Our Story
A note from our Board of Directors
Fairness Pennsylvania is a new statewide civil rights advocacy organization dedicated to fair treatment and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Pennsylvanians. As an organization run by Pennsylvanians, for Pennsylvanians, we are committed to representing the diverse needs and voices of our state. Our core purpose is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves equal rights, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We aim to advocate for inclusive policies, foster acceptance and understanding, and empower LGBTQ+ individuals across the state.
Our board members and staff each bring a wealth of experience and dedication to our cause. Every member is from Pennsylvania. Collectively, we have been actively engaged in various capacities – from grassroots organizing to legislative advocacy – in support of LGBTQ+ causes, legislation, and candidates focused on strengthening and protecting LGBTQ+ rights across the Commonwealth and in our home communities. From representation on multiple Governor's Advisory Commissions, to founding groundbreaking LGBTQ+ fundraising PACs, to breaking ceilings as the first LGBTQ+ nominees in our communities across the state, and well-beyond – our shared commitment to advancing equality drives our efforts to make a meaningful impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Pennsylvania.
At Fairness PA, we recognize the need for comprehensive and inclusive advocacy that reaches all corners of the state. We aim to support all Pennsylvania communities through legislative action, advocacy, and public education, ensuring that all Pennsylvanians are represented and treated fairly. Our work extends beyond urban centers to engage rural communities that are often underserved in terms of LGBTQ+ support and resources. We prioritize voter registration, outreach, and turnout initiatives to ensure that LGBTQ+ voices are represented in the political process.
There is a lot of work to be done across PA to ensure that basic rights for all Pennsylvanians are enacted and defended. Our primary focus is on combating the efforts of those who oppose LGBTQ+ rights. We believe that there is much to do to achieve real equality – and fairness – in Pennsylvania. This organization was created to address a need and a gap that existed. We also believe it will take many hands, many voices and multiple strategies to do this work. We are excited to be proactively engaged with so many organizations and individuals working on LGBTQ+ causes, and are open to working with all organizations committed to collective and collaborative efforts to promote equality in the Keystone State.
Like many nonprofit organizations all over the Commonwealth, Fairness PA has a fiscal sponsor who has helped our Board build a solid structural foundation. At this preliminary stage, Fairness West Virginia is a fiscal sponsor of Fairness PA. We appreciate the support we have received from Fairness WV to help our Board get our organization formally launched. It is common practice for nonprofits in their early stages to have a fiscal sponsor, and we are grateful for the assistance that Fairness WV has provided. We want to make it clear that all work, all organizing, and all donations for Fairness PA support our organization’s goals toward LGBTQ+ equality across our Commonwealth.
The members of the board of Fairness PA started this organization because we believe in the importance of advancing equality in our Keystone State. Again, we welcome anyone who shares our dedication and commitment to collaborate with us in our mission. Whether you have a track record in advocacy or are just looking to get involved, we stand ready to work together towards a more inclusive and just Pennsylvania. We invite interested individuals and organizations to reach out to us to discuss how we can work together to address the needs of our community.