Equality Federation

The Equality Federation is a 501(c)(4) membership organization dedicated to advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) equality across nearly all 50 states in the United States. Founded in 1997, it serves as an umbrella organization for state-based LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

History

The Equality Federation emerged from a coalition of state-focused LGBT advocacy organizations in 1997, initially operating as a volunteer-run entity. In 2005, the organization transitioned to a staffed organization under the leadership of Toni Broaddus as its first executive director. By 2010, the staff had grown to four members. Following Broaddus's departure, Rebecca Isaacs became the second executive director in 2011. As of January 2021, Fran Hutchins succeeded Isaacs as the organization's third executive director.

Structure

The Equality Federation is composed of two distinct non-profit entities: the Equality Federation itself, which is a 501(c)(4) organization, and the Equality Federation Institute, which operates as a 501(c)(3) entity. This structure allows the organization to engage in both advocacy and charitable activities. The staff is spread across the U.S., supporting a wide range of member organizations.

Programs

Equality Federation focuses on three primary areas:

• Leadership Development: The organization provides coaching, mentoring for both new and experienced executive directors, and training for staff and boards of advocacy organizations. It also offers an internship program to connect young individuals with statewide organizations. Key events include the New Executive Director Boot Camp and the Summer Meeting, which facilitate collaboration and networking among state-based leaders.

• Organizational Development: This program strengthens member organizations by offering strategic planning services, executive search support, and access to online resources. It fosters partnerships both within and across regions through gatherings like the Southern and Midwest Leadership Summits.

• Policy Advocacy: The organization assists state-based groups in their public policy advocacy efforts. Notably, it partners with the State Equality Fund to support the passage of nondiscrimination laws in states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania. Equality Federation also collaborates with other groups like the GSA Network to advance safe school policies in multiple states.

Membership

The Equality Federation supports and advocates for statewide LGBTQ+ organizations across the U.S., including notable members like Equality Florida, Freedom Oklahoma, and Basic Rights Oregon. It works closely with these partners to advance pro-LGBTQ+ policies and counteract anti-LGBTQ+ legislation nationwide.

Mission and Impact

Equality Federation's mission is to accelerate the national movement for LGBTQ+ equality by building robust state-based leadership and organizational resilience. It addresses critical issues affecting LGBTQ+ individuals from a non-partisan perspective, including workplace fairness, family recognition, anti-transgender bills, and HIV criminalization laws. The organization emphasizes racial justice and strives to incorporate equity principles into all its work. By supporting a network of over 50 member organizations, Equality Federation amplifies the power of the state-based LGBTQ+ movement and works towards comprehensive equality and justice.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equality_Federation [2] https://www.equalityfederation.org [3] https://www.equalityfederation.org/what-we-do [4] https://www.equalityfederation.org/about?80c37691_page=4 [5] https://www.equalityfederation.org/federation-members