Equality Garage

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Meet The Team

Avery Holder (He/Him)

  • Lives in Virginia
  • Drives a 2023 Toyota GR86
  • Works in IT Security and Compliance

I’ve been into cars since I was a teenager! I’m not sure what exactly triggered the interest, but I realized a few years ago that it probably comes from my parents. While they’re not car enthusiasts in the traditional sense, they’ve owned some cool cars and are more interested in cars than the average person. I’ve previously owned a 2015 Mazda6 and a 2006 BMW 330i manual, and I’m on a British car kick at the moment. My next purchase is likely to be a 2008 or 2009 Jaguar XJ, either a Vanden Plas or preferably an XJR (or a Super V8, but finding one of those is a pipe dream).

Equality Garage is a special project to me. I’ve had the name in my mind for over a year, and even registered the social media handles, but I wasn’t sure that it would ever turn into more than that. 
 
Over time, after a lot of conversations and a lot of thought, I decided to move forward with creating the LLC, and organizing our first event. I’m lucky to be doing this with a group of dedicated, talented friends, and I can’t wait to see where this goes. Furthermore, I look forward to seeing everyone at our first ever event next August!

Ben Lambert (He/Him)

  • Lives in Western Pennsylvania
  • Drives a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line
  • Works in customer service
I have always been a car guy, and it began with the obsession over HotWheels and Matchbox cars, like many of us at a young age playing in the sandbox, on the city map rug which I still have, the numerous plastic play sets, and making a village under the Christmas tree. Throughout my life, I have immersed myself in car culture in all the ways I could, from having multiple subscriptions to print media car magazines in my youth (currently, just Car&Driver), to visiting the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) twice, to doing a ride-along around Daytona… I’m happiest when around most things with wheels. My whip is a ’19 Jetta R-line I affectionately call Rocky (they/them), and Rocky’s tamed the Tail of the Dragon quite a few times. 
 
Upon discovering the queer car enthusiast scene on Facebook toward the end of my college years at Penn State, I was scared at first to become involved with the groups, as I wasn’t ‘out’ on any socials at the time. But over the years, I realized I found my tribe–and further confirmed it after attending other events for our niche community. Many of the friends I’ve made have become chosen family to me and I love them dearly. I formally came out January 28, 2025 and it was received fairly well. I couldn’t be happier with the freedom I now feel. 
 
I’m super excited to be involved in the making of Equality Garage’s events, as I hope that someone who attends will have a beautiful, transformative experience as I did. There’s so much to be said about community and feeling like you belong, as your full self. Come and experience it if you don’t believe me… and even if you do!

 

Jeffrey Harris (He/Him)

  • Lives in Alabama
  • Drives a Mazda CX-30 Turbo
  • Works in Real Estate

I got into cars thanks to MotorTrend magazine in 1994. 

Connecting with people has always been a motivating factor in my life—find a community of car people that are part of the LGBTQ+ community has really changed my life. The community is diverse and gives me the opportunity to be authentically me. I hope the Equality Garage community continues to create safe spaces for those of us that love shiny things that go fast (sorry if you like matte paint).  

If you’re interested in real estate, as a career or as a consumer, I’d love to chat!  

 

John Stotler (He/Him)

  • Lives in Virginia
  • Drives a 2025 Honda Civic Type R, 2008 Honda Element SC and a 2007 Honda S2000
  • Currently retired from Corporate America

I have been into cars since before I could talk. My mom always said my first noises were engine sounds. The neighbors had two grown sons who both had late 60s model Dodge Challengers and I found those fascinating even though I was only 4. Those cars and the myriad Matchbox and HotWheels cars (which I still own and collect) were further signs of my love of cars. I love to travel and was lucky enough to take advantage of early retirement from my corporate job this year to allow me to do more traveling. I have taken several road trips and have more planned in the coming months. Hoping the time gives me insight into what I want to do next. In the meantime, I continue to shop for some of the cars I want to add to my garage. 

I have spent many years working with and leading LGBTQIA+ organizations and so glad to be on the ground floor of this new adventure. I love working with this team. I love bringing my passion for cars together with making a better tomorrow for queer people everywhere!