Mayor Levar M. Stoney on Saturday was named an “OUTstanding
Virginian” by Equality Virginia for his advocacy, outreach and progressive
policies to champion equality for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The mayor was among eight honorees who were recognized
Saturday night at Equality Virginia’s 2019 annual dinner.
“Every day we work to make the City of Richmond a welcoming,
inclusive and equitable place to live, work and play,” the mayor said. “I am
humbled and honored to accept this award from Equality Virginia and grateful
for the many contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to building One Richmond.”
Under Mayor Stoney, the city raised its Municipal Equality
Index (MEI) score from a 42 to a 94 in 2018 – making it the highest MEI score
in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Additionally, Richmond was named an MEI
All-Star by the Human Rights Campaign for being a city boldly leading the way
toward LGBTQ+ equality. The key items that made the score increase
possible were:
- Passage of the Human Rights Commission and non-discrimination laws, which protect Richmonders from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, economic status, sex, disability, religion, and sexual orientation and gender identity
- Providing transgender-inclusive health benefits for city employees
- Establishing an LGBTQ+ liaison in the Mayor’s Office
Mayor Stoney’s first official act after taking office was to
officiate a same-sex marriage. Last year, during LGBTQ Pride Week in Richmond
he raised the Pride flag, signifying that ALL are welcome in the City
of Richmond. He also installed Virginia Pride artwork by artist Jumper Maybach
in his front office.
Later this year, Richmond will host the Diversity Sports
Jubilee, a multisport tournament featuring LGBTQ+ athletes from around the
world.
To view the Equality Virginia video of Mayor Stoney, click here.
For more information on Equality Virginia, please contact Vee Lamneck, Deputy Director at vlamneck@equalityvirginia.org or call (804) 643 – 4816.
For more information on Equality Virginia, please contact Vee Lamneck, Deputy Director at vlamneck@equalityvirginia.org or call (804) 643 – 4816.
