Happy New Year! Welcome to the Silver State Equality’s Winter Newsletter.
This 2025 Silver State Equality carries an invigorated sense of community, resilience and determination. The results of the presidential election were devastating, but we are resilient and will continue to fight on behalf of LGBTQ+ people and full-lived equality. We have proven that when we stand our ground and rally our community, progress is achieved. Be assured as the year unfolds, with your support, we will resist and turn the tide once again.
By voting ‘yes,’ a majority of voters in Nevada supported Question 6, a ballot initiative that will enshrine reproductive rights in Nevada, in the state’s constitution, when it is voted on again in 2026.
We also had a few heartbreaking losses, including the defeat of library ballot initiatives in both Northern and Southern Nevada that would have helped to fund public libraries at needed financial levels. We also will miss the steadfast advocacy of State Senator Dallas Harris, D-Las Vegas, who was defeated for re-election.
This year, the Gloves are Off when it comes to our rights and dignity, and infers that while we won’t rise to the level of creating conflict, we will not stand idly by if and when our community is attacked by the Trump administration and other bad actors.
Our LGBTQ+ community is no stranger to adversity. We have fought through setbacks and found our strength—and allies—time and again. Together, we’ve shown that even the toughest challenges will not stop us.
André Wade State Director, Silver State Equality Pronouns: he/him/his
A Heartfelt Thank You to State Senator Dallas Harris
After serving in the Nevada Legislature since 2018, State Senator Dallas Harris has sadly lost her re-election bid. Silver State Equality and all LGBTQ+ Nevadans express our gratitude to Harris for her dedicated service to the legislature and the people of Nevada, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. Although we have lost a strong advocate in Carson City, we are thankful that Harris will stay engaged as a member of the Silver State Equality Advisory Board.
Nevada Equality Coalition
The Equality Coalition is comprised of progressive organizations working together to pass pro-equality legislation during the legislative session. The coalition began in 2009, and is the chief architect of Equality Lobby Day in Carson City, which will be April 16, 2025. On this day, advocates will have a chance to meet with legislators about our priority bills after they receive training. There will also be a press conference, and possible seating in the chambers of the Senate or Assembly. If you are interested in learning more and joining us, email André at andre@silverstateequality.org
Join our Legislative Action Team!
Nevada’s 83rd legislative session begins on February 3rd and we need you to help pass protections for LGBTQ+ Nevadans this session. Join the team of bold advocates and use your voice to help keep our community safe.
What does it mean to join the Legislative Action Team?
∂ Receive training about Nevada's legislative process, how to provide comments in support of bills, and how to craft your story for impact.
∂ Be part of our rapid-response email thread where we'll give you the details to make calls, send emails, and testify in person when pro-equality bills are being heard in committee.
∂ Build community and solidarity with other advocates and get continuous guidance from experienced staff.
∂ Join us in Carson City on April 16, 2025 for Equality Advocacy Day!
∂ We have a lot to do next year to protect LGBTQ+ people in our state, and this is a great way for new or experienced advocates to participate!
Please complete this form and we’ll be in touch with you soon!
Legislative Priorities: 2025
With no time to rest, we at Silver State Equality are drafting new legislation and policy for the upcoming 2025 Nevada Legislative session, which begins Feb. 3 in Carson City.
Education
Silver State Equality will work to pass legislation that will prohibit public school and public library book bans. Everyone should have access to a diverse set of books that are inclusive, encourage discussion, and help to reflect the lived experiences of others who are different from us.
Health Care
Silver State Equality will continue working with Nevada legislators and medical professionals to ensure the passage of legislation that protects physicians who provide transgender healthcare and the families that access these services.
In 2023, the Nevada Legislature passed a bill prohibiting healthcare licensing boards from disqualifying or disciplining a provider for offering transgender healthcare. However, it was vetoed by Governor Joe Lombardo. We are actively working to pass a similar shield law bill in this legislative session and secure its passage into law. We believe transgender youth and their families should be able to access medical care and make their own medical decisions with doctors — not the government.
Lastly, Silver State Equality is advocating for the addition of inclusive language to the Nevada Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
