2026 SPECIAL SESSION I
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2175
Celebrating the life of Romayne Elizabeth Marschak.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, June 22, 2026
WHEREAS, Romayne Elizabeth Marschak, a renowned advocate for social justice, equality, and LGBTQIA+ rights, noted historian, and beloved member of the Richmond community, died on June 3, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Romayne Elizabeth “Beth” Marschak's political and social activism began at Westhampton College at the University of Richmond, where she founded a group called Organization for Women's Liberation; and
WHEREAS, Beth Marschak's involvement in the women's movement inspired her support of other causes; she helped plan and organize the first Earth Day in Richmond in 1971 and was involved in antiwar protests and civil rights demonstrations, including with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; and
WHEREAS, Beth Marschak was active with the National Women's Political Caucus and Virginia Women's Political Caucus for many years, which led her to cofound the organization Richmond Lesbian Feminists in 1975; and
WHEREAS, Beth Marschak coauthored the book Lesbian and Gay Richmond detailing the history of the LGBTQIA+ community in Richmond and also developed informational tours for the Valentine Museum in Richmond; and
WHEREAS, Beth Marschak provided visionary leadership while sitting on the boards of a number of community organizations, including Diversity Richmond, the YWCA, and the Elegba Folklore Society, and she was frequently invited to share her experiences and expertise through speaking engagements and media interviews; and