Welcome!
Equality Caucus was formed, and approved, in Fall 2023 following an initial gathering for conversation at Braver Angels National Convention earlier that year in Gettysburg PA. A small group of Braver Angels members from different regions of the US and from Europe drafted the statement you see here in this simple, declarative format: The Mission, Who we Are, The Challenge, The Opportunity. We welcome LGBTQ individuals, allies, family members, friends, colleagues and others who want to work with us. Thank you.
The Mission
As the Equality Caucus, we believe LGBTQ individuals are guaranteed our inalienable rights in the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness which are among our shared American values. To support the movement-making work of Braver Angels to build bridges, we aim to engage in dialogue to undermine harmful stereotypes, focus on solutions, and respect our shared humanity.
Who We Are
We are members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) communities, across generations and regions of the United States, that hold diverse views about issues affecting our communities.
The Challenge
Within our LGBTQ communities, we are witnessing polarization pitting members of the community against each other, mischaracterizing diverse views, and being both instigators and victims of cancel culture.
Within American society, some individuals in the LBGTQ communities experience harmful stereotyping, threats to their physical and psychological safety, and challenges to their rights and protections.
The Opportunity
Within our LGBTQ communities and the greater Braver Angels community, the BA Equality Caucus is a space to share concerns and hope for equality, learn to listen to each other, understand viewpoint diversity, and strive to establish common ground.
Click to Join Our Caucus
Google Form to Join Equality Caucus mailing list
Allies (friends, family members, colleagues, those concerned for themes identified in the charter, and other allies) are welcome to join. Thank you.
If you have questions please communicate directly with the Equality Caucus leadership team at email equality-caucus-info@braverangels.org
Leadership team (in alphabetical order by last name):
Dr. Melissa Bird, Oregon, Blue Co-chair
Zander Keig, MS, MSW, LCSW, Oregon, Red Co-chair
Margaret Riley, Vermont, Alternate Red Co-chair
Alysa Steenport, Wisconsin, Alternate Blue Co-chair
WE HAVE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS THROUGH MOST THE YEAR.
COMING UP:
Our September topic – observing National Coming Out Day – was sharing ‘Coming out’ stories. Thank you for a well attended and lively meeting. Our August topic was discussion of how recent changes in Medicaid may impact LGBT Americans. Our July Topic was a discussion of the recent Skrmetti decision in the US Supreme Court.
Co-chairs set the topic for each regular monthly meeting, that should be fourth Thursday, 7PM Eastern Would you like to suggest a topic? Would your local Braver Angels alliance, or other group, propose a collaborative program with the Equality Caucus? Contact Co-Chairs at equality-caucus-info@braverangels.org
Notice: We won’t hold meetings Thanksgiving Day Thursday in November or Christmas Day Thursday in December. We will return in 2026.