Campaign for Southern Equality

06/12/2026

Bentley Hudgins could make history this November as Georgia’s first trans lawmaker. Their campaign is built on real experiences and problems in their community. Read more about Bentley’s story and plans for Georgia in the article:

In the middle of America’s intensifying backlash against trans rights, voters are set to send Bentley Hudgins to the state Capitol.

06/11/2026

Excited to see the launch of Virginians for Marriage Equality this month! In November, Virginians will be asked to affirm the freedom to marry at the ballot box – check out this piece about the launch, and be sure to follow the campaign. https://virginiamercury.com/2026/06/01/virginia-marriage-equality-amendment-campaign-launches-at-start-of-pride-month/

06/10/2026

Soon, the Supreme Court will issue their opinion on whether it is constitutional to ban transgender athletes from competing on sports teams that match their gender identity. The decision has potential to curtail gender-based protections in schools, and fundamentally change civil rights law. In this op-ed, Shelby Chestnut, Executive Director of Transgender Law Center reminds us that “While court opinions may impact our ability to move through the world or express ourselves, they don’t change who we are or the fact that trans communities have always persisted.” Read more:

The Supreme Court will soon dictate how transgender students can compete in sports and who is worthy of U.S. citizenship

06/09/2026

On June 9, Bryan Fair of the Southern Poverty Law Center will sit in front of the House Judiciary Committee and answer questions about the SPLC's work tracking and exposing hate groups. Southern Poverty Law Center is being targeted not because it’s dangerous, but because it’s an effective civil rights org. The hearing is a distraction, and we can't let 55 years of civil rights work be undone.

We demand the case against Southern Poverty Law Center be dismissed.

06/07/2026

We are proud to introduce kin∙dom community (), one of the recipients of our 2025 Back-to-School Mini Grants. kin∙dom community used their grant to help launch a new program called "kin•dom club", which is a virtual, bi-weekly, afterschool GSA-type club that serves to provide care, connection, and support for LGBTQIA+ youth. Learn more about our Back-to-School Mini grantees: https://southernequality.org/back-to-school-mini-grant-recipients/

06/06/2026

Through The Lavender South, we elevate art and writing from q***r and trans creatives across the South. This week, we are featuring Robert Arrington’s poem “Conversations with My Younger Self”. Robert is a pastor, teacher, activist, and author living in South Carolina. He advocates for LGBTQ+ people living with HIV, as well as those experiencing homelessness, and is the founder of the Nehemiah Justice Center at Unity Fellowship of Charleston. Read their full poem and more from The Lavender South at https://southernequality.org/the-lavender-south/ .

06/05/2026

How can the theater be more than just entertainment on stage? Check out this podcast for thoughts on art and storytelling from David H. Parker, a director, performer, and cultural worker. For the whole conversation with host Holiday Simmons, check out the Trans Cookout podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Watch the full video:

David H. Parker is the director, producer, writer, performer, and c...

06/05/2026

Across the country, transgender adults are losing access to gender-affirming healthcare as federal pressure and insurance coverage shifts. From veterans denied services to federal employees losing insurance coverage and adults facing treatment delays, there are growing barriers to care.

Conservatives have long argued they want to end transition care for minors, but federal policies have increasingly limited adult access. More restrictions are on the way.

06/03/2026

Only a few days left to enter our Pride sticker design contest 🏳️‍🌈

Submit your design by June 7th, and if you design the winning sticker sticker you’ll receive a $150 stipend and 50 stickers to share with your friends and family!

For design themes, we're asking folks to uplift the roots of Pride as a protest, show support for trans youth, and celebrate the collective resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Otherwise, please submit designs that are:
✅Original and uniquely yours – not made by AI;
✅In a circular or square shape;
✅Legible/visible at a 3.5 inch by 3.5 inch size;
✅Include our logo or name or have a space for us to insert a logo.

Can’t wait to see your beautiful designs ✨ https://southernequality.org/2026sticker/

06/03/2026

Calling all LGBTQ+ Southern creatives! We are now accepting submissions of personal essays, poetry, and art to The Lavender South. The deadline to submit is June 30th, and those selected will receive a $150 stipend for the publication of their work on our website. Submit: https://southernequality.org/the-lavender-south/

The Lavender South is a space for LGBTQ+ Southerners to share their stories and experiences during these difficult times. At the start of the project in early 2025, reeling from the Presidential election results, we asked you to share about our movement. We heard from immigrants, student organizers, environmentalists, educators, and therapists, all working to resist oppression and build LGBTQ+ community here in the South. Next, we asked you about histories; your personal histories, with the prompt to write a letter to your younger self. Through art, poetry, and prose, you told stories to rebellious kids in church pews about finding your way to family, community, and your truest selves. Now, we are asking you to share your vision for our q***r Southern future. What are you dreaming about, and what are you planning for?