FreeState Equality

Fighting for maryland's lgbtq+ Community

We are Maryland's newest LGBTQ+ 501(c)4 advocacy organization

Our mission is to strengthen and protect the rights of Maryland’s LGBTQ+ community by advancing policies, candidates, and public discourse that center equity, inclusion, and the lived experiences of those most impacted by discrimination in Maryland.

Volunteer with

FreeSTate Equality!

By donating your time, you'll be helping us fight for inclusive policy and create a Maryland where everyone can thrive!

Latest News and updates

Read the FreeState Equality Legislative ScoreCard


The FreeState Equality Legislative Scorecard grades Maryland legislators on how much of their time in congress has been spent fighting for marginalized communities through votes, sponsoring bills, and overall pushing for inclusive policy!

FreeState Equality strongly condemns the ongoing violence carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota and across the country. The organization stands in full solidarity with protestors demanding safety, dignity, and justice for their communities. 

FreeState Equality opposes a coordinated package of legislation that targets LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, young people, and those seeking reproductive health care, including bills restricting gender-affirming care, banning trans students from sports, expanding immigration enforcement partnerships, censoring school content, and rolling back abortion access. 

Meet the second round of FreeState Equality Endorsements! ?️‍? (Part 1) @aletheiamccaskill @brooksformaryland @votepruski @delegatebmn @candyfordistrict7b @chuckcookfordelegate @del.danastein @morenoformaryland @dianamfennell @gabriel.sorrel @jeffrielongjr John D Leonard @autistichoya @voteforjenwhite @marc_korman @mattlpost #Maryland #MDLegislativeSession #Endorsement #MDEndorsement #LGBT
Meet the second round of FreeState Equality Endorsements! 🏳️‍🌈 (Part 1) @aletheiamccaskill @brooksformaryland @votepruski @delegatebmn @candyfordistrict7b @chuckcookfordelegate @del.danastein @morenoformaryland @dianamfennell @gabriel.sorrel @jeffrielongjr John D Leonard @autistichoya @voteforjenwhite @marc_korman @mattlpost #Maryland #MDLegislativeSession #Endorsement #MDEndorsement #LGBT
Meet the first round of FreeState Equality Endorsements! ?️‍? @shellyhettleman @fredcoexec @delegatekrisfair @courtneywatsonhoco @jessicafeldmark @anne.kaiser14 @delegatefoley @delpalakovichcarr @delaaronkaufman @lorigcharkoudian @ashantifmartinez @delegateheatherbagnall @mohan4md @delegateforbes
Meet the first round of FreeState Equality Endorsements! 🏳️‍🌈 @shellyhettleman @fredcoexec @delegatekrisfair @courtneywatsonhoco @jessicafeldmark @anne.kaiser14 @delegatefoley @delpalakovichcarr @delaaronkaufman @lorigcharkoudian @ashantifmartinez @delegateheatherbagnall @mohan4md @delegateforbes
FreeState Equality’s Legislative Scorecard is Live! Read now at the link in our bio to learn how Maryland’s legislators were graded - all on a scale of supporting legislation that supports marginalized communities! #Maryland #LegislativeScorecard #MDLegislativeSession #MarylandPride
FreeState Equality’s Legislative Scorecard is Live! Read now at the link in our bio to learn how Maryland’s legislators were graded - all on a scale of supporting legislation that supports marginalized communities! #Maryland #LegislativeScorecard #MDLegislativeSession #MarylandPride
Attention all eligible Candidates! The FreeState Equality Endorsement questionnaire is now active. If you are a candidate in a Governor, County Executive, Maryland State Senate, and House of Delegates race, you are eligible to take the questionnaire and be considered for an endorsement. Learn more about what an endorsement from FreeState Equality means at the link in our bio! #maryland #marylandpolicy #marylandendorsements #baltimorelgbt
Attention all eligible Candidates! The FreeState Equality Endorsement questionnaire is now active. If you are a candidate in a Governor, County Executive, Maryland State Senate, and House of Delegates race, you are eligible to take the questionnaire and be considered for an endorsement. Learn more about what an endorsement from FreeState Equality means at the link in our bio! #maryland #marylandpolicy #marylandendorsements #baltimorelgbt
Meet FreeState Equality! ?? Couldn’t make our introductory webinar? No issue — scroll through the slides above and learn about the organization, its mission, and our upcoming work to help make Maryland equitable for all. ✨ Interested in becoming a part of this advocacy? Then click the link in our bio! #marylandlgbtq #baltimorelgbtq #advocacy #maryland #queerrights
Meet FreeState Equality! 🌈🫂 Couldn’t make our introductory webinar? No issue — scroll through the slides above and learn about the organization, its mission, and our upcoming work to help make Maryland equitable for all. ✨ Interested in becoming a part of this advocacy? Then click the link in our bio! #marylandlgbtq #baltimorelgbtq #advocacy #maryland #queerrights
If you are participating in races for Governor, County Executive, Maryland State Senate, and House of Delegates, please check your email. Candidate endorsements are formal expressions of support or opposition regarding specific laws, ballot measures, or legislative candidates. The FreeState Equality team has just sent a message to all eligible candidates to take our Candidate Questionnaire, which will determine our endorsements for 2026.  If you have any questions about what a FreeState Equality endorsement looks like, please visit the link in our bio. #lgbt #maryland #candidateendorsement #endorsement #marylandcandidate
If you are participating in races for Governor, County Executive, Maryland State Senate, and House of Delegates, please check your email. Candidate endorsements are formal expressions of support or opposition regarding specific laws, ballot measures, or legislative candidates. The FreeState Equality team has just sent a message to all eligible candidates to take our Candidate Questionnaire, which will determine our endorsements for 2026.  If you have any questions about what a FreeState Equality endorsement looks like, please visit the link in our bio. #lgbt #maryland #candidateendorsement #endorsement #marylandcandidate
TOMORROW! Meet the FreeState Equality team ?️‍? Are you passionate about holding legislators accountable and making Maryland equal for all? Then join us at the ‘Meet FreeState Equality’ webinar, where you’ll learn all about how our organization fights for inclusive policy all year long! ? Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 ⏰ 6-7:30 EST ? Zoom Webinar You can register for the webinar NOW at the link in our bio! ?✨ #lgbt #advocacy #maryland #baltimore #queer
TOMORROW! Meet the FreeState Equality team 🏳️‍🌈 Are you passionate about holding legislators accountable and making Maryland equal for all? Then join us at the ‘Meet FreeState Equality’ webinar, where you’ll learn all about how our organization fights for inclusive policy all year long! 📆 Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 ⏰ 6-7:30 EST 💻 Zoom Webinar You can register for the webinar NOW at the link in our bio! 🔗✨ #lgbt #advocacy #maryland #baltimore #queer
Help us create change in Maryland! ? FreeState Equality is looking for Board Members ready to help us fight for LGBTQ+ people all across the state. As a Board Member, you’ll help us establish organizational goals, work with legislators, and ultimately, pass inclusive legislation that makes Maryland safer for all! Learn more and apply to be a Board member at the links in our bio! ✨? #Maryland #Baltimore #lgbtmd #marylandadvocacy #queermd
Help us create change in Maryland! 🌈 FreeState Equality is looking for Board Members ready to help us fight for LGBTQ+ people all across the state. As a Board Member, you’ll help us establish organizational goals, work with legislators, and ultimately, pass inclusive legislation that makes Maryland safer for all! Learn more and apply to be a Board member at the links in our bio! ✨🔗 #Maryland #Baltimore #lgbtmd #marylandadvocacy #queermd
Meet the FreeState Equality team! ?️‍? Are you passionate about holding legislators accountable and making Maryland equal for all? Then join us at the ‘Meet FreeState Equality’ webinar, where you’ll learn all about how our organization fights for inclusive policy all year long! ? Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 ⏰ 6-7:30 EST ? Zoom Webinar You can register for the webinar NOW at the link in our bio! ?✨ #lgbt #advocacy #maryland #baltimore #queer
Meet the FreeState Equality team! 🏳️‍🌈 Are you passionate about holding legislators accountable and making Maryland equal for all? Then join us at the ‘Meet FreeState Equality’ webinar, where you’ll learn all about how our organization fights for inclusive policy all year long! 📆 Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 ⏰ 6-7:30 EST 💻 Zoom Webinar You can register for the webinar NOW at the link in our bio! 🔗✨ #lgbt #advocacy #maryland #baltimore #queer
FreeState Equality is the advocacy and civic engagement partner to FreeState Justice. FreeState Justice provides legal services, community education, and policy advocacy to protect LGBTQ+ Marylanders. FreeState Equality builds on that work by engaging voters, supporting pro-equality leadership, and advancing policies that strengthen LGBTQ+ rights across the state. Together, these efforts help ensure LGBTQ+ Marylanders have access to education, jobs, housing, healthcare, and justice. Sign up for FreeState Equality updates to get involved, volunteer, and support the movement. #lgbt #advocacy #Maryland #Baltimore #queerrights
FreeState Equality is the advocacy and civic engagement partner to FreeState Justice. FreeState Justice provides legal services, community education, and policy advocacy to protect LGBTQ+ Marylanders. FreeState Equality builds on that work by engaging voters, supporting pro-equality leadership, and advancing policies that strengthen LGBTQ+ rights across the state. Together, these efforts help ensure LGBTQ+ Marylanders have access to education, jobs, housing, healthcare, and justice. Sign up for FreeState Equality updates to get involved, volunteer, and support the movement. #lgbt #advocacy #Maryland #Baltimore #queerrights
Meet the FreeState Equality team! ?️‍? Are you passionate about holding legislators accountable and making Maryland equal for all? Then join us at the ‘Meet FreeState Equality’ webinar, where you’ll learn all about how our organization fights for inclusive policy all year long! ? Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 ⏰ 6-7:30 EST ? Zoom Webinar You can register for the webinar NOW at the link in our bio! ?✨ #lgbt #advocacy #maryland #baltimore #queer
Meet the FreeState Equality team! 🏳️‍🌈 Are you passionate about holding legislators accountable and making Maryland equal for all? Then join us at the ‘Meet FreeState Equality’ webinar, where you’ll learn all about how our organization fights for inclusive policy all year long! 📆 Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 ⏰ 6-7:30 EST 💻 Zoom Webinar You can register for the webinar NOW at the link in our bio! 🔗✨ #lgbt #advocacy #maryland #baltimore #queer
Trailblazing civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson has passed away Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, as confirmed by his family.  Jackson fought for civil rights alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and will be remembered for his tremendous leadership and contributions to the civil rights movement. He is one of the most celebrated voices in the fight for equality, and his history as a presidential candidate and supporter of LGBTQ+ equity helped bring the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation to where it is today. He fought to unite activists of all backgrounds in the pursuit of equality for all, and we will carry his name and his message every single day in FreeState Equality’s work.  Click the link in our bio to learn how FreeState Equality plans to continue the fight for equity in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Trailblazing civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson has passed away Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, as confirmed by his family.  Jackson fought for civil rights alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and will be remembered for his tremendous leadership and contributions to the civil rights movement. He is one of the most celebrated voices in the fight for equality, and his history as a presidential candidate and supporter of LGBTQ+ equity helped bring the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation to where it is today. He fought to unite activists of all backgrounds in the pursuit of equality for all, and we will carry his name and his message every single day in FreeState Equality’s work.  Click the link in our bio to learn how FreeState Equality plans to continue the fight for equity in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson.
DEMAND. ? COURAGE. ? “FreeState Equality opposes a coordinated package of legislation that targets LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, young people, and those seeking reproductive health care, including bills restricting gender-affirming care, banning trans students from sports, expanding immigration enforcement partnerships, censoring school content, and rolling back abortion access.” - Ronnie L. Taylor, Community Impact Director at FreeState Equality Read Ronnie’s full thoughts and learn about FreeState Equality’s fight against discriminatory legislation at the link in our bio. #Community #Maryland #Advocacy #lgbt #fightback
DEMAND. 👏 COURAGE. 👏 “FreeState Equality opposes a coordinated package of legislation that targets LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, young people, and those seeking reproductive health care, including bills restricting gender-affirming care, banning trans students from sports, expanding immigration enforcement partnerships, censoring school content, and rolling back abortion access.” - Ronnie L. Taylor, Community Impact Director at FreeState Equality Read Ronnie’s full thoughts and learn about FreeState Equality’s fight against discriminatory legislation at the link in our bio. #Community #Maryland #Advocacy #lgbt #fightback
FreeState Equality Condemns ICE Violence in Minnesota, Stands With Protestors FreeState Equality strongly condemns the ongoing violence carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota and across the country. The organization stands in full solidarity with protestors demanding safety, dignity, and justice for their communities. You can read the full Press Release at the link in our bio. #Advocacy #Protest #Resist #lgbtq
FreeState Equality Condemns ICE Violence in Minnesota, Stands With Protestors FreeState Equality strongly condemns the ongoing violence carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota and across the country. The organization stands in full solidarity with protestors demanding safety, dignity, and justice for their communities. You can read the full Press Release at the link in our bio. #Advocacy #Protest #Resist #lgbtq
So…what’s the difference? ?? Breaking down the differences between FreeState Justice and FreeState Equality, and why we need both of these organizations now more than ever! #Maryland #Nonprofit #LGBT #advocacy
So…what’s the difference? 🌈👀 Breaking down the differences between FreeState Justice and FreeState Equality, and why we need both of these organizations now more than ever! #Maryland #Nonprofit #LGBT #advocacy
TODAY! Help us launch FreeState Equality! ? There’s still time to get tickets for FreeState Equality’s Launch Fundraiser! Join us this evening (Wednesday, December 10th, 2025) from 5-7pm EST at The Brass Tap (1205 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21217) for an evening of connection and community with the staff of FreeState Equality.  There’ll be great food, amazing conversation, and insight into how our organization will fight so all policy supports Maryland’s LGBTQ+ communities. Get your ticket now at the link in our bio! #Maryland #Baltimore #LGBTQ #advocacy
TODAY! Help us launch FreeState Equality! 🌈 There’s still time to get tickets for FreeState Equality’s Launch Fundraiser! Join us this evening (Wednesday, December 10th, 2025) from 5-7pm EST at The Brass Tap (1205 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21217) for an evening of connection and community with the staff of FreeState Equality.  There’ll be great food, amazing conversation, and insight into how our organization will fight so all policy supports Maryland’s LGBTQ+ communities. Get your ticket now at the link in our bio! #Maryland #Baltimore #LGBTQ #advocacy
TOMORROW! Let’s launch FreeState Equality! ? You’re invited to FreeState Equality’s official launch fundraiser! Join us at The Brass Tap (1205 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21217) tomorrow on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 from 5-7 PM for an evening of connection and community with the staff of FreeState Equality. There’ll be great food, amazing conversation, and insight into how our organization will fight so all policy supports Maryland’s most marginalized communities. Get your ticket now at the link in our bio! #Maryland #Baltimore #LGBTQ #Advocacy
TOMORROW! Let’s launch FreeState Equality! 🌈 You’re invited to FreeState Equality’s official launch fundraiser! Join us at The Brass Tap (1205 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21217) tomorrow on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 from 5-7 PM for an evening of connection and community with the staff of FreeState Equality. There’ll be great food, amazing conversation, and insight into how our organization will fight so all policy supports Maryland’s most marginalized communities. Get your ticket now at the link in our bio! #Maryland #Baltimore #LGBTQ #Advocacy
Help us launch FreeState Equality! ? You're invited to FreeState Equality's FIRST fundraiser ever, officially launching the organization in Maryland! Join us at The Brass Tap (1205 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21217) on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 from 5-7 PM for an evening of connection and community with the staff of FreeState Equality. There'll be great food, amazing conversation, and insight into how this organization plans to create a Maryland where all policy supports this state's most marginalized communities. Get your ticket now at the link in our bio! #Maryland #Baltimore #LGBTQ #Advocacy
Help us launch FreeState Equality! 🌈 You're invited to FreeState Equality's FIRST fundraiser ever, officially launching the organization in Maryland! Join us at The Brass Tap (1205 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21217) on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 from 5-7 PM for an evening of connection and community with the staff of FreeState Equality. There'll be great food, amazing conversation, and insight into how this organization plans to create a Maryland where all policy supports this state's most marginalized communities. Get your ticket now at the link in our bio! #Maryland #Baltimore #LGBTQ #Advocacy
? Meet your inaugural FreeState Equality Team! ?   FreeState Equality plans to hit the ground running in creating a political landscape that meets the needs of LGBTQ+ Marylanders, and that work wouldn’t be possible with our team of tireless advocates:   Phillip Westry, Esq. (he/him) Executive Director   Ronnie L. Taylor (she/her) Community Impact Director   Joel Medina (he/him) Community Engagement and Development Manager   Our staff is ready to fight for Maryland’s most vulnerable — particularly trans and nonbinary folks, Black and Brown communities, those living with HIV, and our LGBTQ+ elders — while holding lawmakers accountable. Learn about how you can get involved at the link in our bio! #lgbtq #advocacy #nonprofit #maryland #baltimore #politics
🩷 Meet your inaugural FreeState Equality Team! 💚   FreeState Equality plans to hit the ground running in creating a political landscape that meets the needs of LGBTQ+ Marylanders, and that work wouldn’t be possible with our team of tireless advocates:   Phillip Westry, Esq. (he/him) Executive Director   Ronnie L. Taylor (she/her) Community Impact Director   Joel Medina (he/him) Community Engagement and Development Manager   Our staff is ready to fight for Maryland’s most vulnerable — particularly trans and nonbinary folks, Black and Brown communities, those living with HIV, and our LGBTQ+ elders — while holding lawmakers accountable. Learn about how you can get involved at the link in our bio! #lgbtq #advocacy #nonprofit #maryland #baltimore #politics
View more

Follow us on social media for more updates: