Winning statewide LGBT non-discrimination protections in Virginia starts with Virginia Beach. If we can secure the support of our local state lawmakers, we can pass these critically important pieces of legislation in 2019!
If you live in Virginia Beach and believe it’s time for LGBT Virginians to be treated fairly and equally under state law, join our growing local coalition today!
Virginia Beach for Fairness is a coalition of community members from Virginia Beach who are committed to protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Virginians from discrimination. We are faith leaders, parents, law enforcement officers, veterans, and people of all political ideologies committed to making Virginia a safe place for all people to live, work, and play.
Everyone should feel welcome to live, work, and play in our state – no matter who they are and who they love. But in this day and age, it’s surprising to learn that a government employee can be fired from their job just because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. And, gay and transgender people can even be denied housing simply because of who they are or who they love. Our state is at its strongest when we’re all free to work hard, earn a decent living, and go about our lives without fear of discrimination.
We’ve always valued fairness and opportunity here in Virginia. This campaign isn’t about creating new or special protections for anyone – it’s simply about updating our state’s laws so that our gay and transgender friends and loved ones are protected under the law.
Gay and transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. We’re proud to work together towards creating a safer and more equal Virginia for all people to live, work, and play.
The America I believe in is a land of freedom and opportunity, where people who work hard have the chance to get ahead. Transgender people like me want the same things everyone else wants: to earn a living, provide for ourselves and our families, and realize our American Dream. As a transgender woman who served in the Army as the Berlin Wall fell, I feel a personal responsibility to share my story and bring my state of Virginia closer to that promise of freedom and justice for all by enacting common-sense anti-discrimination laws that keep gay and transgender people safe.
All parents want their children to be safe, healthy, and happy. I have always considered myself an ally to the LGBT community, but it wasn’t until my oldest daughter came out as a lesbian that I realized the toll that discrimination—and the fear of future discrimination—takes on LGBT people. As the parent of three children who each identify as LGBT, it is personally important that Virginia Beach once again take the lead and ensure that our Commonwealth is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for all families to live and thrive.
I was born in Virginia Beach and have spent most of my life here—Virginia Beach is an amazing place to live and work. But the fact remains that any Virginian can legally be denied public employment or housing on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Most people don’t believe that is right or fair, and I’m committed to doing whatever I can to make sure Virginia is a welcoming place for all people, including gay and transgender Virginians.