Samual Garret-Pate

Equality California Institute, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, has published its 2024 Safe and Supportive Schools Report Card, evaluating LGBTQ+ policies and programs from the 146 school districts that participated this year. The data, collected via the self-reported Equality California Institute’s Safe and Supportive Schools Survey, was sent to all 345 Unified School Districts statewide. This report reveals both the advancements made and the persistent challenges faced by school districts in creating a safe, inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty.

“California has made substantial strides in advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ students by implementing robust anti-bullying policies and adopting inclusive curricula that foster acceptance and equality.” says Equality California Institute Programs Director Erin Arendse, “However, recent school district policies mandating the disclosure of a student’s transgender identity without consent have negatively impacted the well-being of transgender youth. Research shows that discrimination increases mental health risks and lowers academic performance among LGBTQ+ students, while supportive environments lead to better outcomes.”

The report serves as a valuable tool for educators, policymakers, and advocates, providing critical insights to help overcome challenges and create supportive environments that safeguard the rights and well-being of students. Visit schools.eqca.org to learn more.

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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

Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, announced endorsements of 30 pro-equality candidates Monday — the organization’s final endorsements ahead of the November 8 election. The newly endorsed candidates include twenty-seven openly LGBTQ+ candidates for local offices, part of an historic number of openly LGBTQ+ candidates running for office across California in 2022.

The full list of new endorsements can be found below: 

California Board of Equalization: 

• District 1: Jose Altamirano
• District 3: Tony Vazquez  

California Assembly:

• District 80: David Alvarez (Dual Endorsement – with Georgette Gómez)

Local Offices:

• Adelanto Elementary School District Governing Board, TA 4: Resa Barillas 
• Alhambra City Council, District 1: Ari Gutiérrez Arámbula 
• Antelope Valley College District Board of Trustees, Area 2: Giovanni Christon-Pope 
• Baldwin Park City Council: Ralph Galvan 
• Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Board of Trustees,  Area 3: Harris Mojadedi 
• Compton Community College District Board of Trustees, Area 1: Andres Ramos 
• Cupertino City Council, At-Large: Joseph “JR” Fruen 
• Desert Water Agency Board of Directors, Division 1: Marcus Miceli 
• Elk Grove Unified School District Board, Trustee Area 2: Michael Vargas 
• Helix Water District Board of Directors, Division 2: Andrea Beth Damsky 
• Hollister City Council, District 2: Rolan Resendiz 
• Imperial Beach Mayor: Paloma Aguirre 
• La Habra City School District Board of Education: Adam Rogers 
• Monterey Mayor: Tyller Williamson 
• Oakland City Council, District 4: Janani Ramachandran & Nenna Joiner (Dual Endorsement)
• Palm Springs City Council, District 2: Jeffrey Bernstein  
• Redwood City Council, District 2: Chris Sturken 
• San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees, Area 4: Nathan Gonzales 
• San Francisco Board of Supervisors, District 4: Joel Engardio 
• San Mateo City Council, District 3: Sarah Fields 
• Santa Monica Rent Control Board: Danny Ivanov 
• San Leandro City Council, District 3: Victor Aguilar, Jr. 
• Santa Paula City Council, At-Large: Pedro Chavez 
• Signal Hill City Council: Keir Jones 
• Vallejo City Council, District 5: Tara Beasley-Stansberry 
• Victor Valley Union High School District Board of Education, District 2: Caleb Castaneda

Bold names indicate openly LGBTQ+ candidates.

For a complete list of Equality California’s 2022 endorsements, please visit eqca.org/elections.

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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