Urgent: Help Us Safeguard LGBTQ+ Rights Under Governor Landry

Today marks the beginning of Governor Jeff Landry’s term in Louisiana, and we must stay vigilant to the potential threats his administration poses, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. Governor Landry’s track record is horrible at best, and we know the negative impacts his leadership can have on our State and community if we do not continue to fight back.

Here are some of the key areas of concern:

• Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies: We know Governor Landry’s past positions, and his commitment to implementing anti-LGBTQ+ policies as well as dismantling the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. We anticipate continued legislation and litigation that will harm the well-being and rights of our community members.
• Censorship Crusade: Governor Landry has a proclivity for censorship, which we saw in his coordinated attacks on public libraries last legislative session. He wants to silence the voices of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, which threatens our ability to build a welcoming, accepting State.
• Impact on LGBTQ+ Youth: We are especially concerned about the potential harm to LGBTQ+ youth. With a supermajority of Republicans under Governor Landry, we will fight hard against any adverse policies to stop LGBTQ+ youth from access to supportive resources and inclusive educational environments.

In the face of these challenges, your support for the Forum for Equality is crucial. We are on the front lines advocating for our rights, fighting against censorship, and protecting our community from harmful attacks, especially LGBTQ+ youth.

Please consider making a donation today to help us stand strong against any harmful policies and attacks that will arise under Governor Landry. Your support will be instrumental in our efforts to stand strong, continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and create a more inclusive Louisiana.

Thank you for your commitment to equality and justice. Together, we can ensure that the LGBTQ+ community in Louisiana remains resilient and protected in the face of ongoing attacks.

With Equality,

SarahJane Guidry

Wishing you a Season of Joy, Peace, and Equality

I hope this message finds you well. As we wrap up another year, we are reminded that we do not just serve the LGBTQ+ community, rather we all stand together with hope and fortitude, working tirelessly to promote acceptance, respect, and equality for all.

Throughout the year, your support has helped us to provide resources, shape policy, and fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Louisiana. We now ask for your continued kindness to help us advance our work and build an inclusive community for everyone.

The hardships of this year have particularly emphasized the importance of our mission. It is heartbreaking to see that many members of our LGBTQ+ community, especially our youth, endure discrimination at home, in their workplaces, and by the laws of Louisiana.To date, through your support, we have been able to protect lives by stopping harmful legislation like the “Don’t Say LGBTQ+” bill and others. Donations from supporters like you have funded community outreach, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns that address LGBTQ+ rights here at home.

Yet, there is a long road ahead. There are many that continue to harm our community through legislation, litigation, and lies. Together, we can change this. Your year-end gift can continue to make these vital missions possible.

Closing the year on a note of generosity can create ripples of change, and those ripples can grow into waves of acceptance and understanding. If you’re able, please consider making a year-end donation to strengthen the LGBTQ+ community here in Louisiana. No amount is too small, because every bit of support is a step towards a more inclusive and understanding place to call home. Visit our website at www.forumforequality.org to make your donation.

I am immensely grateful for your support. Together, we can change lives and build a community in Louisiana where everyone is welcome, where everyone is cherished. Please make a gift from the heart, and let us step into the new year with renewed hope and resilience.

On behalf of the Forum for Equality, we say thank you. 

Wishing you a season of joy, peace, and equality,

SarahJane Guidry

Executive Director, Forum for Equality

Give Where You Live, Louisiana!

Today is Giving Tuesday, and it’s giving HOPE. 

That’s because this community is like no other, and I’ve seen the resistance growing all year. We’ve faced ongoing attacks on our rights, our health, and our very existence… but what Governor-elect Landry and the Republican Supermajority have never understood about this community is that we’re rooted in love, joy, and hope.

Resistance is an act of hope, and I know that from the darkest days, we can build the brightest future. 

Since we founded Forum for Equality over 34 years ago, we’ve:

• Defeated anti-LGBTQ+ bills from Don’t Say LGBTQ to Speaker Mike Johnson’s Pastor Protection Act
• Passed local pro-equality policies from New Orleans to Shreveport
• Won domestic partnerships and marriage equality 
• Expanded administrative and executive policies under three Governors 

We’ve made huge progress despite all odds, and we continue to shift public opinion.

That’s why I know what a critical moment in history this is. That’s why I have HOPE. Because I believe in YOU, Mary, and I understand the power of this resistance you’re a part of. A whole army of people who never saw themselves as activists, who started to show up and speak out, that’s always how we’ve made progress for this community, and I’ve seen it in action this year.

So this Giving Tuesday, show the world that you BELIEVE: That you still have hope, joy and love to give. Because even in the darkest of times, I always have hope — and I’ll never stop fighting for equality and a better tomorrow. We’ve been under these kinds of attacks before. And we win when people like you stand up. Your Giving Tuesday gift is an act of defiance and hope, and you can make an impact in our fight f or equality in 2024.

For love and our community,

SarahJane Guidry, Executive Director
Forum for Equality

Early Voting Ends Tomorrow, Louisiana!

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 11, is the last day of Early Voting in Louisiana, and Forum for Equality PAC endorsed candidates need YOUR VOTE in these vitally important runoff races. To find your most convenient polling place, please visit: www.geauxvote.com.

With the gubernatorial election of Jeff Landry to Congressman Mike Johnson’s assent to Speaker of the House, there are some very dark and dangerous days ahead for Louisiana and our country, and we need to take their threats seriously. This is your opportunity to stand up and fight back with your VOTE — we still have THREE STATEWIDE RUNOFF RACES as Louisiana’s last line of defense. Make your plan to vote!

These endorsements reflect our organization’s mission of ensuring equality for all. Our mission, at its core, is simple: we believe LGBTQ Louisianans should be able to live freely in every parish across the Pelican State.

Statewide Races

• Treasurer: Dustin Granger
• Attorney General: Lindsey Cheek
• Secretary of State: Gwen Collins-Greenup

State Legislative Races

• House District 23: Tammy Savoie (Orleans Parish)

With such important races on the ballot this election, we encourage you to be an early voter. Be a part of the movement by supporting the above candidates and help build a State of equality here in Louisiana. We highly encourage you to exercise your right to vote and to share these endorsements with your family, friends, and fellow neighbors.

Be an Early Voter!

Today, Friday, November 3, is the start of Early Voting in Louisiana, and Forum for Equality PAC is proud of our endorsements for the run-off races in Louisiana. Early voting is Nov. 3-11 (excluding Sunday, Nov. 5 and Friday Nov. 10 for Veterans Day) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. To find your most convenient polling place, please visit: www.geauxvote.com.

These endorsements reflect our organization’s mission of ensuring equality for all. Our mission, at its core, is simple: we believe LGBTQ Louisianans should be able to live freely in every parish across the Pelican State.

Statewide Races

• Treasurer: Dustin Granger
• Attorney General: Lindsey Cheek
• Secretary of State: Gwen Collins-Greenup

State Legislative Races

• House District 23: Tammy Savoie (Orleans Parish)

With such important races on the ballot this election, we encourage you to be an early voter. Be a part of the movement by supporting the above candidates and help build a State of equality here in Louisiana. We highly encourage you to exercise your right to vote and to share these endorsements with your family, friends, and fellow neighbors.

Our full statement condemning the selection of Rep. Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House

The full statement from Forum For Equality, Louisiana Trans Advocates and the Equality Federation condemning selection of Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House:

https://www.equalityfederation.org/post/state-and-national-equality-groups-condemn-selection-of-extremist-rep-mike-johnson-as-speaker-of-the-house

Make your plan to VOTE tomorrow with FFE PAC Endorsements!

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 14, is Election Day in Louisiana, and Forum for Equality PAC is proud to issue endorsements in races across our State. On election day, the polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. To find your most convenient polling place, please visit: www.geauxvote.com.

These endorsements reflect our organization’s mission of ensuring equality for all. Our mission, at its core, is simple: we believe LGBTQ Louisianans should be able to live freely in every parish across the Pelican State.

Statewide Races

• Louisiana Governor: Shawn Wilson
• Lt. Governor: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser
• Treasurer: Dustin Granger
• Secretary of State: Arthur Morrell

Multi-Parish Races

• Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, District 1: Lauren Jewett

State Legislative Races

• Senate District 12: Anybody but Mizell (St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington Parishes)
• House District 2: Steven Jackson (Bossier and Caddo Parishes)
• House District 6: Bobby Darrow (Bossier and Caddo Parishes)
• House District 23: Pearl Ricks (Orleans Parish)
• House District 83: Rep. Kyle Green (Jefferson Parish)
• House District 91: Rep. Mandie Landry (Orleans Parish)
• House District 92: Rep. Joe Stagni (Jefferson Parish)

Orleans Parish 

• Criminal District Court, Section I – Leon Roche

With such important races on the ballot this election, we encourage you to make a plan to vote. Be a part of the movement by supporting the above candidates and help build a State of equality here in Louisiana. We highly encourage you to exercise your right to vote and to share these endorsements with your family, friends, and fellow neighbors.

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Celebrating Mary Griggs at the Acclaim Awards Gala this Saturday!

Forum for Equality is excited to come together this Saturday for the 23rd annual Acclaim Awards Gala! All are welcome to join with us as we celebrate the 2023 Acclaim Awards recipients at the Ace Hotel New Orleans this Saturday, October 7th from 6:00 to 10:00pm. For more information and tickets, please visit: forumforequality.org.

The Acclaim Awards Gala is our chance to honor and celebrate individuals and organizations that work tirelessly to empower and improve our community. This year we have the distinct honor to present Forum for Equality’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Mary Griggs. Mary has been and continues to be an ever present advocate, volunteer, and leader in the LGBTQ+ community here in Louisiana and beyond. Mary embodies the true meaning of community; working to blend progressive movements and connecting organizations and individuals to create change in the place we call home.

Learn more about Forum for Equality Lifetime Achievement recipient, Mary Griggs.

Mary Griggs is being awarded Forum for Equality’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her fifteen years of work with Forum for Equality, decades of dedication to expanding and ensuring the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals from California to Louisiana. Mary has been an integral part of the LGBTQ+ community in Louisiana. From the Shreveport Fairness Ordinance to Marriage Equality to fighting Legislative attacks, Mary has done whatever is necessary to make change happen. She is a non-profit management consultant and a political activist. She is the past President of Independent Women’s Organization of New Orleans and the past Vice-president of the Greater New Orleans NOW. She served as Managing Director for Forum for Equality before becoming a Chair of the Forum for Equality Louisiana board. She currently serves as Secretary of the Forum for Equality PAC. She is the author of four lesbian romance novels and speculative fiction novels, published by Bella Books. Additionally, she runs a food blog called Mouth Brothels to share her love of food and eating.

Cheers to The Greater New Orleans Foundation at the Acclaim Awards!

Forum for Equality is excited for the 23rd annual Acclaim Awards Gala this Saturday! We are coming together to honor those in our state who fight for and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.Please join with us as we celebrate the 2023 Acclaim Awards recipients at the Ace Hotel New Orleans this Saturday, October 7th, from 6:00 to 10:00pm. 

The Acclaim Awards Gala is our time to honor and celebrate individuals and organizations that continue to improve and empower the lives of LGBTQ+ Louisianans. Forum for Equality is proud of all the 2023 Acclaim Award recipients — they are leaders in our State doing the good and hard work here at home. For more information about all of our Acclaim Awards recipients and tickets, please visit: forumforequality.org.

Learn more about this year’s Philanthropic Leadership Acclaim Award recipient: 

The Greater New Orleans Foundation connects generous people to the causes that spark their passion.  As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, GNOF works every day to drive positive impact through philanthropy, leadership and action in our thirteen-parish region. And more specifically through their LGBTQ+ Fund, which has supported 46 organizations with over $652,000 since 2016. In addition to grantmaking, they convene people, resources, and ideas to create intelligent strategies and solutions to meet our region’s greatest challenges. Forum for Equality is proud of Greater New Orleans Foundation’s LGBTQ Fund and the work they do to serve as a vocal civic leader to ensure a vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all. 

Toasting to New Orleans & Co. at the Acclaim Awards on Oct. 7th

Forum for Equality is excited to come together at the 23rd annual Acclaim Awards Gala to honor those in our state who fight for and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. All are welcome to join with us as we celebrate the 2023 Acclaim Awards recipients at the Ace Hotel New Orleans on Saturday, October 7 from 6:00 to 10:00pm. For more information and tickets, please visit: forumforequality.org.

For 23 years, we have come together at the Acclaim Awards Gala to honor and celebrate individuals and organizations that continue to improve and empower the lives of LGBTQ+ Louisianans. The 2023 Acclaim Award recipients are leaders within our community doing the good work here in Louisiana.

Learn more about this year’s Corporate Leadership Acclaim Award recipient: 

New Orleans & Company is the official destination marketing and sales organization and trade association for the New Orleans’ tourism industry with over 1,100 members. New Orleans & Company inspires travel to the city for the benefit of the community. Forum for Equality honors the work they do to spread the message of our City and its unique and welcoming culture. New Orleans & Company’s “Everyone’s Welcome Here” program has stickers displayed in storefronts across the area, ensuring those who enter, know they’re among friends. This colorful badge means that a business has joined their citywide initiative to embrace people of all experiences and identities. What better way to show how welcoming our city is than with a sign that says just that? New Orleans & Company knows that putting their Everyone’s Welcome Here sticker in a storefront won’t just change the way people see a business. It’ll change the way people see and experience New Orleans. However, Everyone’s Welcome Here is more than just a sticker, it sends an important message to visitors, whether they be here for leisure, convention customers and those making decisions on where special events will be held in a competitive marketplace that inclusion is a part of who we are and how we operate. For generations, New Orleans has been celebrated as a welcoming, inclusive destination for all and host to iconic LGBTQ+ events such as Southern Decadence. Our unique beauty comes not just from our diversity of cultures but also in the blending of those cultures to create something uniquely our own. In New Orleans, EVERYONE is welcome and diversity is celebrated. This is not just a temporary campaign … inclusion is in our DNA.