Virginia Is For Lovers, Gay Ones Too

In another sign of Virginia's transition to a purple, and possibly blue, state, Democratic governor Terry McCauliffe (pictured) announced this week the formation of a task force on LGBT travel.

The group will work to encourage gay and transgender visitors to the Old Dominion, which is already a big tourist draw thanks to its beaches and prominent role in early American history. The state capital of Richmond, once the capital of the Confederacy, already launched their own successful LGBT campaign, OutRVA.

"You can no longer say that Virginia is not open [to LGBT travelers]. We have obviously lost business to other states...but we are all in now." McAuliffe said, according to reports. “When it comes to investing in tourism, this will be a great return."

The governor already banned LGBT discrimination in state positions, while Virginia is one of the few Southern states with marriage equality.

McAuliffe's task force was lauded by groups like the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Equality Virginia, the state's LGBT organization.