Forum For Equality

03/27/2026

Kenny, Isobel, Rachel, and Romy tabled tonight at the NOLAC business conference at the Common House in New Orleans.

03/17/2026

New data shows where LGBTQ+ Americans stand today and how attitudes continue to evolve.

According to research from Gallup:

9% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+, a significant increase over the past decade.

Young adults lead the way with nearly 1 in 4 people ages 18–29 identify as LGBTQ+. Most LGBTQ+ people say they knew by their early teens, with a median age of about 14.

Public opinion continues to shift: more Americans now believe s*xual orientation is something people are born with.

Support for marriage equality remains strong, with about 68% of U.S. adults supporting legal recognition of same-s*x marriages.

These numbers reflect real people. Our friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors. The numbers also underscore why visibility, understanding, and equality still matter.

Forum For Equality remains committed to building a Louisiana where every person can live openly, safely, and with dignity.

Source: Data and graphics originally published by Gallup. Find the information here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVbg_NAGjUp/?igsh=MXRlZTRlMzllMGNiOQ==

03/13/2026

This week, Forum for Equality shared a daily gender awareness campaign to help people better understand how gender has been recognized and defined in the law over time.

Gender has never been a completely fixed concept in legal systems, and throughout history laws have changed as society has learned more about identity, medicine, and civil rights. Our goal this week was to give people some of that context and show why these conversations matter today.

We also launched this campaign because of Louisiana House Bill 578 (2026), a bill currently being considered in Louisiana Legislature. The bill would define s*x in state law strictly based on biological categories. For many transgender and non-binary people, that could mean losing legal recognition of their gender identity in different parts of daily life.

If passed, this kind of policy could affect things like identification documents, access to certain public spaces or programs, and how someone's gender is recognized by the state. For transgender and nonbinary residents of Louisiana, that could create new barriers and make it harder to move through everyday systems safely and with dignity.

This week's campaign was about reminding people that gender diversity has always existed and that laws around gender have changed before. By sharing this information, we hope more people understand what's at stake and why it's important to stand up for fairness, respect, and equal treatment for everyone.

Stay informed everyone!

03/12/2026

History is full of surprising stories about how societies have understood gender, work, and community roles.

Here are five historical facts that often surprise people:

1. Women in Ancient Egypt could own property and run businesses.
Historical records show women could sign contracts, inherit land, and manage financial affairs.

2. Some medieval women worked in skilled trades.
In parts of Europe, women participated in occupations like brewing, textile production, and family craft workshops.

3. Some cultures historically recognized more than two gender roles.
Many Indigenous communities in North America recognized people today often described as Two-Spirit, who frequently held respected cultural or spiritual roles.

4. Women participated in marketplaces across many ancient societies.
Historical records from places like Rome show women buying, selling, and managing family businesses.

5. Social roles have shifted many times throughout history.
As economies, cultures, and communities changed, expectations around work, family, and leadership evolved as well.

History reminds us that societies have organized roles and responsibilities in many different ways over time.

Which of these surprised you the most?

03/11/2026

Conversations about gender may feel new, but societies have been defining roles and identities for thousands of years. This week, we’re exploring how cultures and legal systems across history have understood gender and why those histories still matter today.

Today: 5 Moments in History That Shaped Gender in Law

Across history, societies have written laws that shaped how families, property, and civic responsibilities were organized. Here are five moments that show how these ideas developed over time.

1. Early Written Law (Mesopotamia – around 1750 BCE)
Some of the earliest surviving legal codes included rules about marriage, inheritance, and family responsibilities.

2. Property Rights in Ancient Egypt
Historical records show that women in ancient Egypt could own property, enter contracts, and participate in legal agreements.

3. Roman Family Law
Roman legal traditions helped shape ideas about family authority, citizenship, and legal responsibility. These are concepts that later influenced European legal systems.

4. Expanding Civic Participation (19th–20th centuries)
Many countries began debating and redefining civic roles and participation in public life, leading to major legal changes over time.

5. Modern Legal Definitions
Today, governments continue to write laws that define rights, responsibilities, and legal categories within society.

Across centuries, legal systems have evolved as societies change.

Understanding these historical moments helps provide context for how laws continue to develop today.

Which moment in history do you find most interesting to learn about?

-About the image: Relief of the Theban Divine Family, depicting Mut wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. This iconography symbolizes her embodiment of both masculine and feminine aspects, reflecting the ancient Egyptian concept of divine androgyny. Source: Brooklyn Museum – Relief of the Theban Divine Family

03/10/2026

Conversations about gender may feel new, but societies have been defining roles and identities for thousands of years. This week, we’re exploring how cultures and legal systems across history have understood gender and why those histories still matter today.

Today we have: Gender Across Cultures In 60 Seconds

One thing history shows us is that cultures around the world have understood gender in many different ways. Here are just a few examples:

Indigenous North America
Many Native American communities historically recognized people known today as Two-Spirit, who often held important social or spiritual roles in their communities.

South Asia
In India and neighboring regions, Hijra communities have existed for centuries and are recognized in cultural traditions and history.

Samoa
In Samoan culture, fa’afafine are people who embody both masculine and feminine roles and are recognized as part of the social fabric of the community.

Ancient Egypt
Historical records show women could own property, run businesses, and participate in legal agreements. These were rights not common in many other ancient societies.

These examples show that ideas about gender have evolved across time and culture.

Understanding those histories helps give context to the conversations societies continue to have today.

What historical or cultural perspectives on gender have you encountered?

03/09/2026

Across the country, LGBTQ+ rights continue to face legislative attacks. In Tennessee, multiple bills moving through the legislature could undermine protections and recognition for LGBTQ+ people. 

Equality requires vigilance.

Learn what’s happening and why it matters.

Republican lawmakers advanced five bills aimed at LGBTQ+ residents of Tennessee, including a rollback of protections from discrimination.

03/07/2026

An unforgettable night celebrating equality, leadership, and community at Forum For Equality’s 2026 Acclaim Awards & Fundraiser!

Find yourself and tag your friends!
Help us congratulate our honorees in the comments.

Thank you to everyone who made the Acclaim Awards such a special evening. Want to support the work? Join us or donate to keep equality moving forward in Louisiana. 🏳️‍🌈

03/03/2026

Ready to celebrate progress? Join us at the 2026 Acclaim Awards! Honor the game-changers and inspire a brighter future. Comment & tag below who you’re bringing. Get your tickets now and let’s make equality a reality together!

Join Forum for Equality on March 5th as we honor individuals and organizations that have championed the LGBTQ+ community.

03/02/2026

Important read!

Kansas is set to invalidate about 1,700 driver's licenses held by transgender residents and roughly as many of their birth certificates.

03/02/2026

We are excited to invite you to join us at the 2026 Acclaim Awards & Fundraising Reception on Thursday, March 5th at 6pm at The Broadside in New Orleans. Enjoy beverages and light bites as we celebrate those that have championed the LGBTQ+ community and made us a better Louisiana. Get your tickets here:

https://www.forumforequality.org/2026-acclaim-awards-tickets

With the upcoming Legislative Session beginning on March 9th, we need our supporters more now than ever as we anticipate more anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. We are standing firm against the challenges we face and are ready to continue to fight for equality and justice for all LGBTQ+ Louisianans. RSVP now and spread the word to your friends.

02/24/2026

Netherlands’ first gay prime minister sworn in today