DVLF

Visibility matters. Rights matter. Trans lives matter.? ????? Today and every day, we honor the resilience, joy, and leadership of the trans community. Your stories deserve to be heard, your rights deserve to be protected, and your presence deserves to be celebrated. Visibility leads to change, and we are committed to uplifting, supporting, and advocating for our trans family - not just today, but always. You are seen, you are valued, and you are never alone.? ????

With Women’s History Month coming to a close, we honor a true trailblazer - Sally Ride... A pioneer in space exploration, Sally Ride made history in 1983 as the first American woman to travel to space. Aboard the Challenger space shuttle, she shattered barriers and inspired countless young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Beyond her groundbreaking achievements as an astronaut, Ride dedicated her life to education and advocacy. She co-founded Sally Ride Science, a program aimed at encouraging young students, especially girls, to explore STEM fields. Her work helped redefine what was possible for women in science and paved the way for future generations of female astronauts, engineers, and innovators. After her passing in 2012, it was revealed that Ride was a lesbian and had been in a committed relationship with her partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, for 27 years. Although Ride kept her sexual orientation private during her lifetime, she was posthumously recognized as a pioneering figure for LGBTQ+ rights, making her one of the first known LGBTQ+ astronauts. Her legacy extends beyond space science and stands as a powerful figure in LGBTQ+ history, showing that representation matters in every field. Sally Ride’s impact reaches far beyond our atmosphere, reminding us that the sky is not the limit – it’s just the beginning. As Women’s History Month wraps up, we celebrate the women - past, present, and future - who continue to break barriers and change the world. ???????

We at DVLF are proud to continue honoring remarkable women this Women’s History Month, and today, we recognize U.S. Congresswoman Sarah McBride. A lifelong advocate for equality & social justice, Sarah McBride made history in 2020 as the first openly transgender state senator in the United States. In 2024, she broke barriers once again by becoming the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Delaware as its sole member of Congress. Her election was not just a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in politics - it was a testament to the power of perseverance, visibility, and the importance of diverse voices in leadership. Before stepping into public office, McBride played a pivotal role in the fight for transgender rights in Delaware, leading the successful effort to pass a landmark non-discrimination law. She also served as the National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, advocating for equality on a national scale. As a state senator, McBride championed policies that expanded access to healthcare, required mental health education in schools, promoted green technologies, and strengthened protections for workers and families. She led the passage of the landmark Healthy Delaware Families Act, which established paid family and medical leave, and later secured the Protect Medicaid Act of 2024, unlocking over $175 million annually in Medicaid funding for Delawareans. Now, as a U.S. Congresswoman, she continues to fight for a more just and inclusive future, ensuring that all people have the opportunity to live with dignity and respect. McBride’s leadership serves as an inspiration for future generations, showing that real change happens when we refuse to be silent and fight for a more just world. Stay tuned as we continue highlighting remarkable women who have shaped history. ???????

Spring nights & garden lights! ???? Meet us Jet Wine Bar for April's Our Night Out - Philly on Thursday 4.10 from 6pm-9pm located on South Street West for ALL the garden party vibes...Cocktails, tasty bites & community! ???? Benefiting Action Wellness - $5 in advance, $10 at the door... Register HERE: www.dvlf.org/ournightout

We’re in the midst of Women’s History Month, and DVLF is proud to continue honoring the women who have shaped history through their resilience, activism, and leadership. Throughout March, we are recognizing trailblazers whose contributions have advanced justice, equality, and representation across communities. Next, we honor Billie Jean King, a champion for gender equality both on and off the court. A 39-time Grand Slam winner, she fought for equal prize money, leading to the U.S. Open becoming the first major tournament to offer equal pay in 1973. That same year, she made history by defeating Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” and helped establish the Women’s Tennis Association. Beyond tennis, King has been a lifelong advocate for gender equity?and LGBTQ+ rights. In 1981, she became one of the first prominent athletes to openly acknowledge her sexuality, risking endorsements but continuing to push for inclusion and equality. She later co-founded the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative and has championed LGBTQ+ representation in sports and beyond. For her impact, King received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, and in 2020, the Fed Cup was renamed the Billie Jean King Cup in her honor. A true trailblazer, she continues to inspire change today. Stay tuned as we highlight remarkable women whose impact continues to inspire generations. ???????

Estate planning, but make it FABULOUS! ?? Join us for - Don’t Let Your Estate Planning Be a Drag - an insightful & engaging night designed for the LGBTQ+ community! Learn about estate gifts, planned giving, and how to make a lasting impact on local nonprofits like William Way LGBT Community Center... ?? Thursday, April 24th - 5:30pm-8pm ?? Expert panel discussion on financial planning ?? Networking opportunities ?? Special performance by Tina Montgomery serving knowledge & a show! Plan for your future, gain valuable insights & enjoy a night out - don’t miss it! ?? Info & Tickets HERE:?https://bit.ly/4hHbvqP

March is Women’s History Month, and we at DVLF are proud to honor the women who have shaped history through their resilience, activism, and leadership. Throughout the rest of the month, we will recognize trailblazers whose contributions have advanced justice, equality, and representation across communities... We begin by honoring Yuri Kochiyama, a lifelong civil rights activist whose work spanned racial justice, human rights, and political advocacy. As a Japanese-American, she and her family were forcibly incarcerated in a U.S. internment camp during World War II - an experience that fueled her lifelong commitment to fighting oppression. She became a powerful advocate, working alongside movements for Black liberation, Asian-American empowerment, and global justice. Kochiyama’s activism was deeply intersectional - she fought for reparations for Japanese-American internees, stood in solidarity with Malcolm X and the Black nationalist movement, and advocated for the release of political prisoners. Her legacy is a powerful reminder that individuals can drive meaningful change and shape a more just and equitable society. Stay tuned as we highlight remarkable women whose impact continues to inspire generations. ???????

Today, we celebrate ALL women - the trailblazers, the change-makers, and the everyday heroes from every community who continue to push for a more just & equal world. ?? International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress is powered by unity, resilience, and the strength of every woman’s story - let’s continue to uplift, support, and fight for equality together! ????

Empower. Support. Give. ?? Your donation to DVLF funds essential grants for grassroots organizations making real change. Give monthly, make a one-time gift, explore estate giving & more - every contribution makes an impact... Join us in uplifting the community today! ????? Ways to Donate HERE: https://bit.ly/4kiUUML

As Black History Month comes to a close, we honor an icon who forever changed the world of dance - Alvin Ailey. A visionary choreographer, dancer, and activist, Ailey transformed modern dance, blending ballet, modern, jazz, and African dance to celebrate Black culture and history on a global stage. Born in 1931 in Texas, Ailey found his passion for dance in Los Angeles before moving to New York City, where he founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958. His work blended ballet, modern, jazz, and African dance, creating a unique style that celebrated Black culture and history on the global stage. Ailey’s most famous work, Revelations, remains one of the most performed ballets in the world, telling a powerful story of faith, struggle, and resilience through movement. His choreography was deeply rooted in the African American experience, using dance as a form of storytelling, activism, and cultural preservation. He believed in making dance accessible to all, establishing programs that provided opportunities for young dancers, especially those from underrepresented communities. As a gay Black man, Ailey navigated an industry that often overlooked or marginalized artists like him. Yet, his artistry and leadership reshaped modern dance, ensuring that Black voices and stories were at its core. Today, his legacy lives on through the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, inspiring generations of dancers and audiences worldwide. ???????