This Just in from the Ocean State
McCaffrey confirmation
The former Senate majority leader, who has opposed every bill to protect LGBT Rights since 1995—including the anti-sodomy laws, marriage equality along with hate crime and reproductive rights legislation—has been given a lifetime appointment as a member of the Rhode Island Judiciary.
In January, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-1 to advance Gov. Dan McKee’s nomination of Michael McCaffrey to fill a District Court vacancy to the full chamber for confirmation.
Sen. Dawn Euer, a Newport Democrat, was the lone vote against McCaffrey’s nomination. Euer was deputy director for the successful campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island in 2013. In a statement, she said, “The ground has shifted underneath us in many ways as the federal administration has continued to undermine the rule of law and civil rights. … It is critical that we are making … judicial selections that will strengthen our state judiciary during these tumultuous times.”
Remembering DeLuca
Anthony De Luca of Saunderstown died peacefully at home with family on January 17, 2026.
In addition to serving as a councilman and council president for the City of Cranston, DeLuca served as a state representative in the Rhode Island General Assembly, acting as a delegate to the 2,000 Democratic National Convention and spearheading, alongside his wife Sylvia, public support for same-sex marriage rights and legislation in Rhode Island. DeLuca was 88.
Said US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, “Representative De Luca’s legacy will be defined by his faith and bravery, which helped turned the tide in the fight for marriage equality in Rhode Island. We are all better off for his service.”
LGBTQ elder housing
“LGBTQ+ elders often face discrimination and bias as they enter senior housing,” said trustee Dr. Jodi Glass. “They may feel they have to hide their true identities from other residents and staff.”
In late January, Glass held a reception to give the community updates on plans underway to construct a four-story apartment building in Rumford specifically intended for the LGBT community and their allies. Called The Landing at East Point, the project is part of Aldersbridge Communities, a nonprofit provider of assisted living, memory care and rehabilitation services to lower income adults. Aldersbridge CEO Richard Gamache said the project symbolizes their desire to fill the unmet housing needs for the LGBT community.
Funding is currently being secured from multiple sources, with an intention to start construction this summer and begin welcoming residents in late 2027.
RI Foundation grants
Nonprofit organizations serving Rhode Island’s LGBTQ+ communities will share $87K in new grants through the Equity Action Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation, supporting work that ranges from civil rights advocacy and youth services to housing stability and health care access.
The funding will go to a diverse group of community-based organizations working across the state. “The Foundation has offered uninterrupted grant support to organizations on the front lines of housing, health, advocacy and youth services for more than 20 years,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “By supporting this work, we help ensure the services that most Rhode Islanders take for granted are available to all regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.”
Guided by a volunteer advisory committee drawn from Rhode Island’s LGBTQ+ communities, the Equity Action Fund prioritizes projects that respond to urgent and evolving local needs.
Among this year’s grantees, East Providence Public Library will offer free teen and adult LGBTQ+ programs focused on education and arts, Woonsocket Pride will provide emergency financial assistance, and Pride in Aging RI will expand social, support, and enrichment programs for LGBTQ+ seniors.
Additional recipients include Black and Pink Providence, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, Haus of Codec, Newport Community School, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, Project Weber/RENEW, Sojourner House, Thundermist Health Center, Wanderground Lesbian Archive Library, Woonasquatucket Valley Community Build, and Youth Pride Inc.
Since its launch, the Equity Action Fund has distributed more than $1.4 million to organizations advancing equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ Rhode Islanders.
