Virginia Advisory Commission for Men and Boys announced

Democrats aim to create nation's first legislative committee to serve males

Oct 15, 2025

Yesterday Virginia Democrats announced an effort to create a legislative advisory committee for men and boys — the first ever in the country.

House Speaker Don Scott, Del. Josh Thomas (House patron), Sen. Lamont Bagby (Senate Patron and party chair) Sen. Lashrecse Aird and Del. Michael Feggans gave a press conference Oct. 14 at the General Assembly building to announce what stands to be groundbreaking legislation.

A bill to create a permanent committee will be introduced to the general assembly next year and focus on four key areas long known to negatively impact men and boys:

Education – Boys are falling behind in literacy, graduation rates, and postsecondary attainment.
Economic opportunity – Too many young men are disconnected from stable work or skills training.
Health disparities – From mental health to chronic illness, men and boys face unique challenges that require tailored approaches.
Social media and identity – The online ecosystem is shaping an entire generation’s understanding of manhood, purpose, and connection.

Next steps include a series of listening sessions to inform legislation.

Richard Reeves’s American Institute for Boys and Men provided research for the conference:

13% of young men in Virginia between 16 to 24 are not in school and are not working.
Men and boys accounted for four out of every five suicide deaths from Virginia
Men account for 71% of unintentional overdose deaths.
1 in 10 working age men in Virginia lack health insurance — a third higher than women
8% of nurses in the state are men