Equality Loudoun

Results: Equality Loudoun has spent the last 20 years successfully advocating for better protections, legislative equality, better community awareness, and more inclusive businesses to great avail! We now have nearly 100 business and community partners, multiple LGBTQ+ protections codified into law, several recurring recognitions from local government organizations, and established training program serving hundreds annually, and a successful community event program- including the Loudoun Pride Festival hosting thousands of community members each year!

Target demographics: Equality Loudoun is a non-profit organization that advocates, educates, defends, and builds community to support LGBTQ+ equality in Loudoun County.

Direct beneficiaries per year: thousands of people around the County!

Geographic areas served: Loudoun County, VA

Programs: Advocacy: Through the work of our Equality Allies program, we are creating supporting networks of places, people, and institutions that commit to active allyship, the promotion of individual well-being, and meeting community needs. Advocacy focuses on prevention of discrimination, promoting physical and emotional health, and diversity practices. ​ Education: The Queer Training Program focuses on using a combination of research, best practices, and first-hand perspective to generate DEIA and LGBTQ+ focused training seminars and research used to empower local businesses, organizations, agencies, schools, families, and individuals to create equitable practices that benefit the LGBTQ+ community, reduce harmful outcomes, and promote equity. ​ Community: Inclusivity is the greatest methodology for reducing harmful outcomes by creating positive and accepting spaces. We develop relationships with local businesses and partners to host events focuses on individuals, youth, families, and creating community. ​ Defense: The core facet of Equality Loudoun is achieving what we call 'true equality.' Laws protecting individuals from discrimination, grant programs that support initiatives, and enforcement of policies that are in place to provide support are failing for the LGBTQ+ community. We utilize existing laws, relationships with legislative advocacy partners, local leaders, and legal experts to strengthen protections, seek funding, and enforce existing laws until our queer community is truly equal.