Equality Brief: Edition 3
Welcome back to The Equality Brief
Welcome! The Equality Brief informs you on the latest policy updates, advocacy efforts, and ways to get involved. This week, we’re covering South Carolina’s proposed total abortion ban, recapping two powerful advocacy events, and looking ahead.
Two Committee Hearings on Tuesday in Columbia
Total Abortion Ban
H 3457 is a total abortion ban that threatens reproductive rights and access to healthcare in South Carolina. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th, at 9:00 AM in the Blatt Building, Room 110, and it’s critical that we stay informed and take action.
Our partners at WREN have compiled key details on what’s happening and how you can get involved. Read more here.
DEI Ban
The South Carolina House Education and Public Works Committee will consider H 3927 in a hearing in the afternoon on Tuesday, March 4, in the Blatt Building, Room 110. This bill would ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state agencies, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions.
Public testimony will be allowed at the hearing, and written testimony can be submitted to laurennelsonsheorn@schouse.gov by March 2 at 12:00 PM. You can view the agenda for the hearing here.
Advocacy 101: Recap & Resources
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Advocacy 101! We had an incredible turnout and great conversations on how to be an effective advocate. If you missed it or want to revisit key points, check out these resources:
Read the summary of key takeaways
Go over the provided handouts
View the slideshow presentation
Part of the training included showing Phil Ford’s testimony at the State House during the "Don't Say Gay" bill fight. What a great example of how our personal stories are often our most powerful advocacy tool! (Trigger Warning: mention of self-harm)
Your Rights, Your Power: Watch the Recording
Our virtual event with ACLU of SC, Your Rights, Your Power, was a critical discussion on the impact of recent executive orders on LGBTQ+ rights, legal protections, and how to advocate for yourself and your community. If you couldn’t attend live, you can still access the materials:
Watch the recording on our YouTube channel
View the presentation slides
Access the resources mentioned
AFFA's Spring Gala - Tickets Are Going Fast!
The 2025 AFFA Gala is just around the corner, and tickets are selling quickly! Don’t miss your chance to join us on March 15 at Festival Hall for an unforgettable night of celebration, community, and impact. With a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing, it’s an event you won’t want to miss! Get your tickets now before they’re gone!
Stay Connected
Be informed – Follow AFFA and our advocacy partners for the latest updates.
Take action – Call your representatives, attend advocacy events, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
Support one another – Check in with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Get involved – Volunteer with AFFA, donate, and be a part of the movement.
A Final Note
Our recent events have reminded us how powerful and necessary community is. Advocacy can be exhausting, but we don’t have to do it alone. Let’s continue showing up for one another, sharing space, and lifting each other up.
Take care of yourselves—rest when you need to, set boundaries, and ask for help when you need it. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
