Equality North Carolina

Equality North Carolina is the oldest statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the United States, dedicated to securing full equality and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer North Carolinians. Founded in 1979, the organization advocates for progressive legislation, combats discriminatory policies, and mobilizes grassroots community power across all 100 counties. By pairing legislative advocacy at the General Assembly with local coalition building, the organization works to create a state where all people can live openly and safely.

The organization's strategic work centers on policy advocacy, public education, and local nondiscrimination protections. Staff and volunteer advocates monitor state and municipal policies, publishing detailed legislative analyses and educational guides through the Policy Resource Center. Through the NC is Ready coalition, the organization collaborates with local residents, city councils, and county commissioners to enact municipal ordinances protecting residents from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The organization also coordinates statewide nonpartisan voter mobilization campaigns through its Voting Hub.

Youth leadership and intersectional grassroots organizing form a vital pillar of the organization's statewide mission. The Rural Youth Empowerment Fellowship trains emerging LGBTQ+ leaders from rural towns, teaching grassroots organizing, community storytelling, and civic campaign strategy. In addition, the organization works directly with school administrators, parents, and educators to promote inclusive school policies and address bullying. Community members engage through policy workshops, digital action alerts, and annual advocacy summits held across the state.