State-by-State Resources

State Resource Map from the Williams Institute

Alabama

Equality Alabama

Equality Alabama was formed by a group of concerned citizens in response to increasingly virulent discriminatory rhetoric from Alabama's politicians. Its mission is to advance full equality for all the people of Alabama through education and advocacy.

Alaska

Alaskans Together for Equality

Alaskans Together led the successful fight against Alaska's April 2007 anti-gay advisory vote on same-sex partner benefits. Alaskans Together for Equality is a political nonprofit, born out of Alaskans Together, whose mission is to advance civil equality for all Alaskans through grassroots organizing and advocacy, with a primary focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Alaskans.

Arizona

Equality Arizona

Equality Arizona is a statewide political advocacy organization, working at the state capitol and in communities across Arizona to advance LGBT equality, organize the movement for equality, educate voters, and influence policymakers. Equality Arizona advocates for safe schools legislation and policies protecting students from anti-LGBT bullying, inclusive nondiscrimination and hate crimes protections statewide, and equal legal recognition of gay and lesbian couples, among other issues.

Marriage Equality USA - Arizona Chapter

Marriage Equality USA's Arizona chapter is part of a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.

Arkansas

Center for Artistic Revolution (CAR)

The Center for Artistic Revolution, CAR, is a statewide, grassroots community-based organization founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2003 by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer Arkansans (LGBTQ) and their straight allies who believe that all people should have equitable access to fair treatment, a democratic political process, and economic and environmental justice. CAR employs a combination of progressive education, organizing skills, advocacy, and creative/cultural work in order to create a fair Arkansas that values all of its residents.

California

Asian Pacific Islanders for Equality

Committed to working in the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community in California and nationally for equal marriage rights, fair treatment, and overall acceptance of LGBT people. Working in collaboration with local partners, API Equality engages in public education, community organizing, and legal and legislative advocacy to achieve our goals.

BIENESTAR

A grassroots, non-profit community-based service organization dedicated to positively impacting the health and well-being of the Latino community and other underserved communities in Southern California. BIENESTAR advocates for human rights and social justice on a local, statewide and national level and serves the community at large by shedding light on emerging Latino issues and engaging with political and social service leaders.

California Faith for Equality

A network of congregations, organizations, and faith leaders working together to educate, support and mobilize California's faith communities to promote equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and to safeguard religious freedom.

California NOW (National Organization for Women)

In 1999 the NOW Foundation held the Lesbian Rights Summit in conjunction with over 100 various co-sponsors, drawing over 800 participants to Washington DC. Previously, NOW held National Conferences in 1984 and 1988 specifically addressing lesbian rights. Annually, NOW's membership takes action in support of National Coming Out Day in October, as well as Freedom to Marry Day in February. While it is a multi-issue organization, NOW is large enough to have an equal amount of impact in the area of lesbian rights as many other organizations founded solely for that purpose. One of the goals of California NOW's Committee for Gender and Orientation is to actively work towards ending discrimination by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and fighting for marriage equality.

California State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored people (CA-NAACP)

The California unit of the NAACP endorsed the issue of marriage equality in 2005. The California NAACP is committed to equality and justice for all, and believes that civil justice is a right for every citizen, regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, age, creed or sexual orientation. In California it is not illegal for two people of the same sex to be partners; as a matter of fact they have some protected rights under the Domestic Partners Act. It is the opinion of the California NAACP that passage of this act, while helpful, created a second class partnership status for this specific group of citizens.

Courage Campaign Equality Hub

A leading multi-issue advocacy organization, the Courage Campaign works to bring progressive change to California and full equality to America. Through Courage Campaign Equality, the organization is mobilizing activists to restore marriage equality to California and full equality to America, driven by "Testimony: Equality on Trial" -- a year-long campaign to bring the Prop 8 federal trial into the lives of Americans.

Equality California (EQCA)

To improve the lives of LGBT Californians, EQCA sponsors legislation and coordinates efforts to ensure its passage, lobbies legislators and other policy makers, builds coalitions, develops community strength and empowers individuals and other organizations to engage in the political process. EQCA, on behalf of its members, is an organizational plaintiff in the historic lawsuit asking the California Supreme Court to strike down state law that bars same-gender couples from marriage. In court, EQCA has also successfully defended California's domestic partnership laws and related state policies that have been implemented in response to EQCA-sponsored legislation.

Let California Ring

A coalition project comprised of organizations that work in communities of color and faith, grassroots organizations, family organizations and allied organizations, Let California Ring works to build support across California for the freedom for same-sex couples to marry through a broad public education campaign, with the goal of helping all the state's residents understand why the freedom to marry matters for same-sex couples who are their neighbors, family members, friends and fellow Californians.

Marriage Equality USA - California Chapters

Prop 8 Trial Tracker

Throughout the Perry v Schwarzenegger trial, the Prop 8 Trial Tracker - a project of the Courage Campaign Institute - covered the trial live from the courthouse, all of the latest motions and court rulings, and documented and responded to right-wing attacks on the process. Check back throughout the Prop 8 trial for ongoing coverage of the trial as it happens as well as rapid response to right-wing organizations like Yes on Prop 8, the National Organization for Marriage and Focus on the Family.

Vote for Equality Campaign (VFE) of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center

The local, Los Angeles component of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center's Leadership LAB. Through grassroots action, voter education, and leadership development, VFE works to advance marriage equality, reduce homophobia, and build the political power of LGBT people and allies in L.A County.

Colorado

Marriage Equality USA - Colorado Chapter

Marriage Equality USA's Colorado chapter is part of a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.

One Colorado

A statewide advocacy organization dedicated to securing and protecting equality and opportunity for LGBT Coloradans and their families by lobbying the General Assembly, executive branch, and local governments on issues like safe schools, relationship recognition, and LGBT health and human services.

Connecticut

Love Makes a Family PAC

A Political Action Committee dedicated to electing candidates who support equal rights for LGBT people in Connecticut.

Delaware

Delaware Right to Marry

A joint project of pro-equality Delawareans and students at the University of Delaware, Delaware Right to Marry is the leading organization in Delaware promoting marriage equality right now, having proposed a marriage equality bill modeled upon the 2009 New Hampshire law, which allows same-sex marriages and protects religious freedom. We believe that civil unions are an unfair compromise, which is why we are seeking to pass a marriage bill as soon as possible..

District of Columbia

DC for Marriage

A project of the DC Center for the LGBT Community, DC for Marriage is a group of local residents working to retain equal rights and responsibilities for same sex couples in the District of Columbia.

Florida

Equality Florida

The largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida's LGBT residents.

Florida Together Federation

By connecting and empowering local organizations throughout the state to share resources, skills and knowledge, Florida Together Federation aims to forge our statewide strength to achieve common goals, and to connect and empower local organizations to share resources, skills and information, forging statewide strength in order to achieve equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Floridians.

Georgia

Georgia Equality

Advancing fairness, safety and opportunity for Georgia's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied communities, Georgia Equality develops and maintains relationships with both elected officials, as well as private employers, in order to expand the list of governments and employers offering domestic-partner benefits for LGBT employees and their dependents.

MEGA Family Project

A nonpartisan, statewide organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy work on behalf of LGBT families, the MEGA Family Project puts on monthly educational and social activities to strengthen the LGBT Family Community in Georgia. MEGA believes ALL Georgia families should be treated equally under the law, and has thousands of members throughout the state of Georgia who support its mission and vision of strengthening LGBT families.

Hawaii

Equality Hawai'i

A diverse collection of individuals and organizations dedicated to securing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families in Hawaii, envisioning a Hawaii in which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families have full equality in every aspect of life.

Illinois

Equality Illinois

Envisioning a fair and unified Illinois where everyone is treated equally with dignity and respect and where all people live freely regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, Equality Illinois works to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Illinois.

Indiana

Indiana Equality (IE)

The mission of Indiana Equality (IE) is to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Indiana.

Marriage Equality USA - Indiana Chapter

Marriage Equality USA's Indiana chapter is part of a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.

Iowa

One Iowa

The state's largest LGBT advocacy organization, One Iowa works to support equality and to protect marriage equality in Iowa.

Kansas

Kansas Equality Coalition

A non-partisan group of fair-minded people who are determined to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Its mission is to ensure the dignity, safety, and legal equality of all Kansans. The Equality Coalition is organizing chapters throughout the state, lobbying the Legislature to promote civil rights and block harmful legislation, and leading the campaign to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Kentucky

Kentucky Fairness Alliance

An education and advocacy network dedicated to advancing equality for LGBT Kentuckians through leadership development, public education and by encouraging participation in the democratic process.

Marriage Equality Kentucky (MEKY)

A grassroots movement that seeks legal recognition of same-sex couples through civil marriage in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Louisiana

Forum for Equality

A statewide civil rights organization dedicated to the establishment of a society free from discrimination and to the support of good government. We believe that the fastest and most efficient way to achieve these goals is to educate our communities and to constructively participate in the political process.

Maine

Equality Maine (EQME)

Maine's oldest and largest LGBT political advocacy organization, EQME works to secure full equality for LGBT people in the state through political action, education, and collaboration. EQME envisions a Maine in which LGBT people and their families have full equality in the hearts and minds of Maine people, and in all areas of the law.

Maine The Way Life Should Be

On May 6th, 2009, Maine became the first state in the country to pass a marriage bill through its Legislature and have it signed into law by sitting Governor John Baldacci. Unfortunately, six months later, Maine voters narrowly repealed that bill in a People's Veto, denying same-sex couples the responsibilities and protections that only marriage can provide. In an effort to raise awareness and increase public support of marriage equality, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and EqualityMaine have partnered to create this project to share the personal stories of real Mainers and demonstrate what marriage means to them.

Maryland

Equality Maryland

Maryland's LGBT civil rights organization, Equality Maryland lobbies in Annapolis and across the state to create equal protection under the law for LGBT Marylanders and their families; to eliminate prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity through outreach, education, research, community organizing, training and coalition building; and to utilize our Political Action Committee (PAC) to elect fair-minded candidates.

Maryland Black Family Alliance (MBFA)

An alliance of straight, black allies who believe in justice for all of Maryland families - including those headed by same-sex households. Working in partnership with black LGBT leadership and advocacy organizations, the MBFA seeks to frame the discourse among black Marylanders on civil marriage for same-sex couples, as well as educate and empower allies and potential allies about issues of importance to Maryland's black LGBT communities, including HIV/AIDS, combating violence and addressing issues of social justice.

Massachusetts

Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD)

New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.

MassEquality.org, the Campaign for Equality, Inc.

A coalition of many religious, civic, business, labor and civil rights leaders and organizations that have joined together to stand up for equality.

Michigan

Equality Michigan

Equality Michigan works to achieve full equality and respect for all people in the state of Michigan, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression

Minnesota

Minnesotans United for All Families

In 2012, Minnesota voters will be asked to amend the state constitution to ban marriage for same-sex couples. Minnesota United for All Families, a grassroots campaign, is fighting the bill.

OutFront Minnesota

OutFront Minnesota's mission is to make the state a place where GLBT Minnesotans have the freedom, power, and confidence to make the best choices for their own lives. OutFront provides leadership by delivering programs and services to the GLBT and allied community in the area of public policy, anti-violence, education and training, and the law.

Project 515

There is a significant gap between the fairness Minnesotans value and what actually occurs under Minnesota law. That's why Minnesota volunteers formed Project 515 and commissioned its report outlining 515 statutes that provide rights and assign responsibilities to couples based on the legal definition of marriage. As a result, these laws exclude domestic partners who aren't married, even if they have made lifelong commitments. At a time when Minnesotans are discussing many other issues — including health care, education and transportation — that determine what kind of state we'd like to live in, it's important to discuss another important quality-of-life issue — fairness for all Minnesotans.

Missouri

PROMO

Missouri's statewide organization advocating for LGBT equality works to help LGBT Missourians create a supportive and visible community, become active in the democratic process, and work for their equal protection under the law, building community awareness and grassroots support for LGBT equality and increasing civic participation of LGBT Missourians.

Montana

Montana Equality Now

Our mission, through political action, advocacy, and education, is to create a more positive environment for Montana's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, and Questioning community to thrive in our beloved state. Our strategy is to support and create direct political action to change the legal, social, and political status of L.G.B.T.Q.Q.I. persons in the state of Montana.

New Hampshire

Marriage Equality USA - New Hampshire Chapter

Marriage Equality USA's New Hampshire chapter is part of a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.

New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition

Providing the grassroots effort and support necessary to successfully advocate for and pass legislation that will grant same-sex couples the legal right to marry in New Hampshire.

New Jersey

Garden State Equality

The largest advocacy organization in New Jersey, Garden State Equality works not only to win fairer laws, but also to win justice for LGBT New Jerseyans facing discrimination, and produces 15 grassroots and public education programs to advance marriage equality

New Mexico

Equality New Mexico (EQNM)

A statewide education and advocacy organization that works for full recognition of LGBT civil rights.

Just New Mexico

A grassroots organization whose mission is to move the state toward full marriage equality for all lesbian and gay couples, through action and education. Nobody is equal until we are all equal.

New York

Empire State Pride Agenda

New York's statewide LGBT civil rights and advocacy organization, Empire State Pride Agenda works to win equality and justice for LGBT New Yorkers and families, creating a broadly diverse alliance of LGBT people and allies in government, communities of faith, labor, all sectors of the workforce and other social justice movements to achieve equality for LGBT New Yorkers and the broader goals of social, racial and economic justice.

Fight Back New York

The first-ever public campaign to identify and replace anti-marriage legislators through aggressive, strategic electoral work, Fight Back NY works to ensure new votes for marriage equality through constant direct communication with voters in special, primary, and general elections.

Marriage Equality New York (MENY)

Marriage Equality New York (MENY) is a grassroots, volunteer based, single-issue organization dedicated to securing the right for ALL New Yorkers to enter into legally recognized civil marriages.

The Wedding Party

A coalition that supports same-sex commitment and equal marriage rights.

North Carolina

Equality North Carolina (ENC)

Equality NC is a statewide group dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for LGBT people, working toward that goal by effectively lobbying the North Carolina General Assembly, executive branch, and local governments on issues like inclusive anti-bullying policies, employment discrimination, hate violence, privacy rights, sexuality education, adoption, domestic partnership, HIV/AIDS, and more.

Ohio

Equality Ohio

In collaboration with local, regional, statewide, and national organizations and government agencies, Equality Ohio works as an advocate and champion for fair treatment and equal opportunity for LGBT citizens; to facilitate a greater understanding of our common humanity through education and outreach efforts; and to engage and empower individuals, families, organizations, businesses and institutions throughout Ohio.

Marriage Equality USA - Ohio Chapters

Marriage Equality USA's Ohio chapters are part of a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.
Marriage Equality USA - Central Ohio Chapter
Marriage Equality USA - Northeast Ohio Chapter
Marriage Equality USA - Northwest Ohio Chapter
Marriage Equality USA - Southeast Ohio Chapter
Marriage Equality USA - Southwest Ohio Chapter

Oklahoma

Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq)

Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) seeks equal rights for LGBT individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances and the operation of the Dennis R Neill Equality Center.

Oregon

Basic Rights Oregon

A diverse movement made up of GLBT folks, straight-allies, rural and urban Oregonians, business leaders, clergy, elected officials, educators, parents and more as well as coalition partners in labor, healthcare, reproductive choice, civil liberties and racial justice organizations, committed to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Marriage Matters Oregon

A project of Basic Rights Education Fund, Marriage Matters Oregon is a grassroots campaign to get Oregonians talking to each other about the freedom to marry. The most important and influential conversations we have are with the people we know and care about. For the many Oregonians who believe that extending civil marriage to same sex couples is a matter of basic fairness and respect, Marriage Matters Oregon an easy and powerful way to start that conversation.

Pennsylvania

Equality Pennsylvania

This center for civil rights advocates equality for LGBT Pennsylvanians through direct legal services, education and policy reform.

Rhode Island

Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI)

A grassroots organization working to secure equal marriage rights for all Rhode Island couples, regardless of sexual orientation or identity.

South Carolina

SC Equality

South Carolina's LGBT civil organization, SC Equality works to secure equal civil and human rights for all LGBT South Carolinians and their families.

South Dakota

Equality South Dakota (EqSD)

The mission of Equality South Dakota is to secure and protect the rights and well being of LGBT South Dakotans and their families through full engagement in the political process.

Tennessee

Tennessee Equality Project (TEP)

A statewide organization dedicated to promote and sustain the equality of LGBT persons in the State of Tennessee through the establishment of fair and equitable laws protecting these rights and the elimination of laws that would seek to counter this effort.

Texas

Equality Texas (EQTX)

Equality Texas and Equality Texas Foundation envision a state where all Texans are treated equally, with dignity and respect. Equality Texas advocates and lobbies for the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Equality Texas Foundation educates and engages the public about policies and their effect on Texans of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

Utah

Equality Utah

Comprised of three organizations sharing a single vision and mission, Equality Utah works to secure equal rights and protections for LGBT Utahns and their families.

Marriage Equality USA - Utah Chapter

Marriage Equality USA's Utah chapter is part of a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.

Vermont

Vermont Freedom to Marry (VFM)

A nonprofit, all-volunteer resource for marriage equality in Vermont, VFM strives to answer questions around same-sex marrying in Vermont, financial and tax issues, family and child custody concerns, and more. The Vermont Freedom to Marry Action Committee, Inc. (VFMAC) is a social welfare organization dedicated to full civil marriage equality for same-sex couples in Vermont. VFMAC lobbies for the fair and inclusive treatment of same-sex couples in Vermont's marriage laws.

Virginia

Equality Virginia

A statewide, non-partisan advocacy, outreach and education organization seeking equality for LGBT Virginians.

Marriage Equality USA - Virginia Chapter

Marriage Equality USA's Virginia chapter is part of a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.

Washington

Equal Rights Washington (ERW)

A statewide political advocacy organization that works to ensure and promote dignity, safety, and equality for all LGBT Washingtonians, ERW has successfully advocated for the Anderson Murray Anti-Discrimination law, the creation of the domestic partnership registry, the further expansion of domestic partnership protections, and the passage of the Healthy Youth Act. ERW works to organize the movement for equality, educate voters, and influence policy makers, and continues to advocate for the expansion of protections available to committed gay couples and their children while working toward marriage equality.

Legal Voice
Legal Voice secures and protects women's legal rights. Our drive for justice improves the lives of mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, nieces & grandmothers in our region. A vital, active force in the community, we make substantive, lasting changes through legislation, self-help resources and litigation with a far-reaching public impact. Legal Voice put together a guide for same-sex Washingtonians who plan to marry - Questions and Answers: Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in Washington.

Washington Marriage Alliance

A group of Seattle community-based organizers seeking ways to keep Marriage Equality in the public consciousness and working to connect other local groups promoting grassroots efforts to further the cause of Marriage Equality.

Washinton United for Marriage
Washington United for Marriage is a coalition of more than 500 organizations, congregations, unions, and businesses working together in coalition to defend civil marriage for loving, committed same-sex couples.

West Virginia

Fairness West Virginia

The statewide civil rights advocacy organization dedicated to fair treatment and civil rights for LGBT West Virginians, whose mission is to ensure LGBT people can be open, honest and safe at home, at work, and in the community.

Wisconsin

Fair Wisconsin

One of the state's most respected advocacy groups with a proud history in political action, education, grassroots organizing, and outreach in the cause of LGBT equality, Fair Wisconsin, Inc. exists to protect and advance the civil rights of LGBT people through electoral involvement and direct legislative advocacy.

Wyoming

Wyoming Equality

Seeks to enhance the lives of LGBT people in the Equality State by providing education, information, activities, support, a networking system, and an advocacy system for people impacted by gender and sexual orientation issues.

Search form