LGBTQ field organizers from across the nation are making plans to travel to Virginia this year. The state is likely to be ground zero for the next fight for equality.

Last week, Virginia Democratic Senator Adam Ebbin introduced a bill that would extend nondiscrimination protections to LGBTQ people in employment and housing. The Virginia Values Act, or SB 868, updates current civil rights law in the state.

LGBTQ supporters are aiming to capitalize on the first queer-friendly legislature in more than two decades after Democrats won historic gains last November. The bill has broad support in the state, according to the Human Rights Act; Governor Ralph Northam, House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, and Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw have all gone on record as supportive of passing LGBTQ protections, the HRC.

LGBTQ advocates have already started to mobilize in the state. Equality Virginia and national LGBTQ group Freedom for All American have launched the "Virginia Values Coalition.” The campaign umbrella organization will ostensibly solicit volunteers and run a field operation to pass the bill.

“This legislation creates a critical update to Virginia law and sends a clear message that the Commonwealth is a safe and welcoming place for all people,” said James Parrish, director of the Coalition in a statement.

According to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, non-discrimination protections could impact 307,000 queer Virginians.

“The creation of a more supportive legal landscape for LGBT people could benefit the economy in Virginia,” said Christy Mallory, state and local policy director at the Williams Institute in a statement. “Adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the state’s non-discrimination laws would be a step in that direction.”

The institute reports that 21% of LGBTQ adults in Virginia household income below $24,000, compared to 16% of non-LGBTQ adults, making employment nondiscrimination protections particularly pressing.

However critical, the creation of a statewide coalition to pass the bill suggests that LGBTQ advocates are not taking a win for granted, despite the Democratic majority.