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.

Join Our Caucus

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 

The July regular meeting of the Equality Caucus will be Thursday July 24, 7 PM Eastern/4 PM Pacific by Zoom. 

Topic: Discussion of the recent Skrmetti decision in US Supreme Court.  SCOTUS upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The 6-3 decision, with Chief Justice Roberts writing the majority opinion, determined that the law did not discriminate based on sex or transgender status and therefore did not require heightened scrutiny.  Instead the law’s classifications based on age and medical use were deemed to have a rational basis.  Scotusblog.com has a complete discussion at https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/united-states-v-skrmetti/   Also, Chairs will share plans for an Equality Caucus hosted debate tentatively set for fall 2025. 

The August regular meeting will be Thursday August 28, 7 PM Eastern/4PM Pacific by Zoom.

Topic: How recent changes or proposed changes to Medicaid might impact LGBT Americans.  Chairs will give an update on planned Equality Caucus hosted debate. 

And other topics.

Following input from a survey of members Caucus Blue and Red Co-Chairs set the fourth Thursday, 7PM Eastern as a regular meeting monthly (but not Thanksgiving Day Thursday in November or Christmas Day Thursday in December 2025).  Regular meetings will be 60 minutes with a focus on a theme or topic announced in advance.   

Sign up with the Caucus or inquire to receive the Zoom invitation at equality-caucus-info@braverangels.org  Thank you.

*Is your Braver Angels Alliance or group, or Braver Angels affiliated organization ( e.g. in the Braver Network ) interested in partnering with the Equality Caucus with a program idea?  Do you have a theme or topic to bring to a regular monthly meeting? Please let Co-Chairs know at the email address equality-caucus-info@braverangels.org   Thank you