Ordinance, which included a non-enforceable form of sexual orientation protection. AGLA worked with the Lambda Legal Defense organization to draft a legal opinion that would allow the county to add enforceable protections. By November 1992, the county board had decreed that discrimination against gay men and lesbians in Arlington was illegal following a legal opinion that the protections were legally viable[1].

Community Outreach and Activism

AGLA has been involved in various community service projects to increase visibility and understanding of the LGBTQ community. The organization joined the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and participated in the Arlington County Fair, promoting positive images of LGBTQ individuals. Additionally, AGLA organized candidate forums and increased participation in local political events, contributing to the growing visibility of LGBTQ individuals in Arlington politics[1].

AGLA also supported the formation of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) at local high schools, further expanding its reach into educational settings[1].

Name Change and Expansion

In recent years, AGLA expanded its mission to include areas beyond Arlington, such as Alexandria and Fairfax County, in response to the discontinuation of similar LGBTQ organizations in those regions. As of 2023, the organization is transitioning to the name Equality NoVa to better reflect its broader geographic and community focus[3].

Legacy and Impact

The Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance, now operating as Equality NoVa, remains a significant force in promoting LGBTQ rights and community engagement in Northern Virginia. Notable achievements include the election of openly LGBTQ officials, such as Jay Fisette, who became the first openly LGBTQ person elected to office in Virginia in 1997[5].

Today, AGLA continues to focus on safe social activities, community service, and non-partisan political awareness, maintaining its status as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization[3].

[1] https://agla.org/history/ [2] https://library.arlingtonva.us/2023/10/10/celebrate-national-coming-out-day-with-arlingtons-lgbtq-history/ [3] https://www.washingtonblade.com/2023/04/04/equality-nova-new-name-agla/ [4] https://outhistory.org/exhibits/show/glaa-of-washington-dc/glaa-history/timeline-1971-1990 [5] https://library.arlingtonva.us/2021/06/10/oral-history-arlingtons-first-openly-lgbtq-elected-official/