EqualityMaine

12/19/2025

This holiday season, join us in pledging to protect Maine values: respect, acceptance and belonging. We are committed to making sure our schools and communities are welcoming, inclusive places for all Mainers, and to protecting the promise of the Maine Human Rights Act for all Maine students.

Help make sure transgender students are still included in its protections: decline to sign the anti-trans ballot petition and follow us - the Maine Women's Lobby, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders - GLAD Law and EqualityMaine - for more ways to get involved.

12/18/2025

The Safer Schools Conference is coming up, and we are currently accepting workshop proposals. Workshop submissions must align with the value and mission of the Safer Schools Conference. You can read more about the annual conference at equalitymaine.org/safer-schools-conference/

Have a topic you’d like to present on? Email kelly@equalitymaine.org if you want to be involved.

Audience: Youth in grades 7-12, Educators, Youth Service Providers
When: Friday, March 27, 2026
Where: Central Maine
Registration for teachers and schools will open in early January - stay tuned for more info!

Questions? Contact Kelly@equalitymaine.org

12/17/2025

Transition into winter nesting mode with EqualityMaine's New Leaders Project on Friday, December 19 at the Equality Community Center! We’re doing this one a week earlier because of winter vacation. We will be watching a short film while collaging gratitude journals, and exploring ways to craft our own stories using nature themes!

No registration required or cost to attend!
🌈LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies Grades 7-12
📍Equality Community Center, Portland, ME
📆(Usually) Fourth Fridays of the Month
⏰4:00-7:00 PM
🎥📖Community, Film, Snacks, Crafts
Got questions? Email kelly@equalitymaine.org!

12/16/2025

Tomorrow, the US House will vote on two anti-trans bills that would ban medically necessary care for trans youth.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s H.R. 3492 would criminalize trans healthcare for youth, and subject parents and doctors to arrest, prosecution, and up to 10 years of prison time.

Dan Crenshaw’s H.R. 498 would prohibit federal Medicaid funds from covering transition-related care for adolescents, creating a de facto ban for families who already face significant economic barriers.

These bills do not protect children - they persecute them.

Email and call your representative now to tell them to support youth, not harmful political agendas.

www.equalitymaine.org/BansOffTransBodies

12/15/2025

A big win for human rights advocates! Governor Mills allows the bill limiting police collaboration with 🧊 and CBP to become law.

It follows ramped-up dep0rtati0n efforts by the administration, who are detaining and dep0rting people who have committed no crime and pose no threat. In some cases, the administration has dep0rted people without allowing them due process.

Recent actions of the agency impacting people in Maine have drawn concern here. In one example, a Portland family with two high school students, one of whom is a beloved member of the local soccer community, was recently detained at the Canadian border in New York and transported to a Texas detention facility after having been denied asylum. In response, Portland High students walked out to protest.

12/14/2025

Today, we honor HIV Cure Research Day, and recognize the incredible advancements made in the fight against HIV while also calling for continued funding for research amidst federal funding cuts.

Despite recent medical breakthroughs, millions still live with HIV - and the fight isn’t over, as federal funding cuts make HIV prevention and treatment an uphill battle.

Call or email your reps and advocate for increased funding and support for HIV-related studies.
Volunteer or donate to organizations that focus on HIV prevention, treatment, education, like our friends at Frannie Peabody Center .

Together, we can make HIV a thing of the past.

12/13/2025

Q***r Youth Art Club is CANCELED this month.

Our next art club is Wednesday, January 21. More info on the specific craft or workshop to come!

We wish you a warm and restful end of year, and see you in 2026!

12/11/2025

CoverME.gov is your one-stop shop to compare quality health insurance plans, find savings, and get real support from people who understand your situation and your options.

Enroll on Coverme.gov by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Final deadline to enroll is January 15 for coverage starting February 1.

12/10/2025

Today is International Human Rights Day.

We’re here to remind everyone that human dignity is not optional; it’s the minimum standard for how societies should operate. Human rights should never be up for debate or compromised on.

But only if we choose — every day — to build systems and advocate for policies that protect them.

Whether it’s fighting for LGBTQ+ equality, reproductive rights, tribal sovereignty, disability justice, or voting rights, we are committed to building a brighter, more inclusive future here in Maine. Together, we can protect and fight for human rights today and every day. Because human rights are not optional. They are the minimum standard to create a better future.

12/09/2025

12/08/2025

Thank you so much for attending the Great Pumpkin Ball on Friday, October 31st at the State Theatre in Portland! We hope that you had a wonderful experience. In order to continuously improve the event, we would be grateful if you could please take a moment to fill out the quick survey below and share your experience and feedback with us about this year's Great Pumpkin Ball.

Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a raffle to receive 2 tickets to our Annual Awards & Gala taking place this spring. We will use this feedback during next year's planning of the Great Pumpkin Ball 2026 to ensure the event is as reflective of the community's interests and needs as possible.

Please take a moment to complete the post-event survey here.
https://tinyurl.com/pumpkinballsurvey

If you are interested in helping curate The Great Pumpkin Ball next year, be on the look out for our Pumpkin Ball Planning Committee 2026 announcements this summer!

12/07/2025

One week away! Our in-person training still has space available. Register today!

This free, three hour interacting Safety Plan Intervention (SPI) Training is designed specifically for school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and LCPCs to enhance your skills in supporting LGBTQ+ students.
Led by our MSW Student Intern Cal Megan, this session combines the Stanley-Brown SPI model with elements of the Q***rCare Model, offering practical, hands-on strategies you can apply right away. Participate in engaging discussions, explore real-world applications, and connect with fellow professionals—all available in-person and virtually.

Don’t miss this chance to create safer, more affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth! Participants will receive an EqualityMaine Professional Development Certificate and Contact Hours.

Our virtual training has minimal spots left, if interested, please email Cal at intern@equalitymaine.org!

For the in-person training, sign up here:
tinyurl.com/EQMEtrainings