Equality for Everyone

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Equality for Everyone

By Rebecca Barnes

Equality 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.

How EPW Began

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 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.

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.

Action in the Community

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.

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.

Vice-President Dave Dooley shared his story of why he chooses to volunteer with EPW.

"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.

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.

“My kids and I found folks who welcomed us, took us into their social circle, and made us feel more like we had finally found something to call home. As a military guy originally from Oregon, this was the first time I felt like I belonged. Soon after, I wanted to show my appreciation for what EPW has done for me by volunteering. It wasn't a sacrifice at all for me to donate my time, money, and energy to their cause to show the Greater Prince William Community that LGBTQ folks are looking to have the same opportunities, successes, failures, and life our straight allies and friends have. Since then, volunteering means getting our voices out there, to be seen, to show we are your neighbors and friends too. We are all in this together. Our diversity adds to the complex beauty of Prince William County,” Dooley said.

Equality Prince William participates in many parades and participated in the first-ever Prince William Pride event in October of 2021.

How to Get Involved

EPW is an all-volunteer organization with four officers and five members-at-large. There are no paid positions — only personnel who are passionate about making a difference for their community, family, friends and themselves.

You can become a volunteer by responding to a Facebook or Meetup event online and showing up in person to speak to a board member. You can also send an email to info@ equalityprincewilliam.org or a letter to: Equality Prince William, P.O. Box 6983, Woodbridge, Virginia 22195-6983

If your business or organization wants to partner with EPW here are a few ways to help: 1. Become a member as a business. 2. Partner with EPW to host events. 3. Provide instructional speaking events to EPW members. 4. Sponsor or advocate with EPW on community issues. 5. Become a Pride sponsor or vendor. 6. Join EPW at community meetings and speak in support of

LGBTQ events. With monthly happy hours, brunches and informational briefings, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Ultimately EPW wants to have a positive impact on the Prince William community by providing a safe space to have discussions on issues within Prince William, sharing those issues with local government leaders and providing resources to community members in need — either directly or by providing information to available resources and partnering with local non-profits and businesses on key issues important to the LGBTQ community and their allies.

For more information on membership, volunteering or events, please visit equalityprincewilliam.org or their Facebook page: facebook.com/equalityprincewilliam.

Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living magazine and Brides & Weddings magazine. She is a lifelong resident of Prince William County and a volunteer with OWL VFD. In her free time, she persues “Life, Liberty and Happiness” with her family, being a grandma, visiting Walt Disney World, reading, and sleeping.

We’re sharing the love!

During the entire month of February, nonresidents can get the resident rate when purchasing or renewing an annual Basic or All Access Passport membership. Save up to $360!

Please contact Front Desk for details or visit mpdpr.com/membership.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street Manassas Park, VA 20111 703.335.8872