Equality California released a statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang following the newly-elected Orange Unified School District Board of Education’s decision to rescind a dangerous forced outing policy that put LGBTQ+ students in harm’s way:

“We are thrilled to see the new pro-equality majority on the Orange Unified School Board take decisive action to support the well-being of LGBTQ+ students in the district. Dangerous parental notification policies which “out” LGBTQ+ youth to their parents or guardians without regard for student safety have no place in our schools.

LGBTQ+ youth and their families in Orange Unified deserve to have these important family conversations when they are ready, and in ways that strengthen the relationship between parents and child, not as a result of extremist politicians intruding into the parent-child relationship.

In September of 2023, the previous Orange Unified School Board passed a misguided and dangerous forced outing policy over the objections of students, parents and LGBTQ+ advocates. In the March 2024 Primary Election, Equality California partnered with parents and educators in the district to successfully recall two anti-LGBTQ+ board members who helped introduce the forced outing policy, Rick Ledesma and Madison Miner.

This November, Equality California was proud to endorse a slate of pro-equality candidates in the district, all of whom proved successful in their races: Ana Page, Sara Pelly, Matthew Thomas, and Sierra Vane.

Orange Unified voters have sent a clear message — attacking LGBTQ+ youth is NOT an agenda that school districts should pursue.

Equality California was also proud to partner with Assemblymember Chris Ward (AD-78) and the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus earlier this year to pass AB 1955, the SAFETY Act, which prevents such forced outing policies from being enacted. This priority legislation was signed by Governor Newsom on July 15, and will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

We will continue to stand with LGBTQ+ students across California as we continue our work to build a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people.”

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Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org