Yesterday evening, Norfolk City Councilmember and candidate for Lieutenant Governor Andria McClellan hosted a digital listening session with LGBTQ+ leaders from around the Commonwealth. The conversation spanned a number of topics including repealing the Marshall-Newman Amendment, building on the Virginia Values Act and expanding access to opportunity for all LGBTQ+ Virginians, especially those from rural and/or communities of color that have been too long overlooked.
This event was the first listening session of McClellan’s campaign.
“I really appreciate these leaders making the time to share their thoughts and insights with me as we work toward greater and permanent equality in Virginia,” said Andria McClellan. “While we have made progress and become the first Southern state to enshrine anti-discrimination protections in law, we know that too many members of the LGBTQ+ community face discrimination and disproportion barriers in accessing small business capital, employment opportunities, affordable healthcare, housing and a safe environment. All Virginians deserve access to these basic resources.”
During the call, Andria and participants discussed several issues related to equality and opportunity for LGBTQ+ Virginians, including:
- Addressing violence, especially against trans* women of color;
- Protecting young people, especially LGBTQ+ young people, within the foster care system through the establishment of a Foster Care Bill of Rights;
- Supporting and promoting LGBTQ+-owned businesses;
- Removing gender terms and pronouns from the Code of Virginia;
- Improving access to advance planning services and technologies for LGBTQ+ couples;
- Restoring state-level benefits to veterans dismissed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity;
- Building upon the anti-discrimination protections of the Virginia Values Act and
- Repealing the hateful Marshall-Newman amendment.
As a member of the Norfolk City Council, Andria has twice been recognized by Outwire757 for her work: Best Ally in 2018 and Best Elected Official 2019. She is the only candidate for Lieutenant Governor from Hampton Roads; she represents the largest constituency of any candidate in the race. If elected, she would become Virginia’s first female Lieutenant Governor.
McClellan has served as a member of Norfolk City Council representing Superward 6 since 2016. Throughout her tenure on the council, she has served her 125,000 constituents by focusing on a pro-growth, innovation platform that includes:
Leading the regional effort to invest in high-speed internet infrastructure, with the goal of expanding internet access, lowering costs and increasing speeds for residents and business;
Fighting to build a flood-resilient Norfolk and secure more than $120M in federal resources to address the effects of climate change now, and to make investments in sustainable energy — including supporting off-shore wind and more than 5K clean energy jobs — to combat climate change long-term.
Championing increased access to capital for small business, including investments of more than $64M in startup companies through one of the fastest growing angel investment groups in the country.
Securing funding for public transit that will allow for more reliable and more frequent bus service.
Ensuring greater transparency and public engagement along the way, creating Engage Norfolk, a unique civic one-stop-shop that lets residents turn their passion into action and meet their elected officials, making our democracy more accessible for everyone.
For more information on Andria for Virginia, please visit andriaforvirginia.com
