giving back
Equality for Everyone By Rebecca Barnes
E
quality is the ability for every human to have the same treatment and opportunities under the law. The idea of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” is supposed to be afforded to every citizen of our country. Yet, historically there have been roadblocks to different groups attaining that equality, and when there are, thankfully, there are people willing to take a stand.
Action in the Community
How EPW Began
In addition, finding ways to help the Prince William/Greater Manassas community at large, EPW has been forming a team, raising funds and walking in the Manassas Out of the Darkness Suicide prevention walk annually since 2016, participating in the Virginia VDOT Adopt-a-Highway program since 2010, providing meals for the homeless in the area, and participating in events like the Unity March Against Hate from Woodbridge to Charlottesville in 2019.
Equality Prince William was born out of a need to protect the rights of same-sex couples who were being denied the right to marry in the state of Virginia. In 2014 the amendment suppressing that right was declared unconstitutional by the United States Supreme court. EPW is committed to recognizing the diversity of the Greater Prince William community. They do not seek special privileges — only equality for all.
Fairness, Equality and Safe Spaces
EPW has participated in many parades, from the Dale City 4th of July Parade, the Manassas Veterans Day parade, the Capital Pride and Northern Virginia Pride festivals, and most recently, they planned and executed the first-ever Pride event in Prince William County on Oct. 3, 2021, at Harris Pavilion in Manassas.
Vice-President Dave Dooley shared his story of why he chooses to volunteer with EPW.
EPW gives a voice to the LGBTQ community and their family and friends by providing a safe place for them to bring up and discuss issues as well. EPW advocated for Prince William County Schools’ code to include sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination policy, to ensure the rights of LGBTQ students are protected.
"In 2009 four years after leaving the Army during ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell,’ I lived in Prince William County as a single father of two great kids. As a gay father I had little to no friends I could relate with. Prince William wasn't exactly a hot spot of gay life outside of Washington, D.C. In fact, those in DC consider it so far away as to make me feel unavailable,” he said.
EPW works for fairness and equality. Through advocating and planning with local PWC government leaders, June was declared LGBTQ Pride Month in the City of Manassas Park, Manassas City and Prince William County.
However, Dooley notes he found EPW and specifically, President Jim O'Connor and Member-at-Large Hank Odum, who welcomed he and his family into the EPW family.
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February 2022 prince william living
