The EqualityMaine logo
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Founded | 1984 |
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Type | 501(c)(4) |
01-0491854 | |
Location | |
Area served
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Maine |
Key people
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Ali Vander Zanden, interim executive director |
Revenue
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$235,969 (2011) |
Website | equalitymaine |
Formerly called
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Maine Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance |
EqualityMaine (formerly the Maine Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance) is a political advocacy organization in Maine, United States. Founded in 1984 after the murder of Charlie Howard, it is the oldest and largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization in the state. In 2008, they were a primary opponent of an attempt to revoke an anti-discrimination law in Maine. In 2009, EqualityMaine was one of the main supporters of a push to recognize same-sex marriage in Maine.
EqualityMaine's past executive director was Betsy Smith.
On June 30, 2011, EqualityMaine and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) announced plans to place a voter initiative in support of same-sex marriage on the state's November 2012 ballot. After leading the effort to gather the signatures necessary for a citizen's initiative, EqualityMaine was among the lead groups of the Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition, the group that led the effort to win the right to marry for same-sex couples in Maine.
In July 2013, EqualityMaine announced a new, five year strategic plan. That new strategic plan focuses the organization's work on issues that affect LGBT youth, LGBT elders, LGBT people living in rural Maine and transgender Mainers.
The organization is a member of the Equality Federation.