NEWSLETTER
You can stay informed and discover ways you can join the fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice by signing up for Silver State Equality updates.
Nevada Headquarters Mailing Address: 4780 West Ann Road #5357 North Las Vegas, NV 89031 Phone: (702) 755-6288 email: andre@silverstateequality.org
WINTER 2025
WELCOME to the Winter issue of the Silver State Equality newsletter. It’s customary this time of year to reflect on our accomplishments, share gratitude for your support and end with a call to action. But as we look toward 2026, the challenges ahead are too significant to save for the closing paragraph — they must lead the way. The future is already at our doorstep, and the choices we make now will shape the path for Silver State Equality and LGBTQ+ Nevadans. Next year’s election will be decisive. All four of Nevada’s U.S. House seats are up for grabs – three held by Democrats, one by a Republican. These races will determine whether we can restore checks and balances in Washington, D.C., defend our democracy, and protect the freedoms for which we have fought so hard. A Democratic majority in the House would be a vital safeguard for LGBTQ+ rights, standing against the continued rollbacks of equality we’ve seen from the Trump administration and its Congressional sycophants At the state level, the stakes are equally high. Nevada’s governorship is on the ballot, with LGBTQ+ allies Attorney General Aaron Ford (D) and Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill (D) challenging incumbent Governor Joe Lombardo (R). The race for Attorney General – who will certify the next presidential election – will also have lasting consequences for our democracy and our community’s rights. While Nevada remains a beacon of inclusivity, we cannot take that for granted. Now is the time to prepare – make your voting plan, stay informed, and get involved. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a longtime activist, Silver State Equality has the tools and resources to help you make a difference. In 2025, we faced setbacks –
among them, the Governor’s veto of a record number of proequality bills like SB 171, which would have protected access to health care for transgender Nevadans and their families, as well as the Lieutenant Governor’s attack on transgender student athletes under the guise of a “task force” to protect women’s sports. Yet, we also achieved meaningful victories – elevating awareness of book-banning efforts in Washoe County; celebrating the Las Vegas “Fruit Loop” being named a cultural landmark; hosting another successful Equality Lobby Day in Carson City with more than 60 advocates in attendance; and expanding our LGBTQ+ Leadership Academy for future leaders. As we enter 2026, one thing remains clear: Silver State Equality will never stand idly by when our community is under attack. Together, we will organize, mobilize, and resist because equality, dignity, and freedom are not negotiable. Here’s wishing you a joyful holiday season! With gratitude and determination,
André C. Wade State Director Silver State Equality Pronouns: he/him/his
Silver State Equality Launches Census Project Plan 2025 Silver State Equality launched the Census Project 2025 to actively survey and hear from LGBTQ+ Nevadans about their willingness to share sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) information on Census related forms and surveys. For too long, our community has faced heightened risks and mistrust when sharing personal information – particularly under a federal administration that has failed to protect LGBTQ+ rights. However, we’ve also been undercounted and not had the necessary resources allocated to our community to address social determinants of health. Accurate, inclusive data isn’t just a statistic — it is a tool for visibility, representation and access to resources that our communities desperately need. However, safety and trust is also paramount when it comes to SOGIE data collection. This project asserts that LGBTQ+ Nevadans deserve to have experiences counted safely and meaningfully, shaping the policies and protections that affect our lives. The findings from the survey and listening sessions will directly fuel advocacy, public education, and community organizing ahead of the 2030 Census and 2031 redistricting, ensuring that our communities are not overlooked or erased. We thank everyone for participating in this program that was funded by Silver State Voices.
Silver State Equality Celebrates 2025 Equality Awards More than 325 friends and supporters of Silver State Equality gathered on November 12, 2025 at KAOS at The Palms in Las Vegas for the organization’s annual Equality Awards, raising more than $245,000 to advance the fight for full, lived equality for all LGBTQ+ Nevadans. The evening brought together community members, allies and leaders in celebration of progress, perseverance and pride. Silver State Equality extends heartfelt thanks to presenting sponsors AT&T, Southwest Airlines and Walmart, along with the many other businesses and individuals whose generosity and partnership
Silver State Equality Hosts Estate & Life Planning Seminar Silver State Equality hosted a virtual LGBTQ+ Estate and Life Planning Seminar led by Angela Giompolo, Esq out of New York City. The seminar educated and empowered attendees to take control of their estate and finances by going over nine essential documents everyone needs to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and protected. Participants learned about wills, living wills, revocable living trusts, durable and
power the organization’s mission year after year. This year’s honorees represented the best of leadership, visibility and community service. Lisa Vanderpump – actress, restaurateur, designer, TV personality, author and humanitarian – was recognized with the Equality Visibility Award for her steadfast advocacy and allyship to the LGBTQ+ community. Jan Jones Blackhurst, former
healthcare powers of attorney, hospital visitation authorization, disposition of remains, tangible personal property memos and pet care directives. The seminar emphasized that this knowledge benefits everyone - not only those who are married - since single, unmarried partners and blended and chosen families also deserve peace of mind and security. Know Your Rights Fact Sheet: 9 Essential LGBTQ+ Estate Planning Documents
Las Vegas Mayor, business leader and philanthropist, received the Equality Leadership Award. And the LGBTQ+ Center of Southern Nevada was honored with the Community Leadership Award. The evening was hosted by Coco Montrese of RuPaul’s Drag Race, adding sparkle and heart to a celebration that both honored the achievements of today and inspired renewed commitment to the work ahead.
Future Nevada Leaders Attend Second Annual LGBTQ+ Leadership Academy Silver State Equality hosted its second annual Nevada LGBTQ+ Leadership Academy on October 25-26 at the LGBTQ+ Center of Las Vegas, further advancing its mission to build a pipeline of LGBTQ+ champions by convening emerging leaders for intensive candidate and campaign training. Modeled after Equality California’s long-standing program, the Academy equipped more than twelve participants with the practical knowledge required to navigate Nevada’s political landscape, seek public office and pursue appointed positions on agency boards and commissions. The curriculum covered campaign fundamentals including fundraising, grassroots organizing, message development, media training, voter engagement and endorsement strategies, while also addressing the unique obstacles LGBTQ+ candidates can encounter. The Academy continues Silver State Equality’s commitment to protecting and advancing lived equality, especially as existing protections have faced erosion in the current political climate. With generous support from NV Energy Foundation, this program aimed to strengthen Nevada’s future bench of leaders who are ready to engage the political system, uphold rights, and enact positive change for LGBTQ+ communities statewide.
You can stay informed and discover ways you can join the fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice by signing up for Silver State Equality updates.
Nevada Headquarters Mailing Address: 4780 West Ann Road #5357 North Las Vegas, NV 89031 Phone: (702) 755-6288 email: andre@silverstateequality.org