Join us in the fight for equality.

We are at a pivotal point in our fight for a fair and just society, and the next few years will be an increasingly challenging time for many who are part of marginalized communities. I am deeply concerned that people are just going to give up – give up on being true to themselves and hide who they are from their family, friends, and co-workers. I’m especially concerned for the well-being of trans and non-binary folks, who have been singled out by the next president. I’m worried for young people who hear these horrible messages and internalize them. I’m anxious that some might consider drastic measures. 

My message is that we’re here and nothing about the election changes who you are. You are not alone and you are loved. Please check in with one another, take advantage of the mental health resources available to you, and share them with your friends and family.

After forty years of combating hate, EqualityMaine is committed now more than ever to resisting oppression. We will continue to make Maine a safe and welcoming state for all LGBTQ+ people. As a movement, we will continue to fight at the local, state, and federal levels – and in the courts – for our rights and dignity as human beings. 

On Election Day, Mainers again voted overwhelmingly for pro-equality candidates to best represent us in the State House. Along with a pro-equality Governor, we have a firewall in Augusta. As you know, Maine has some of the best protections for LGBTQ+ people in the nation. The Maine Human Rights Act, which was updated in 2005, protects against  discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity in most areas of our lives, such as education, employment, housing, credit, and public accommodations. We also have strong protections for marriage equality, protections for the rights of  transgender students in schools, and protections against conversion therapy. Most recently, we’ve updated our parentage laws to protect LGBTQ+ parents and families, ensured that gender affirming care is covered by private insurance and MaineCare, and we just passed a shield bill this spring, which protects providers who offer transgender healthcare and abortions from outside attacks and protects the confidentiality of patients. 

The past few days have been difficult, but I’ve been in direct contact with many of our local partners and elected officials, as well as with state leaders from across the country and national leaders to debrief about the election, consider what’s most urgent right now, and look ahead to what we should do to protect our community. We are unified as a movement in our message to you: together, across races, places, genders, and abilities, we have shown up for each other, and will continue to do so, by organizing, mobilizing, and casting our ballots for the freedom to be ourselves. 

Our work continues, and we are asking for your help: 

Please join us in the fight for equality.  

To strengthen our resistance with the most impact, we invite you to become a monthly donor. With your recurring contribution, you will be a sustaining leader in guarding equality for the thousands of LGBTQ+ people in Maine and around the country.

Yes, the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Americans are going to be challenged under another Trump administration, but our community knows that resilience and determination is our superpower. 

In solidarity, Gia Drew (she/her)
Executive Director, EqualityMaine