Equality Virginia
About Equality Virginia
Founded in 1989 as Virginians for Justice, Equality Virginia has grown into Richmond, VA's leading advocacy organization committed to building a fully inclusive Commonwealth where LGBTQIA+ individuals can thrive. This 501(c)(3) organization recognizes that LGBTQ Virginians—from youth to seniors—continue to experience violence, discrimination, and systemic disparities, particularly transgender people and people of color, and works tirelessly to address these inequities.
At its heart, Equality Virginia is driven by a mission to advocate and organize across Virginia, creating a future where all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and broader spectrum LGBTQIA+ people flourish. The organization believes in the transformative power of community collaboration and the potential of LGBTQIA+ individuals to create meaningful change. Rather than working in isolation, Equality Virginia partners with communities, organizations, and local advocates throughout the Commonwealth to build collective strength.
The organization's approach is rooted in six core values that reflect its commitment to the communities it serves: Community, which builds interconnectedness and belonging; Equity, which addresses the unique needs of marginalized groups; Perseverance, which sustains long-term change efforts; Impact, which creates measurable improvements in people's lives; Empowerment, which amplifies LGBTQIA+ voices and builds leadership; and Integrity, which ensures transparency and accountability. By centering the experiences and voices of LGBTQIA+ Virginians, particularly those in underrepresented communities, Equality Virginia continues its legacy of creating a Richmond and Virginia where all people have the safety and dignity to thrive.