Why We Exists

Because every LGBTQ+ South Carolinian deserves safety, dignity, and a future where equal means everyone.

Across South Carolina, LGBTQ+ people continue to face discrimination, political attacks, and barriers to visibility. For many, simply being themselves comes with a cost — at school, at work, in healthcare, and in public life. SC Equality exists because no one should face those challenges alone.

We are here to defend LGBTQ+ rights, connect people with resources, build community, and fight every day for a South Carolina where everyone can live openly and safely.

From Our Executive Director: Why This Work Matters

I first learned about SC Equality in high school. Even then, I admired how powerful and courageous this organization was in a state like South Carolina. I’ve always been surrounded by supportive family, friends, and community — but I’ve also learned that’s not the reality for everyone.

As I grew older and became more involved in advocacy, I realized LGBTQ+ equality is not a single-issue struggle. We need visibility. We need representation at the legislature. We need community resources, legal advocates, educators, business owners, and leaders in every space where decisions are made.

I do this work because I am passionate about being a connector and a community builder. SC Equality strives to be both — a fierce advocate and a nexus of resources for LGBTQ+ people statewide.

— James Agens, Executive Director

A Legacy of Courageous Advocacy

SC Equality has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights in South Carolina for nearly two decades. We led the fight for marriage equality in South Carolina, achieving victory a full year before it became federal law. Since then, we haven’t stopped.

In the last year alone, we: Tracked 21 bills affecting LGBTQ+ South Carolinians Worked alongside partners to stop dangerous legislation, including the bathroom bill Raised awareness about the extremely harmful abortion bill and its impact on LGBTQ+ communities Showed up at the State House to ensure LGBTQ+ voices were present in the decision-making Our advocacy is persistent, strategic, and rooted in the belief that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.

The Challenges LGBTQ+ South Carolinians Face

South Carolina remains a state where:

Local protections can be repealed or overridden by state leaders
LGBTQ+ youth still face discrimination in schools and healthcare
Transgender and gender-expansive people are under direct legislative attack
Families often lack access to affirming resources or legal protections
Visibility can lead to stigma, isolation, or harm
These realities make our work not just necessary — but urgent.

What We Do: Our Areas of Impact

1. Defending LGBTQ+ Rights at the State House

We track legislation, meet directly with lawmakers, prepare testimony, and mobilize advocates to protect LGBTQ+ people from harmful policies. In a legislative landscape where our rights are regularly debated, we ensure LGBTQ+ South Carolinians are seen, heard, and defended.

2. Building Community Through Education & Outreach

We show up in communities across the state — at Pride festivals, resource fairs, schools, and local events — offering information, support, and connection. This year alone, we reached over 1,000 people in person. Our educational outreach helps foster understanding and creates affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ people can thrive.

3. Mobilizing Voters & Empowering Families

We equip South Carolinians with the tools to advocate for themselves and their loved ones. From voter engagement to community training to connecting families with affirming resources, we help build a statewide network of informed, empowered supporters.

Why We’re Here: The Cost of Visibility

Visibility should never come at the cost of safety. But for many LGBTQ+ people in South Carolina, it does.

That’s why SC Equality exists — to reduce that cost and build a future rooted in resilience, support, and opportunity. We believe in a South Carolina where young people can grow without fear, where families are supported, and where authenticity is not a risk but a right.

Whats At Stake

Without SC Equality:

Harmful legislation would pass unchecked
LGBTQ+ youth and families would lose access to affirming resources
Rural communities would have little support
Anti-LGBTQ narratives would dominate public conversation
Our presence matters. Our advocacy matters. And your support makes it all possible.

Join Us in Powering Equality

Whether you give, volunteer, or share resources, you are part of this movement.

👉 Donate to strengthen LGBTQ+ advocacy in South Carolina

👉 Get Involved as a volunteer or community advocate

👉 Stay Connected by joining our newsletter

Together, we can build a South Carolina where equal truly means everyone.

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can start working together.