About Us
Our Mission
Equality Arlington is a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and extended (LGBTQ+) community in Arlington, Virginia. We advocate for policies, programs, and services that meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community whether provided by the government, non-profit, or private sector.
The Need
With attacks on members of the LGBTQ+ community increasing throughout the United States and in Virginia, a group of young LGBTQ+ community leaders came together to discuss the need for an advocacy organization in summer 2022. These discussions led to the formation of Equality Arlington in 2023 as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit working to advocate, alongside LGBTQ+ residents and their allies, for the protection of rights and addressing the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. We advocate to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ residents in Arlington through better local, state, and national policies and programs.
Board of Directors
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Kellen MacBeth
PRESIDENT
In 2022, alarmed by increasing attacks on the LGBTQ+ community from political forces around the country, Kellen (he/him) convened a group of LGBTQ+ leaders in Arlington to identify pressing issues and begin setting up an advocacy coalition that would evolve into Equality Arlington. He's excited to work with the Equality Arlington board to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ community members! Kellen also serves as Chair of Arlington's Housing Commission and is on the NAACP Arlington Branch's Executive Committee. He lives with his husband in Shirlington.
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Samantha Perez
VICE PRESIDENT & SECRETARY
Samantha Perez is excited to help make Arlington a place where LGBTQ+ folks from all walks of life can thrive. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she is ready to give back to the community that has been home for nearly a decade. The transgender community, as well as the wider groups and organizations, have been near and dear to her heart for years and she is committed to making sure they can continue providing comfort, friendship, and support for years to come.
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Sacha Brenac
TREASURER
Sacha Brenac has always wanted to give back to his community and has found such a space with Equality Arlington. He is a life-long Arlingtonian and organizer with the local and state-wide Democratic Party. Sacha's self-realization and coming out process was relatively easy and cushioned by privilege; he hopes that one day through community efforts we can make this world safe for all members of the queer community.
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Corey Barton
BOARD MEMBER
Corey Barton joins the Equality Arlington board after 8 years of residency in Arlington County. Originally from North Carolina, Corey hails from the Lumbee Tribe of NC, the largest Native American tribe east of the Mississippi River. Corey lives with his husband in the Pentagon City neighborhood. As a person who has witnessed the socioeconomic consequences of unequal access to healthcare, Corey is passionate about expanding access to healthcare and works full-time as an advocate for expanding access to prevention, treatment, and recovery from addiction. Corey looks forward to working with the Equality Arlington board to build a community in Arlington County where LGBTQ+ people can flourish.
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Arne Nelson
BOARD MEMBER
Arne Nelson (he/him) was raised with a strong sense of social justice and a commitment to volunteering with his community. He brings his wealth of experience working in Democratic and progressive spaces to the Equality Arlington board. As a survivor of sexual assault, Arne hopes to ensure members of the queer community have the resources to survive trauma. He is glad to join the Equality Arlington board and advocate for a more inclusive Arlington.
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Tiffanie Havenar
BOARD MEMBER
Having recently moved to Virginia at the end of 2022, Tiffanie Havenar knew she wanted to be more involved in helping her LGBTQ+ family by fostering a more welcoming, inclusive, and affirming community. After helping Equality Arlington during PRIDE 2023, and seeing the passion of the current members, Tiffanie found her opportunity to help Equality Arlington on its journey.
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Michelle Logan
BOARD MEMBER
Growing up in the DMV, Michelle Logan (she/her) is proud to call Arlington home and eager to help every LGBTQ+ community member feel included, accepted, and safe. She's dedicated to raising awareness and support for Equality Arlington's mission through her expertise in marketing, communications, and content strategy -- and she's excited to champion a better future for all Arlingtonians.