Voice for Equality: Triad Equality Alliance

The Triad Equality Alliance (TEA) was founded in March 2004 as part of EqualityNC Project. TEA's mission is to eliminate prejudice and to secure social justice and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people by educating and enlightening the general public about LGBT members of the community and the special issues affecting them. Learn more here.

Since April 15th, 2004, TEA has run a series of highly visible and thought-provoking billboards at the intersection of two large highways between Greensboro and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The billboards have featured short pro-LGBT messages along with pictures of many local LGBT people. The campaign series have included: "Good People," "Valued Members," "All Equal," "Gay Equality," "abOUT Face" and "Long Enough" - see images below:













An example of the many volunteers who have appeared in TEA's billboards are Lennie and Pearl, who have been together for 43 years. Their story, shared on the TEA website, puts the need for equal rights for the LGBT community in sharp focus:

For 43 years we have lived love-filled lives, arrayed with rich experiences, satisfying careers, and supportive family and friends. We have known "togetherness" as a special kind of sharing - ideas, daily habits, foods, likes and dislikes, travels, finances - everything! At the same time, we have maintained great respect for each other’s "individuality." As with most people, we have worked hard, paid taxes, given service to the community, and endeavored to live lives of honesty, integrity and dedication to the greater good. But, unlike most people in the USA, we have been denied equal rights, a concept basic to the principles of our country.

Not content to rest on their laurels, Triad Equality Alliance next has its sites set on radio ads and other media to reach even more people in the future.

Freedom to Marry salutes the Triad Equality Alliance for their brilliant work in delivering effective messages to their North Carolina community that have put a face and personal spin on the marriage equality debate! Learn about other Voices for Equality here.

If TEA's activism inspires you - get involved. Click to support the urgent marriage equality effort in New Jersey here!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!