Baltimore OUTloud | Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community News Maryland

‘This year is about building momentum’
An Interview with Equality Maryland's Morgan Meneses-Sheets

In the two and a half months since her appointment, Morgan Meneses-Sheets, the new executive director of Equality Maryland, has been visiting cities and towns across the state and introducing herself to the lgbt community and allies. She has explained in clear terms the experience she brings to the position and the vision she has for Equality Maryland. In short, she has truly hit the ground running.

As we head into Maryland's 2010 legislative General Assembly with significant unfinished business, OUTloud’s managing editor and senior political analyst Steve Charing interviewed the new executive director to gain her insights into the political landscape and the strategies her organization intends to employ.

It is clear from her responses that Ms. Meneses-Sheets is a hardworking, dedicated activist who has command of myriad issues facing our community.

Steve Charing: Since you were selected for the position of Executive Director at Equality Maryland, you have been going non-stop on a statewide whirlwind tour, meeting people and organizations. How has this been valuable to you?

Morgan Meneses-Sheets: I am committed to ensuring that Equality Maryland truly represents the needs and interests of Maryland’s lgbt community. Attending community events and making presentations has enabled me to start to build strong partnerships and have authentic conversations about the future of our organization and the lgbt movement.

The welcome receptions have been my "coming out" parties to introduce me to the community as the new director. They have offered me an opportunity to emphasize that we have a strong team in place and we are ready to get it done!

SC: You were successful in building a nationwide advocacy program from the ground up when you were with the Amputee Coalition of America. How is that experience, plus the experience gained from the other positions you held, prepare you for your role at Equality Maryland?

MMS: From day one with the ACA, I was charged with building a strong, grassroots network that would have the ability to generate enough pressure to impact the policy making process in each of the state legislatures. We were successful in passing over a dozen different bills to enhance access to care. It was all about doing the work to engage and develop our local supporters, identify and cultivate relationships with potential partners and being strategic each step of the way.

In January, we are launching the Equality Maryland Vision Task Force. The task force will be comprised of thought-leaders in various areas including development, communications, organizing and program development. The goal of the Task Force is to work with us to create a comprehensive strategic plan to ensure that we not only have the key votes, but also create true and lasting equality throughout the Free State.

SC: We head into 2010 with some restrained hopes based on the experience here in Maryland over the past several years concerning the signature issue of marriage equality. Is there any reason to be more hopeful this time around and if so, why?