Meg Sneed

LGBT / Civil Rights Activist

What is Meg Sneed known for?

Born on August 16, 1982, in Phoenix, Arizona, Meg Sneed is a notable alumna of North High School. She has made her mark as an American LGBT and civil rights activist, recognized for her roles in leading various campaigns and organizations centered on equality and inclusion.

One of her earliest works in activism came in 2006, when she took part in the first Soulforce Equality Ride. In the same year, she attempted to enlist in the United States Coast Guard to challenge the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, which served as a protest against the discriminatory rule.

In 2008, Sneed founded the "Right to Marry: Arizona" campaign. This effort comprised Equality Walkers who walked a mile for every year Arizona had been a state without full legal recognition of its LGBT citizens. The initiative started in western Maricopa County and continued annually, focusing on different regions and issues each year, vividly raising awareness about marriage equality.

Despite the passage of legislation like Proposition 102, which limited the definition of marriage, Sneed remained resilient. She and other activists rallied and attracted the support of over 5,000 supporters, vowing to continue the fight for individual rights conferred by marriage.

In November 2008, Sneed and other young activists formed H.E.R.O. (Human & Equal Rights Organizers). This organization aligned itself with the ideals of S.A.V.E. (Service, Action, Visibility, Education) and aimed to work closely with the community. Further to this, Sneed also campaigned towards removing the discriminatory ban on homosexuals donating blood, garnering the support of United Blood Services.

Her activism also extended to civil disobedience actions, such as in 2010 when she joined protests at Senator McCain's office, and later at a protest in Las Vegas involving the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. She also led interruptions during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to demand the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell".

In 2012, the "Right to Marry: Arizona" campaign was rebranded as the Equality Walk, and for the first time, covered the entire State of Arizona, visiting 35 cities on foot — a testament to Sneed's determination in advocacy.

Throughout her effort, Meg Sneed's work hasn't gone unnoticed. Her accolades include the 2011 Echo Magazine Readers' Choice Award for "HEROIC Service by a Woman", 2011 Phoenix Pride "Grand Marshal", City of Phoenix Martin Luther King "Living the Dream Award", Echo Magazine's "2010 Woman of the Year" and "Hall of Fame" awards, American University's "Richard L. Schlegel Award for Visionary Leader", and 'N Touch Magazine's "2009 Woman of the Year".