OUTspoken For Equality

"OUTspoken For Equality consists of a group of socially-conscious and politically-minded individuals who seek to spread awareness regarding issues that affect the LGBT community. We aim to effect change in local, state, and federal governments through networking, advocacy, lobbying, community outreach, and education."

OUTspoken For Equality was started 4 years ago when two women wanted to get involved in the political landscape of Western New York for LGBT rights. They marched in the annual Pride Parade holding a banner saying "We don't want to get married in your church. We are asking for our civil rights so we can marry in ours." After that, they began volunteering in various statewide LGBT organizations but soon realized that just as much work needed to be done in their own backyard as statewide. And so, OUTspoken For Equality was founded in 2008, and has re-focused it's efforts on WNY and ensuring that all WNY families have equal rights under the law.