Equality Virginia

06/04/2026

Equality Virginia is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Beth Marschak, a pioneering le***an activist and community leader whose impact on the city of Richmond and LGBTQ+ Virginians across the Commonwealth cannot be overstated.

In 1975, Beth helped found the Richmond Le***an Feminists, creating spaces for belonging and advocacy when LGBTQ+ people faced overwhelming discrimination, isolation, and fear. Through decades of organizing and community care, she helped shape a more visible and more resilient LGBTQ+ movement in Virginia.

“The basis of any political action is community. It’s not just lobbying or sending postcards. It’s creating spaces where people get to know each other, feel supported, and can organize together,” Beth told RVA Mag in September 2025.

We are grateful for her leadership, her vision, and her unwavering commitment to justice. Our thoughts are with her loved ones, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched as we honor her memory.

06/01/2026

Today, we officially launched Virginians for Marriage Equality—a campaign to remove Virginia’s outdated same-sex marriage ban from our state constitution and protect the freedom to marry for future generations.

At the Bell Tower in Richmond, couples, families, faith leaders, advocates, and elected officials came together with one message: Virginia is for ALL lovers. 

This amendment is about freedom, stability, and ensuring every Virginian has the right to build a life with the person they love. 

We’re just getting started. Learn more, get involved, and share your story at vaformarriageequality.com

05/29/2026

Pride Month is officially underway in Richmond!

Today, Equality Virginia joined community leaders, advocates, elected officials, and LGBTQ+ Virginians gathered for the City of Richmond's annual Pride flag raising and community brunch to celebrate the people, families, and communities that make Virginia stronger.

Pride is about celebrating joy, visibility, and belonging. But the month of June also serves as a reminder of the ongoing work to ensure every Virginian is treated with dignity and protected equally under the law.

Big things ahead this Pride Month, stay tuned.

05/27/2026

🌈VIRGINIA IS READY TO PROTECT MARRIAGE EQUALITY. 🌈

On Monday, June 1, Virginians for Marriage Equality is officially launching the campaign to remove Virginia’s outdated constitutional ban on marriage equality and add an affirmative right to marry to our state constitution.

Join us in Richmond for a day of community, faith, storytelling, and action as we kick off this historic campaign alongside elected officials, community leaders, couples, advocates, and supporters from across the Commonwealth.

📍Interfaith Coffee & Service
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
First UU Church of Richmond

📍Campaign Kickoff Press Conference
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bell Tower at Capitol Square

📍Pride Luncheon
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Location shared after RSVP.

Space is limited, sign up to join us today: bit.ly/VMELaunch

05/25/2026

Our office will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.

05/22/2026

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, a trailblazing LGBTQ+ leader whose courage and advocacy helped change the course of American History.

At a time when LGBTQ+ rights continue to face coordinated attacks across the country, Harvey Milk's words remain as urgent and powerful as ever: freedom and dignity should never be up for debate.

This Harvey Milk Day, we honor the generations of LGBTQ+ people who fought for visibility, equality, and the freedom to live openly.

05/20/2026

Pride Month is almost here and we’re excited to celebrate with communities across Virginia all month long!

Join Equality Virginia & Virginians for Marriage Equality at Pride festivals, community gatherings, and campaign events across the Commonwealth as we celebrate love, visibility, and the ongoing fight for equality.

More events and details will continue to be added throughout the month, so stay tuned!

05/19/2026

Today is National AAPI HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

We honor the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities impacted by HIV and recommit ourselves to advancing health equity, reducing stigma, and ensuring every person has access to affirming, life-saving care.

Ending HIV requires culturally competent healthcare, community support, and policies rooted in compassion and dignity.

05/18/2026

05/17/2026

Although we’ve come a long way, prejudice and discrimination continue to impact LGBTQ+ people—in schools, workplaces, health care systems, and communities.

On International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, we recognize the ongoing fight for safety and equality.

We reaffirm our commitment to building a Virginia where every LGBTQ+ person can live and thrive. Today and every day, we stand against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia.