Forum for Equality

Forum for Equality is Louisiana's dedicated statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, committed to creating an equitable commonwealth where all people are free from discrimination regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Founded in 1989 in New Orleans, the organization has spent more than 35 years advancing legal protections, educating the public, and building diverse coalitions to improve the lives of LGBTQ Louisianans and their families across the state.

The organization has a rich history of achieving significant policy victories in Louisiana. In 1993, the forum spearheaded the historic effort to establish New Orleans's first domestic partnership registry, and subsequently secured municipal healthcare benefits for same-sex partners of city employees in 1997. When these policies faced legal challenges, the organization partnered with national legal advocates to defend them successfully in state courts. The forum was also instrumental in drafting and passing Louisiana's landmark 1998 Hate Crimes Bill, establishing legal recognition and penalties for bias-motivated violence against LGBTQ citizens across the state. In addition, the organization works continuously to advance fair adoption and family recognition policies that safeguard parent-child relationships and parental rights in courtrooms and legislative chambers.

Continuing this legacy, Forum for Equality actively lobbies at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge to champion statewide nondiscrimination legislation in employment, housing, and public accommodations, while vigorously opposing measures that restrict LGBTQ rights. At the local level, the organization has collaborated with municipal leaders and city councils to pass municipal protections for public employees in New Orleans, Shreveport, Monroe, and Lafayette, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunity in municipal workplaces.

Protecting vulnerable youth remains a central priority for the organization. Through its Safe Schools initiatives and leadership within the Stop Bullying Louisiana Coalition, the forum works with educators, parents, school administrators, and students to advocate for enumerated anti-bullying policies in school districts statewide. In the corporate sector, the Louisiana Equality Means Business program highlights and supports employers that adopt comprehensive diversity policies, demonstrating that inclusion is essential for recruiting and retaining top talent in the state. Furthermore, the organization coordinates community legal education forums in partnership with civil rights agencies, legal advocates, and federal departments to inform residents of their constitutional rights and legal protections under the law.

The organization celebrates movement achievements and community leadership through signature gatherings, most notably the annual Acclaim Awards Gala. This premier statewide event honors activists, civic organizations, and corporate allies whose efforts have significantly advanced the cause of equality.

Community members seeking legislative updates, educational materials, or workplace equality resources can visit the organization website. Supporters can get involved by volunteering during legislative sessions, joining grassroots mobilization teams, participating in public community forums, or providing tax-deductible donations to fund statewide civil rights advocacy across Louisiana.