Samuel Garrett-Pate

The California Assembly passed AB 2153 — legislation to provide the state’s teachers and school staff with the tools and training they need to support their LGBTQ students — Wednesday evening with strong bipartisan support, following a similarly bipartisan 33-3 vote in the Senate on Monday. The bill is authored by Assemblymember Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) and sponsored by Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, and now heads to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature.

“Our public school teachers and staff are on the front lines of ensuring that all California children — regardless of background, zip code, sexual orientation or gender identity — have a shot at the American Dream,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “But in order to do so, they need adequate training and support. We’re deeply grateful to Assemblymember Thurmond for his leadership on this issue, and we look forward to a day when our public school teachers and staff have the tools they need and want to prepare our next generation for success.”

Studies show that LGBTQ students are more likely to face bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools than their non-LGBTQ peers, disparities that can negatively affect academic outcomes and result in higher rates of school dropout, homelessness, depression, suicidal ideation and poverty. AB 2153 will help to address these disparities by providing California public school teachers and staff with resources and training to create safer school environments.

“LGBTQ students are subject to markedly higher rates of bullying than their peers which can lead to negative psychological effects,” said Assemblymember Thurmond. “As leaders, we have a responsibility to protect and support all of our students. This bill will train educators in the availability of support systems available to LGBTQ students so that all students can learn in a safe and supportive environment.”

Passage of AB 2153 is a key policy component of Equality California’s Safe and Supportive Schools program, which also includes a first-of-its-kind Safe and Supportive Schools Index, measuring how well districts support their LGBTQ students, scheduled for release this fall.

AB 2153 is supported by both of the state’s teachers unions, the California Teachers Association (CTA) and the California Federation of Teachers (CFT), as well as the California Association of School Counselors, ACLU of California, Common Sense Kids Action and San Francisco Unified School District, among others.

Governor Brown will have until September 30th take action on the bill.

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The California Senate passed Assemblymember Evan Low’s (D-Silicon Valley) bill to protect LGBTQ Californians from so-called “conversion therapy” in a vote of 25-11. The legislation is cosponsored by Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, and the Trevor Project and would make clear that claiming to be able to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity — or attempting to do so — in exchange for payment is a fraudulent business practice.

“For far too long, LGBTQ Californians have been psychologically abused by sham therapists who are supposed to be caring for their emotional well-being,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re deeply grateful to Assemblymember Low, Senate Pro Tem Atkins and Senators Wiener, Lara and Galgiani for their leadership today — and to every member of the Senate who voted to protect LGBTQ Californians from these dangerous, harmful practices.”

The California Assembly passed AB 2943 with bipartisan support in April, and the bill will now return to the Assembly for a concurrence vote.

“We as legislators have a responsibility to protect Californians from harmful and deceptive practices. All Californians should be celebrated, cherished, and loved for who they are,” said Assemblymember Low. “I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for affirming their support for those in the LGBT community who need it most by voting for this bill.”

Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), a member of the Legislative LGBT Caucus and co-author of AB 2943, managed the bill’s consideration on the Senate floor Thursday.

“Conversion therapy is psychological torture and has no medical or scientific basis,” said Senator Wiener. “It’s fraudulent to charge people with the promise of ‘changing’ them. Today’s Senate vote in favor of AB 2943 is a major step toward protecting LGBTQ people from pseudo-scientific treatment that harms them and scams them out of their money. I am proud of Assemblymember Evan Low for leading on this critical issue, and of my colleagues for recognizing the importance of restricting such an injurious practice.”

AB 2943 is co-authored by the full membership of California’s Legislative LGBT Caucus, including Low and Wiener, and is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, California Board of Psychology, California Medical Association, California Psychological Association and Consumer Attorneys of California, among other mental health, business and civil rights organizations.

The California Legislature acted decisively in 2012 to ban the use of “sexual orientation change efforts” on California minors (SB 1172 – Lieu, 2012), also sponsored by Equality California, becoming the first state in the nation to do so. Since two federal court challenges to SB 1172 failed and the Ninth Circuit affirmed the law’s constitutionality, 14 other states, the District of Columbia and at least 32 municipalities have banned this practice for minors, reaffirming a growing consensus that this practice is as harmful as it is ineffective.

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Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Rick Zbur Tuesday night after Senator Ricardo Lara advanced to the November general election in his historic race for California Insurance Commissioner:

“California voters made history today, as Senator Ricardo Lara is one step closer to becoming the state’s first openly LGBTQ statewide elected official. Ricardo has been a fierce, loyal and dedicated leader for California’s LGBTQ and immigrant communities, working to tear down barriers and ensure equality for all. As California’s next Insurance Commissioner, he’ll be a champion in the fight for quality, affordable healthcare for all.”

Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, announced the endorsements of 10 openly LGBTQ candidates running for local office in 2018. The candidates are among a surge of out LGBTQ Californians seeking public office across the state — and a record number of LGBTQ candidates running throughout the country this year.

Equality California has endorsed the following candidates in their respective races:

San Francisco Board of Supervisors: District 8

Equality California has dual-endorsed Supervisor Jeff Sheehy and City College Trustee Rafael Mandelman for the Eighth District of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Jeff Sheehy, who was appointed by the late Mayor Ed Lee in January 2017 to fill Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) vacant seat, is a longtime HIV/AIDS activist and LGBTQ civil rights advocate who previously served as president of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club and as then-Mayor Gavin Newsom’s HIV/AIDS advisor.

“Supervisor Sheehy is a pioneer in our community’s fight for full equality and social justice and has been an incredible advocate for people living with HIV over decades,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “A self-described ‘activist,’ Sheehy is committed to making San Francisco more affordable and safer for all.”

Rafael Mandelman is an urban development attorney and member of the San Francisco City College Board of Trustees, previously serving as the Board’s president. A San Francisco native, Rafael has dedicated his career to building affordable housing and revitalizing commercial districts in the Bay Area.

“Rafael Mandelman is a tireless advocate for San Francisco’s LGBTQ community and a champion for the city’s students and for San Franciscans experiencing homelessness,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re proud to endorse Rafael and are confident he would bring bold ideas, energetic leadership and a fresh perspective to City Hall if elected.”

San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools

Equality California has dual-endorsed Gary Waddell and Nancy Magee for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools.

Gary Waddell, who currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of the Instructional Services Division, was previously an award-winning principal and school counselor. He has also received endorsements from California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, Congresswoman Jackie Speier and the California Teachers Association of San Mateo County, among other elected leaders and organizations.

“Dr. Gary Waddell is a champion for LGBTQ equality who has devoted his life to ensuring access and opportunity for all students and communities,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We are impressed by his vision of equity and inclusion and are excited to support his campaign for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools.”

Nancy Magee, who currently serves as the County’s Associate Superintendent for the Student Services Division, was previously an award-winning high school English teacher for 20 years before becoming a high school librarian. She has also received endorsements from San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Don Horsley, County Sheriff Carlos Bolanos and County Controller Juan Raigoza, along with a growing list of local elected leaders and educators.

“Nancy is a proven leader and LGBTQ civil rights advocate with a long track record of fighting to ensure all our children have a shot at success,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We are thrilled to support her campaign for San Mateo County Superintendent of schools and are confident she will work tirelessly to ensure that our schools are safe and supportive learning environments for LGBTQ youth.”

Davis City Council

Equality California has endorsed Linda Deos and Eric Gudz in their campaigns for the Davis City Council. There are nine candidates running for two open seats on the Council.

The daughter of a school teacher, Linda Deos is a consumer protection attorney who has taken on big banks and worked to establish the first help desk for underrepresented clients at the Sacramento Federal Court. Deos is the current President of the Northern California Bankruptcy Forum, Treasurer of the Yolo County Progressives and a member of both the Davis Democratic Club and the Yolo County Democratic Central Committee.

“Linda Deos is a dedicated, passionate community advocate dedicated to standing up for those who need a helping hand,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re excited to see Linda bring that passion with her to the City Council and continue fighting to ensure the voices of all Davis residents, including members of our LGBTQ community, are heard.”

Eric Gudz is an Eagle Scout and retired Army captain, who has led drug policy reform efforts in Davis in recent years. After returning from Afghanistan, Gudz worked with the Army’s Warrior Transition Unit, supporting the recovery process for other returning soldiers. Gudz currently serves on the City of Davis’s Bicycling, Transportation and Street Safety Commission.

“As an Eagle Scout, Army veteran and accomplished community leader, Eric Gudz has dedicated their life to serving others,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re confident that Eric will continue fighting for Davis families, small businesses and our LGBTQ community on the City Council”

Rancho Mirage City Council

Equality California has endorsed Robert Mueller in his campaign for the Rancho Mirage City Council. Robert is one of three candidates challenging the three incumbents on the Council seeking reelection to their at-large seats. Mueller has spent five decades as a top executive with Sony, JVC Kenwood and Panasonic and has been a strong community advocate for LGBTQ civil rights and social justice.

“Robert Mueller will bring experience, drive and a fresh vision to Rancho Mirage’s City Hall,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “If elected, he’ll prioritize reducing crime, increasing government transparency and strengthening the city’s public schools — helping to ensure that every child in Rancho Mirage has access to a safe and supportive learning environment.”

Kern County Board of Supervisors, District 2

Equality California has endorsed Whitney Weddell for the Second District of the Kern County Board of Supervisors. Weddell has been a school teacher for nearly thirty years and a longtime community activist. She previously spent a decade building coalitions around the fight for marriage equality, traveling all over the Central Valley recruiting community organizers and volunteers.

“Whitney Weddell has a proven track record of thirty years of LGBTQ advocacy in Kern County, and we are convinced she will continue to lead as a Supervisor for the residents of the Second District,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “She cares deeply about improving the lives of Kern County families and will bring a fresh perspective to the Board of Supervisors.”

San Diego City Council, District 2

Equality California has endorsed Dr. Jen Campbell for the Second District of the San Diego City Council. Campbell is an active community leader, having served on the Clairemont Town Council Executive Board, in a number of capacities in the San Diego County Democratic Committee and California Democratic Party and as a Board Member and interim Executive Director of The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, a local LGBTQ nonprofit. She is a physician and practiced family medicine for 37 years.

“We’re proud to support Dr. Jen’s campaign for San Diego City Council and know she will be an excellent advocate for our families and small businesses in the Second District,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “She will be a strong addition to LGBTQ San Diegans’ representation on the Council and will continue to fight for civil rights and social justice for our community.”

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, District 4

Equality California has endorsed Jimmy Dutra for the Fourth District of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. Dutra currently serves on the City Council in Watsonville and as the Mayor Pro Tem. The first openly LGBTQ member of the City Council, he has worked to enhance city contracts and legal documentation to protect the LGBTQ community and has expanded support for the local shelter for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. Dutra also serves on the Board of the LGBT Caucus at the League of California Cities.

“Jimmy Dutra is a committed leader with a proven track record of getting results for his community,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “As County Supervisor, Jimmy will continue to be a strong advocate for progress toward a Santa Cruz County that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ residents.”

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The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) filed their opposition last night to a Trump-Pence Administration request to dissolve the nationwide preliminary injunction that U.S. District Court Judge Jesus G. Bernal issued December 22, 2017, in Equality California’s lawsuit, Stockman v. Trump. There are currently four separate preliminary injunctions issued by four separate federal courts, blocking Trump’s ban from moving forward while the cases are being heard by the courts.

On March 23, the Trump administration filed a motion to dissolve the injunction, claiming to issue a “new policy” on transgender military service. However, as NCLR and GLAD demonstrate in the opposition filing, that policy merely details the steps the military plans to take to implement the ban that Judge Bernal and three other federal court judges have already blocked from taking effect.

“There’s nothing new here,” said Jennifer Levi, GLAD Transgender Rights Project Director. “The supposedly ‘new policy’ excludes transgender people from military service. It is the same ban the courts have already enjoined.”

“There is no justification for a special rule banning transgender people from military service rather than permitting them to serve on the same terms as everyone else,” said Shannon Minter, NCLR Legal Director. “Transgender troops have already been serving their country with honor and dignity for decades.”

“No matter what the White House calls it, this is the same unpatriotic and discriminatory ban that four federal courts have already blocked from moving forward,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “At a time when our nation faces serious threats around the world, it’s baffling that President Trump remains focused on undermining our military by ripping thousands of distinguished service members from their posts.”

”Transgender Americans are guaranteed the same right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as any other American,” said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “We owe transgender service members, like all Americans who courageously serve our nation, our support and gratitude for putting their lives on the line. President Trump’s transgender military service ban is primitive. It is discriminatory, plain and simple. We will fight it in every form.”

President Trump first announced his transgender military ban in a series of tweets in July 2017. Then in an August 25 memo, he directed the Secretary of Defense to create an implementation plan for his ban. In addition to Judge Bernal, three other federal district court judges have issued injunctions halting the ban, including in NCLR and GLAD’s DC-based case, Doe v. Trump. In each of the four cases, the courts have found that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed on their claim that excluding transgender people from military service violates their guarantee of equal protection under the US Constitution. Earlier this month, Judge Marsha J. Pechman in the Washington state case Karnoski v. Trump, brought by Lambda Legal and Outserv-SLDN, denied the Trump administration’s request to lift that court’s injunction and ordered Karnoski to proceed to discovery and trial.

Top medical organizations and experts have refuted recent Trump administration attempts to justify its ban on transgender military service, including  former Surgeons General, the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association.

Senior military officials from all service branches have also confirmed that permitting transgender people to serve strengthens the force.

Stockman v. Trump was brought by Equality California on September 5, 2017, on behalf of the organization’s members as well as individual plaintiffs Aiden Stockman, Nicolas Talbott, Tamesyn Reeves, Jaquice Tate and three unnamed current service members. Attorney General Xavier Becerra intervened as a plaintiff on behalf of the State of California in November 2017.

In addition to NCLR and GLAD, plaintiffs in Stockman are represented by Latham & Watkins LLP.

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Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, has endorsed Vivian Romero’s campaign for Senate District 32. Romero currently serves as Montebello’s first openly LGBTQ city councilmember and previously served as the city’s first openly LGBTQ mayor.

“Equality California is proud to endorse Vivian Romero because she knows first-hand that diversity and inclusion are what make California great,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re confident that when she gets to Sacramento, Councilwoman Romero will fight for equal pay, stand up against attacks on immigrant communities and provide critical representation for our LGBTQ community as a member of the Legislative LGBT Caucus.”

On the Montebello City Council and in her previous role as Mayor, Romero’s major initiatives have included addressing homelessness through the San Gabriel Riverbed Task Force, increasing jobs and making improvements along the Pomona SR-60 Freeway corridor through Caltrans Rehabilitation, fighting for clean air through the Advanced Clean Trucks Now Plan and renovating the City of Montebello Veterans Memorial and Constitution Bicentennial Monument. The Montebello Unified School District Board of Education has recognized Romero for her work and contributions to the LGBTQ community and she was instrumental in establishing the 1st Annual Pride Walk for High School students.

“I am deeply honored to receive Equality California’s endorsement,” said Romero. “Right now, it’s critical we take defensive action against attacks on immigrant communities, create affordable housing, ensure Californians have access to affordable health care and protect our basic civil rights. I will  continue to advocate and support policies that deliver environmental justice for disadvantaged communities. We need all Californians to thrive, and must continue working to ensure that race, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity are never barriers to opportunity.”

If elected to the California Senate, Romero would prioritize working to close the persistent wage gap, protecting the environment, strengthening workplace protections against sexual harassment and enacting additional policies that empower women and support working families. Romero is a tenacious leader who will work to create a future that supports inclusion and success for all Californians.

The Los Angeles-area senate seat is currently vacant following the resignation of Senator Tony Mendoza, who resigned “after an independent investigation found it was likely he made unwanted sexual advances toward six women during his tenure.”

For a full list of Equality California’s 2018 endorsements to date, visit eqca.org/our-endorsements.

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Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, has endorsed TJ Cox in California’s 21st Congressional District. The son of immigrants, Cox is a community development leader, health care advocate and entrepreneur running to represent the Central Valley district, which is one of the most competitive in the country after Hillary Clinton carried it in 2016 by 15.5 percentage points.

“California’s 21st district deserves a Congressman who will fight for everyone in the Central Valley — no matter where they came from, who they are or whom they love,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “TJ Cox is an outstanding candidate whose family has a long history of fighting for equality and social justice, and we’re proud to support his campaign.”

Republican incumbent Congressman David Valadao (CA-21) scored just 25 percent on Equality California’s 2017 Legislative Scorecard, indicating an anti-LGBTQ equality voting record. Unlike Valadao, Cox would fight to protect Medicaid, to pass the Equality Act and provide federal nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ Americans and to protect our communities from gun violence by instituting common sense gun safety laws.

“I am proud to receive the endorsement of Equality California,” said TJ Cox. “Our LGBTQ sons, daughters, brothers and sisters deserve equal rights and protections — from working without fear of discrimination to serving openly in our military without fear of reprisal. In Congress, I will stand up and fight for those rights and freedoms.”

Cox lives in Fresno with his wife Kathleen Murphy, M.D., a pediatric intensive care physician, and their four children. His mother Perla (Lola) DeCastro, an immigrant from the Philippines, was a pioneer for social justice and served as one of Nevada’s first equal opportunity employment officers. TJ continued his family’s tradition of service by founding the Central Valley New Market Tax Credit Fund, which invests in socially and economically disadvantaged communities throughout the Central Valley — raising and investing $65 million and creating over 1,500 Central Valley jobs.

California’s 21st District stretches from the Fresno suburbs in the north to Bakersfield in the south. The district is heavily agricultural, 70 percent Latino and over 200,000 residents were born outside the United States. Even after Clinton carried the district by a wide margin in November 2016, Valadao has voted with President Trump over 98 percent of the time.

Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, sent a letter to members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Monday urging them to oppose the nomination of Director Mike Pompeo to serve as U.S. Secretary of State. Throughout his career, Pompeo has been a staunch opponent of LGBTQ equality and refused to disavow those positions during his Senate confirmation hearing last week when prompted by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and others.

“Since his nomination, we have been deeply concerned about Director Pompeo’s troubling anti-LGBTQ record, including his co-sponsorship of multiple bills during his service in the U.S. House of Representatives that would have slowed the spread of marriage equality and provided a ‘license to discriminate’ against the LGBTQ community,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur and National Policy Director Valerie Ploumpis in the letter to the Committee.

After a decade of significant global progress for the LGBTQ community, with the Obama Administration playing a key role as vocal proponents of LGBTQ human rights around the world — even in nations infamous for their regressive anti-LGBTQ policies — the Trump Administration has sought to scale back the United States’ moral leadership in the advancement of human rights. Still, Director Pompeo’s confirmation as Secretary of State would represent a drastic lurch further toward the views of anti-LGBTQ groups like the Family Research Council.

“Director Pompeo’s public statements and positions on issues important to the LGBTQ community here and around the world make it clear that he would be unfit to serve in this capacity,” concluded Zbur and Ploumpis.

During his service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Pompeo opposed the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and said it was “not ideal” for children to have same-sex parents. He also voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act and, in three full terms in the House, received two zeros and one 30 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Congressional Scorecard.

Click here to read Equality California’s letter to to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Equality California also sent letters to Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris of California expressing opposition to Director Pompeo’s nomination. On April 11, Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair Congressman David Cicilline (RI-01) and 46 colleagues urged the Committee to oppose Pompeo’s nomination, too.

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Today, Equality California announced the endorsement of three strong pro-equality candidates for the California State Assembly.

“As we continue to forge a California and world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people, it is critical that we elect strong allies with a proven track record of supporting LGBTQ equality, women’s rights, and social justice,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “We are pleased to announce the endorsement of three candidates for State Assembly who will lead the way in advancing these goals in their capacity as elected officials.”

The candidates endorsed by Equality California are as follows:

Assembly District 45

Equality California endorses Tricia Robbins Kasson in the special election for Assembly District 45, which will be held on April 3. Assembly District 45 includes Calabasas, Encino, Hidden Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, and most the western San Fernando Valley. Kasson is currently the Economic Development Director for LA City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and has promised to provide focused leadership in Sacramento to advance LGBTQ civil rights, advocate for communities in the San Fernando Valley, and fight bullying and harassment in the workplace and schools.

“As a proud daughter of the San Fernando Valley, Tricia Robbins Kasson understands the unique needs of her community, and will fight to advance LGBTQ equality and increase economic opportunity for our community, ” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “As the Economic Development Director for L.A. City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and a professional planner, Kasson has worked to spur job growth, provide affordable housing, and tackle homelessness. She is committed to supporting legislation that would require LGBTQ cultural competency training for teachers, law enforcement, and healthcare workers. We are confident that as a member of the State Assembly she will be a strong champion of LGBTQ equality and social justice.”

Assembly District 54

Equality California endorses Sydney Kamlager in the special election for Assembly District 54, which will be held on April 3. Assembly District 54 encompasses parts of the Westside of Los Angeles, including Baldwin Hills, Culver City, Century City, Crenshaw, Mid-City, West Los Angeles, and Westwood. Kamlager is the District Director for California State Senator Holly J. Mitchell and current president of the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees. In her role as Community College Trustee, Kamlager has supported numerous initiatives to fight LGBTQ discrimination and help LGBTQ students prosper in a safe and welcoming environment, including by establishing and implementing a Transgender Sensitivity Curriculum to guide sensitivity training for employees, staff, and stakeholders at all nine colleges within the district, and by supporting the development of curriculum for students.

“Sydney Kamlager has a demonstrated record of advancing LGBTQ equality and social justice, and supporting efforts to assure that LGBTQ students can thrive in safe, welcoming environments,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “As a member of the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees, Kamlager has fought to provide additional tools and protections for LGBTQ students. In partnership with TransCanWork, she authored a resolution which established a Transgender Sensitivity Curriculum for employees, staff, and stakeholders at all nine colleges in the district and is working with the Academic Senate to shape effective curriculum for students. If elected to the Assembly, she has pledged to sponsor and support legislation and initiatives that strengthen LGBTQ equality, provide affordable healthcare, and expand access to HIV/AIDS care and prevention programs.”

Assembly District 72

Equality California endorses Josh Lowenthal for Assembly District 72, which includes parts of Huntington Beach and northwest Orange County. Lowenthal is a business owner, entrepreneur, community advocate, and son of current Congressman Alan Lowenthal. Throughout his life, he has been a staunch proponent of LGBTQ equality and an ally to our community, having sponsored LGBTQ events, and supported numerous progressive organizations and LGBTQ candidates.

“Josh Lowenthal has been a tremendous advocate for LGBTQ civil rights and social justice in his community,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “As a business owner and entrepreneur he has prioritized increasing LGBTQ representation in the workplace and working with LGBTQ-owned businesses. As a community advocate and ally, he has a history of supporting progressive organizations and LGBTQ candidates. We look forward to working with him in the Assembly to advance LGBTQ equality and increase opportunity for members of our community.”

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