Since 1989, Forum for Equality has been at the forefront of nearly every major LGBTQ civil rights victory in Louisiana.

Forum for Equality is Louisiana’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) human 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 our goals is through community organization, education, and constructive participation in the political process. Since 1989, Forum has been active in Louisiana by helping to pass civil rights advancements for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.

Organization

Forum for Equality Foundation is our 501c3 organization that develops and implements educational programs on LGBTQ+ issues and conducts comprehensive campaigns to generate public support for equal rights.

Forum for Equality Louisiana is our 501c4 organization that hosts our lobbying and advocacy efforts.

Accomplishments

Advocating for change across Louisiana, such as working with our partners on Be Fair Shreveport to extend employment, housing, and accommodations protections for the LGBTQ+ community, and working with the NOPD to implement their first ever LGBTQ+ policy.

Protecting city employees from discrimination in Baton Rouge, Monroe, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Jefferson Parish, Bossier City, and Shreveport.

Defeating anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that would harm and restrict our rights and freedoms, including the notorious 'Marriage and Conscience Act' by Representative (and now Speaker of the House) Mike Johnson.

Engaging legislators, organizations, communities and allies across the state to ensure expanded rights for the LGBTQ+ community

Educating communities on hate crimes, economic impact of discrimination, faith, and equality through media, town halls, seminars, and public forums

Building coalitions: Forum for Equality was a leading partner in the Safe School coalition “Stop Bullying Louisiana” in partnership with disability, education, social justice, and progressive organizations. In 2015, we formed the Freedom Louisiana coalition with ACLU of Louisiana and the Human Rights Campaign. Together, we successfully defeated Rep. Mike Johnson's discriminatory "Marriage and Conscience Act" in committee.

Forum for Equality is a proud member of the Equality Federation, a national organization whose mission is to win equality in all fifty states. By partnering with organizations that are working on-the-ground, Equality Federation builds a strong movement to advance policies that improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people.