Welcoming Christine Simmons: A Listener, Connector, and Advocate for Equality
- James Agens
- Jan 26
- 3 min read
SC Equality is proud to welcome Christine Simmons to our Board of Directors—a leader whose commitment to democracy, equity, and community-centered advocacy reflects the values that drive our movement forward.
Christine is a community organizer, activist, and local Democratic leader in Richland County, South Carolina. Her work is grounded in a deep belief that democracy is strongest when people feel heard, connected, and empowered to participate. That belief has shaped her leadership at every level—from grassroots organizing to local electoral politics—and now, as part of SC Equality’s board leadership.
A Commitment to Community and Democratic Values
Christine is the founder of Soda City Dems, a grassroots community of advocates united around the rule of law, social justice, equality, and human rights. What began as a space for shared values has grown into a platform for sustained local action—building civic engagement, strengthening accountability, and translating concern into impact.
Her involvement in the political process runs deep. Christine serves as a delegate and executive committeewoman for her precinct and has been an active participant in organizing efforts throughout Richland County for years. Whether supporting candidates, mobilizing voters, or creating spaces for dialogue, she has consistently shown up for her community with integrity and purpose.
A Campaign Rooted in Listening and Connection
Christine is also a former candidate for Mayor of Arcadia Lakes. While the campaign did not result in a win, it left a lasting impression on the community. Throughout the race, Christine was widely recognized as an effective communicator—someone who prioritized listening, relationship-building, and bringing people together across differences.
Her campaign centered on responsive leadership, inclusion, and a strong commitment to community well-being. More than a political effort, it was a reflection of how Christine approaches leadership: with humility, clarity, and a genuine desire to understand the needs of others.
Following the campaign, Christine made a deliberate decision to devote even more of her time and energy to organizing and advocating for the most vulnerable communities across South Carolina—especially women and LGBTQ+ people who continue to face systemic barriers, political attacks, and erasure.
Strengthening SC Equality from the Inside Out
Christine brings more than 24 years of experience in human resources, offering SC Equality invaluable expertise in organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and building healthy, mission-driven cultures. These skills are critical as our movement grows and as the challenges facing LGBTQ+ South Carolinians become more complex and urgent.
As a board member, Christine is focused on strengthening SC Equality’s operational capacity, culture-building, and issue messaging—ensuring that our advocacy is not only bold, but sustainable. She understands that strong movements require strong infrastructure, clear communication, and leadership that invests in people.
She is particularly passionate about expanding statewide awareness of the issues impacting LGBTQ+ South Carolinians and women, while helping build and bridge coalitions that can advance this work more strategically and collaboratively across the state.
Looking Ahead
Christine joins the SC Equality Board at a pivotal moment. Attacks on LGBTQ+ rights—especially against trans people—are escalating, and the need for principled, people-centered leadership has never been greater. Christine’s experience as an organizer, candidate, professional, and community leader equips her to help guide SC Equality through this moment with clarity and courage.
As a board member, Christine is proud to champion SC Equality’s mission and to invite partners, donors, and community members to invest in the advocacy, education, and coalition-building that move equality forward. Her leadership strengthens the foundation of our work and helps ensure that LGBTQ+ people and their families are seen, protected, and empowered in every community across South Carolina.
We are honored to welcome Christine Simmons to the SC Equality Board of Directors and grateful for the leadership she brings to this movement.