In Recognition of Equality Day: The Fight for Equal Rights for the LGBTQ+ Community and Uplifting Champions of the Cause

**LINK TO VIDEO**

NEVADA - In recognition of Equality Day, Silver State Equality, along with elected officials and advocates, spoke about their priority legislation relating to Nevada’s LGBTQ+ community. The day concluded with a rally in front of the State Capitol highlighting those who are trans and gender diverse.

Sen. Melanie Scheible, Chair of the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, issued the following statement:

“I cannot be more proud of this group of people, who have come together to show what Nevadans are all about, what we stand for. I chair our LGBTQ caucus here in the Nevada Legislature, and we have been going strong for almost four years now … and this session, I am so lucky to be able to support bills from members across both houses that are really going to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ people.”

Sen. James Ohrenschall issued the following statement:

“It means so much for legislators to be able to talk to people in person and hear what everyone’s going through and understand the need for the important bills that my colleagues are working on. I'm really lucky to have worked with Sen. Scheible last session, some of the bills she sponsored that passed and were signed into law were just historic. There's no other word for it: historic. And this session, I'm working with Sen. Scheible on SB 171, a shield law for gender and affirming care … and it tries to protect those families, those providers, much the same way that the shield law Majority Leader Cannizzaro sponsored last session regarding reproductive rights, does.”

Assemblymember Brittney Miller issued the following statement:

“I don’t have to explain to people how important it is to ensure that our First Amendment right stays intact, and how important it is to make sure that books of all subjects, of all kinds – scientific, medical, or just seeing leaders that look like us, or people that have shared the same experience that we have – stays intact. So this bill [AB 416] would require that only the courts can deem what’s obscene and if a book needs to be pulled off a shelf or not in our schools and public libraries … We really tried to address the different schemes that people try to use when it comes to censorship as much as we could.”

André C. Wade, State Director, Silver State Equality, issued the following statement:

"Nevada has long spearheaded civil rights protections for the LGBTQ+ community. And, as a model for the nation, our rights are still protected – at least for the moment. But, in the face of intensifying anti-LGBTQ+ hate and extremism, especially against transgender and gender diverse people, we must never take our eyes off the goal of creating a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. Today’s Equality Lobby Day events showed the power of our community as we stand together, stay informed, collectively drive progress, and advance LGBTQ+ rights in Nevada. As the 2025 Nevada Legislature proceeds, Nevadans can be assured that when bills are being heard that impact the lives and rights of the LGBTQ+ community – such as the Gender Affirming Care Shield Law, Non-discrimination in Insurance Coverage, and Prohibiting Book Bans - Silver State Equality, along with its allies, will make sure that our faces are seen and our voices are heard.”

Rosalia Martinez, LGBTQ+ Justice Organizer with Make the Road Nevada, issued the following statement:

“Across Nevada, LGBTQ+ individuals are encountering significant challenges. In rural communities, nearly 80% of LGBTQ+ students have reported experiencing discrimination, with transgender and gender-nonconforming students facing higher levels than their cisgender peers. In Tonopah, residents seeking gender-affirming care often travel extensive distances due to a scarcity of knowledgeable providers.​

“In urban areas, the situation is equally concerning. In Las Vegas, 56% of LGBTQ+ students don't feel safe discussing their concerns with school counselors, and 42% are uncomfortable approaching the school nurse. In Washoe County, debates over LGBTQ+ content in libraries have led to proposals that could marginalize LGBTQ+ youth further.​

“These issues underscore the urgent need for policies like SB171 and AB416 that protect and affirm LGBTQ+ Nevadans. We are committed to working with legislators to ensure that every individual, regardless of their status or identity, can live with dignity and access the support they need.​”

Brady McGill, President, Las Vegas PRIDE, issued the following statement:

'Nevada has earned a positive reputation for progress, liberty, and freedom for its citizens and has led the way on many issues facing the LGBTQIA+ citizens of Nevada. On behalf of the 15,000 individuals who engage daily with content in Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, we wish to extend our thanks to those fighting to protect the rights of ALL Nevadans and ask our state legislature to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion for every individual."

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About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media. Learn more at https://battlebornprogress.org/.

About Silver State Equality: As Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, Silver State Equality brings the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in Nevada and throughout the U.S. Silver State Equality strives to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. Silver State Equality is a Nevada-based program affiliated with and supported by Equality California and Equality California Institute, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. More information at SilverStateEquality.org.

About Make the Road Nevada: Make the Road Nevada (MRNV) builds the power of Latiné and working-class communities to achieve dignity and justice through organizing, policy innovation, and transformative education.