Equality California

Equality California is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in California. Founded in 1999 by Geoff Kors and Mark Leno, the organization has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights in the state, working closely with California State Legislature members such as Sheila Kuehl and Mark Leno. Equality California has also collaborated with other organizations, including the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, and the Human Rights Campaign, to advance the cause of LGBTQ+ equality.

● History

Equality California was established in 1999, with the primary goal of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in California. The organization's early work focused on Proposition 22, a ballot initiative that aimed to restrict same-sex marriage in the state. Equality California worked closely with other organizations, including the California Democratic Party and the American Civil Liberties Union of California, to oppose the proposition. The organization has also been involved in various LGBTQ+ rights campaigns, including the No on Proposition 8 campaign, which was led by Kate Kendall and Geoff Kors. Additionally, Equality California has worked with California Governors such as Gray Davis and Gavin Newsom to advance LGBTQ+ rights in the state.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of Equality California is to achieve full LGBTQ+ equality in California through advocacy, education, and community empowerment. The organization's objectives include promoting LGBTQ+ inclusive policies in California schools, supporting LGBTQ+ youth and LGBTQ+ seniors, and advocating for LGBTQ+ healthcare and LGBTQ+ employment rights. Equality California also works to elect LGBTQ+ friendly candidates to public office, including California State Assembly members such as Toni Atkins and Sabrina Cervantes. The organization has also partnered with Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and the California Teachers Association to advance LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive rights.

● Advocacy_and_Legislation

Equality California has been involved in various LGBTQ+ rights legislative campaigns, including the passage of SB 1172, a law that prohibits conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth. The organization has also advocated for LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum in California schools, working closely with California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California State Board of Education members such as Ilene Strauss. Additionally, Equality California has supported legislation such as AB 2943, which prohibits the sale of conversion therapy services in California. The organization has also worked with California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Senator Scott Wiener to advance LGBTQ+ rights in the state.

● Programs_and_Services

Equality California offers various programs and services to support the LGBTQ+ community in California. The organization's LGBTQ+ Youth Program provides resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth, including scholarships and mentorship opportunities. Equality California also offers LGBTQ+ advocacy training and community organizing resources to help LGBTQ+ individuals and LGBTQ+ organizations advocate for their rights. The organization has also partnered with The Trevor Project and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network to provide support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Additionally, Equality California has worked with California Department of Public Health and California Department of Education to provide LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare and LGBTQ+ inclusive education.

● Leadership_and_Partnerships

Equality California is led by Rick Zbur, a veteran LGBTQ+ rights advocate who has worked with organizations such as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The organization has also partnered with various LGBTQ+ organizations, including the San Francisco LGBT Community Center and the Long Beach LGBTQ Center. Equality California has also worked with California-based companies such as Apple Inc. and Google to advance LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace. The organization has also collaborated with California universities such as University of California, Los Angeles and Stanford University to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and LGBTQ+ research. Category:LGBTQ+ organizations in the United States