In 2023, Virginia Beach’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI) raw score was once again the highest in the state at 117. This marks the third consecutive year that Virginia Beach has earned a raw score above 100. Nationwide, 129 cities scored a 100 or better and the average score was 71. In the first year of the MEI (2011), Virginia Beach scored only a 17.
Part of that perfect score is the result of the work of Anna Elias-Perez (she/her), the City of Virginia Beach’s LGBTQ+ Liaison to the City Manager. In addition to being a liaison, she also serves as the Culture & Experience Manager in Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation.
In the liaison role, Anna is responsible for reviewing City policies and services to ensure inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals. She also organizes training on LGBTQ+ topics, including creating an inclusive workplace and develops strategies to address the needs of vulnerable groups within the LGBTQ+ community. Most importantly, she helps foster a trusting relationship between the LGBTQ+ community, City employees and City leadership.
We sat down with Anna recently to talk about her work, her background, and her family.
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