IN 2025, THE GLOVES WERE OFF.
From the first days of the new federal administration, LGBTQ+ people — particularly transgender people — faced a coordinated wave of executive actions, legislative attacks, and legal threats designed to roll back hard-won rights and destabilize our communities. The stakes were clear. So was our response.
This was a year defined not by retreat, but by resolve.
In Sacramento, we advanced a bold legislative agenda and secured the signing of seven Equality California–sponsored bills into law, strengthening protections for transgender people, LGBTQ+ families, workers, and unhoused community members. We stopped harmful proposals before they could take root and restored nearly $40 million in threatened funding for LGBTQ+ health equity programs. In Washington, our D.C. team worked alongside national partners and state attorneys general to challenge federal overreach and defend civil rights through coordinated legal and policy advocacy. Across California, we mobilize hundreds of thousands of people to show up at the Capitol, in school board meetings, and at the ballot box.
Our political program delivered decisive results. Voters passed Proposition 50 by nearly 30 points, reinforcing fair representation at a pivotal moment for our democracy. We helped elect out LGBTQ+ champions in key local races and laid the groundwork for our largest midterm effort yet in 2026. At the same time, we continued building the bench of LGBTQ+ leadership through fellowships, training academies, and statewide convenings — because representation is not symbolic. It is structural power.
Rather than simply reacting to attacks, we continued strengthening the infrastructure our community relies on. We launched new legal and
health resource hubs, expanded public education efforts statewide, and introduced the weekly Equality Brief to provide timely, accurate updates in a rapidly shifting environment. These investments ensure that even in moments of instability, LGBTQ+ people have access to reliable information, essential services, and pathways to action.
None of this work would be possible without the extraordinary dedication of our staff. In a year that demanded urgency, adaptability, and stamina, our team delivered. They navigated rapid federal changes, complex legislative negotiations, high-stakes electoral campaigns, and community crises with professionalism and determination. Their commitment to each other and to the communities we serve is the engine behind every victory in this report.
We also remain deeply grateful to our board members, volunteers, partners, and supporters who stepped up in critical moments — making calls, attending hearings, engaging neighbors, and investing in us.
The gloves are off, not because we seek conflict, but because equality requires courage. In this moment, neutrality is not an option. As we head into 2026, we are prepared to defend what we have secured, expand LGBTQ+ representation at every level of government, and ensure California continues to lead with clarity and conviction.
The challenges are real, but so is our resolve.
Until the work is done.
TONY HOANG
Equality California Executive Director
LIVING OUR VALUES
For more than 25 years, Equality California has been intentional about ensuring that our staff and boards reflect the vibrant and diverse populations we represent and fight for.
In 2025, we saw the proliferation of ICE in communities across our state, terrorizing immigrants and people of color with impunity. This made our longstanding commitment to advocating for a comprehensive immigration system
— including a clear path to citizenship — even more prescient. We showed out in force during the annual May Day March in downtown Los Angeles, co-leading a contingent of civil rights and LGBTQ+ groups. Then, in October, we honored the Coalition for Human and Immigrant Rights, Los Angeles (CHIRLA) at our annual Los Angeles Equality Awards, and were inspired by the remarks of CHIRLA CEO Angelica Salas.
This year also brought increasingly hostile attacks against transgender youth and their
families; attacks that reemphasized the need for the voices of the most marginalized and oppressed to not only have a seat at the table, but to lead the meeting and set the agenda. We spotlighted the stories of trans youth and their parents at our annual LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day in Sacramento, our San Francisco Equality Awards, and the Silver State Equality Awards; each time, we succeeded in putting a face — and a very real story of struggle — to an issue that may at times seem abstract.
If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that the fight is never over. The pendulum does indeed swing. Battles we thought’d we’d won are still being fought. Basic rights can’t be taken for granted. But we also learned that the power of community is stronger than ever, and that when our backs are against the wall, LGBTQ+ people stand together to hold the line.
Challenges will continue to present themselves, no doubt. But we are ready. We are prepared. And we aren’t going anywhere
POLITICAL
In 2025, Equality California’s political work focused on defending democratic institutions and expanding LGBTQ+ representation. Fair elections and pro-equality leadership remain essential safeguards against federal efforts to roll back civil rights and weaken democratic norms.
Our biggest priority was the successful passage of Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, during California’s November 4, 2025, statewide special election. Equality California led LGBTQ+ voter education and mobilization efforts across the state, including phonebanks, targeted outreach to members and
supporters, community town halls, and policy briefings. The campaign resulted in a decisive statewide victory of nearly 30 points, strengthening protections against partisan manipulation of congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
We also endorsed and supported out LGBTQ+ candidates in key 2025 special elections, securing victories in Oakland, San Jose, and San Diego. Through member engagement and targeted voter outreach, we helped elect Paloma Aguirre to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Anthony Tordillos to the San Jose City Council, and Charlene Wang to the Oakland City Council, while defending LGBTQ+ representation in local recall efforts. At the same time, we began laying the groundwork for our largest electoral effort to date in 2026, issuing early endorsements in critical state legislative and congressional races to expand LGBTQ+ representation at every level of government.
LOOKING AHEAD
As we prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, Equality California will prioritize defending democratic institutions, expanding LGBTQ+ representation at every level of government, and ensuring California remains a strong counterweight to escalating federal attacks on equality.
Our work will include engagement in key statewide races, including the Governor’s race,
as well as competitive congressional contests that could determine control of the U.S. House. We will also focus on growing the California Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus and strengthening pro-equality leadership in Sacramento.
At the local level, we will remain actively engaged in municipal and school board elections, where attacks on LGBTQ+ students, families, and educators often originate. Building on recent successes, we will invest in early organizing, voter engagement, and strategic candidate support to counter antiLGBTQ+ extremism, protect inclusive schools, and advance equality in communities across California.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS News Articles
Political Notes: CA LGBTQ rights group wades into 1st 2026 legislative race
As checks and balances fade, Prop. 50 gives Californians a chance to hold the line
Scott Wiener, running to succeed Nancy Pelosi in Congress, endorsed by HRC, Victory Fund, and more
Helped secure passage of Proposition 50 by a nearly 30-point margin, strengthening fair representation and protecting election integrity statewide
Launched the 2026 election cycle early with key endorsements and an expanded slate of outLGBTQ+ candidates in state and federal races
“The victory of Proposition 50 shows what’s possible when organizations like Equality California bring communities together to defend our democracy. Their leadership helped mobilize voters across the state and ensure that Californians stood up for fair representation. Because of their work, the voices of LGBTQ+ people and other communities that have too often been sidelined will continue to be heard in Washington.”
REP. ROBERT GARCIA CA-42
Executed a successful 2025 special-election endorsement program, securing multiple local victories and defending LGBTQ+ representation
Mobilized LGBTQ+ voters statewide through phonebanks, town halls, and targeted member outreach
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The start of 2025 marked a sharp escalation in federal attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. Within days of the inauguration, the new Administration issued sweeping executive orders targeting LGBTQ+ communities, particularly transgender people, while advancing a broader agenda that weakened public health programs, civil rights protections, and democratic institutions. Cabinet appointments and congressional inaction signaled limited federal oversight or restraint, and key decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court further expanded executive authority.
In the months that followed, federal actions included significant workforce reductions, aggressive immigration enforcement, rollbacks in voting rights protections, and efforts to curtail access to healthcare and scientific research. Transgender people have been disproportionately targeted, including bans affecting transgender servicemembers and restrictions on access to medically necessary transition-related healthcare for minors. These actions have created
significant legal and healthcare uncertainty for LGBTQ+ communities nationwide.
In response, state leaders and legal advocates stepped forward to serve as a critical counterbalance. A coalition of 23 state attorneys general, frequently led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, filed lawsuits challenging federal actions affecting public health, immigration, environmental protections, and civil rights. Courtissued temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions have slowed or blocked several federal initiatives, underscoring the importance of statelevel leadership and coordinated legal advocacy in protecting LGBTQ+ people and the rule of law.
2025 also saw the conservative-majority Supreme Court issue anti-LGBTQ+ rulings in two cases, United States v. Skrmetti and Mahmoud V. Taylor. The Skrmetti case concerned a Tennessee state law that bans medical care for transgender youth. By a 6-3 decision, the Justices ruled that the law does not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. In the Mahmoud case, brought by a group of parents opposing LGBTQ+inclusive books in a Maryland school district’s curriculum, the Justices ruled 6-3 that requiring children to participate in instruction including the materials is a violation of religious freedom.
REP. JUDY CHU
CA-28
“Protecting civil rights is protecting basic humanity. Our struggles are interconnected, and when one community is attacked, all are at risk. That’s why I’m proud to stand with Equality California as we continue to fight for LGBTQ+ equality, immigrant rights, and reproductive freedom here in our state and nationwide. Because when we stand together, we are stronger for it.”
ACCOMPLISHMENTS News Articles
‘They’re escalating’: A Q&A with Rob Bonta on Trump’s immigration crackdown
All anti-transgender provisions stripped from House and Senate funding bills
Supreme Court Upholds Ban On Gender-Affirming Care For Minors: The Meaning Of US v Skrmetti
Submitted 11 sets of public comments on proposed federal rulemakings since January 2025, addressing policies impacting healthcare, education, housing, and energy
Partnered with national advocacy organizations to prevent House-passed antiLGBTQ+ bills and harmful appropriations riders from advancing in the Senate
“As we approach the new year, it’s critical we strengthen and renew our fight for civil rights in the United States. In the face of attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, I’m more grateful than ever for organizations like Equality California, which continue to do the hard work to advance equality wherever possible. I look forward to working with Equality California in 2026 to advance legislation to protect the LGBTQ+ community and elect pro-equality leaders across the country.”
REP. PETE AGUILAR CA-31
Engaged members of the California and Nevada congressional delegations to oppose harmful legislation and advance proequality federal policies
Kept LGBTQ+ communities informed and engaged on federal developments and emerging threats
SACRAMENTO
In the face of unprecedented federal threats, California’s LGBTQ+ community responded with clarity and determination. Working alongside the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and community partners, we advanced a bold legislative agenda designed to strengthen California’s safeguards and ensure the state remains a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender people and their families.
In 2025, Governor Newsom signed seven of Equality California’s priority bills into law, strengthening protections for transgender people and their healthcare providers, safeguarding LGBTQ+ families, streamlining access to accurate identity documents, enhancing data privacy, protecting workers’ ability to care for loved ones, and improving safety in homelessness programs serving LGBTQ+ people.
At the same time, we successfully stopped a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ proposals in the Legislature, including bills targeting transgender youth in schools, rolling back protections in correctional settings, and weakening existing civil rights laws. We also secured the restoration of approximately $40 million in proposed cuts to LGBTQ+ health equity programs, preserving critical services delivered by communitybased organizations across the state.
This year also marked a historic demonstration of people power. Equality California hosted the largest LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day in our history, bringing more than 300 advocates, youth, families, and community leaders to the State Capitol to meet directly with lawmakers and advance our legislative priorities. Their engagement strengthened our advocacy and helped secure key victories at a moment when coordinated state leadership was essential.
SEN. CAROLINE MENJIVAR
“Since taking office, one of my main legislative priorities has been ensuring that LGBTQ+ people have the ability to build their families with the same protections as heterosexual couples. This session I was thrilled to see SB 450 signed by the governor, which will allow LGBTQ+ people to use our state’s confirmatory adoption protections for children born in California, even if they’re living in another state. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Equality California as we keep up the fight for full, lived equality.”
Member, California LGBTQ Legislative Caucus
ACCOMPLISHMENTS News Articles
CA Legislature set to restore $40M for LGBTQ health that Newsom cut Democrats reject California bills banning transgender athletes
California shores up protections on transgender people amid White House attacks
“It has been an honor to work hand in hand with Equality California as Chair of the LGBTQ Legislative Caucus. Despite the significant challenges created by the current federal administration, we stayed focused and delivered real results for LGBTQ+ Californians — especially when it comes to privacy and safety. Together, we pushed back against some of the federal government’s most harmful proposals and ensured California continues to lead the way.”
Secured the signing of seven Equality California–sponsored bills into law by Governor Newsom
Restored nearly $40 million in proposed cuts to LGBTQ+ health equity programs, preserving critical services statewide
ASM. CHRIS WARD (AD-78), Chair, California LGBTQ Legislative Caucus
Successfully stopped multiple anti-LGBTQ+ bills targeting transgender youth, civil rights protections, and safety in correctional settings
Mobilized thousands of Californians to call legislators, send letters, attend hearings, and oppose harmful federal and state proposals
Hosted the largest LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day in Equality
California history, bringing more than 300 advocates to the State Capitol to meet directly with lawmakers
Advanced new protections for transgender people, LGBTQ+ families, workers, and unhoused community members through legislative action
provided thousands of people with Know Your Rights materials and connections to critical health and support resources, helping communities navigate an increasingly hostile political environment. Through outreach at Pride festivals and other community events, our team distributed public education materials directly to people across the state. We also expanded access to trusted information through our Health Resource Center, Legal Services Clearinghouse, and Safe Schools Resource Center — centralized online hubs designed to make complex resources easier to find and use. In 2025, 93,795 people accessed information and support through these online resource centers.
Our public education efforts also extend beyond the LGBTQ+ community to the professionals who serve it. Through trainings offered by our Programs team, including LGBTQ+ 101, we equipped healthcare providers and social service professionals with the tools to deliver more inclusive and equitable care. These trainings are designed to improve LGBTQ+ health and well-being outcomes and reduce disparities between LGBTQ+ people and their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
“In 2024 and 2025, CSBA’s Research and Education Policy Development department collaborated with Equality California on a research brief for CSBA’s ongoing Students in Focus series. Their brief, LGBTQ+ Students in Focus: Demographics and Academic Achievement, provided background information for governance teams to understand the educational experiences and outcomes for the approximately 7-11 percent of students who identify as LGBTQ+. CSBA values partnerships like these, as our collective work assists local education agencies and their governance teams across the state with new research and resources to support all students to learn and thrive at school.”
ANGELA ASCH California School Board Association
LOOKING AHEAD
As the landscape of LGBTQ+ rights and access to resources continues to shift rapidly, ensuring that community members have timely, accurate information about their rights and about evolving federal and state policy will remain essential.
We will continue expanding our public education efforts, including growing the reach of the Equality Brief in partnership with the Los Angeles Blade,
to deliver consistent, trusted updates to LGBTQ+ communities and allies across California.
In the year ahead, we will also strengthen civic engagement by implementing Get-Out-the-Vote efforts that support broader participation in the democratic process. At the same time, we will continue building and activating our volunteer network —equipping people with the tools, training, and organizing skills needed to respond quickly to emerging threats and educate their communities on pressing issues affecting LGBTQ+ people.
“Equality California has been a tremendous resource for the California Federation of Teachers. Over the years, they have provided our educational community with essential workshops, both in person and virtually. We truly rely on their expertise and training on LGBTQIA+ issues to keep our members well-informed, and we are grateful for their ongoing support and service.”
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Trained 525 healthcare and social service professionals to deliver more inclusive and equitable services to LGBTQ+ people
Launched the LGBTQ+ Legal Services Clearinghouse at legal. eqca.org, creating a centralized hub connecting LGBTQ+ Californians to legal resources and support
CHRISTOPHER ARELLANO
California Federation of Teachers
Expanded the Health Resource Center at health.eqca. org to increase access to LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare information and services
Provided more than 4,500 people with Know Your Rights information, training, and healthcare access resources through in-person outreach and webinars
Reached an additional 93,795 people through online resource centers with Know Your Rights materials, health access information, and educational resources
Conducted outreach at 20 Pride festivals and parades across California, distributing public education materials and connecting directly with community members
BUILDING THE BENCH: Advancing LGBTQ+
Leadership
Across school board meetings, congressional hearings, and through executive actions, policymakers nationwide have taken unprecedented steps to undermine the dignity and rights of transgender and LGB people.
From rolling back longstanding protections to attempting to erase legal recognition of transgender identities and targeting transgender youth, some elected officials are using their positions of power to harm
our community. In this environment, the need for openly LGBTQ+ leaders and committed allies in positions of influence has never been clearer.
That urgency drives our leadership pipeline efforts to build the bench of LGBTQ+ leaders and ensure our voices are present where decisions are made. In 2025, Equality California Institute hosted our 16th annual summer legislative Comcast Fellowship, held two leadership training academies for LGBTQ+ people seeking elected office, supported leaders pursuing appointed positions, and provided networking and professional development opportunities for openly LGBTQ+ elected and appointed officials across the state.
“I didn’t have role models growing up, so coming to the Capitol and meeting queer people, especially women, who are strong, proud, and fight for others, really left a lasting impact on me. I definitely want to come back and work in the Capitol. I will make my voice heard for all those who were silenced before me.”
PIPER CORNETT 2025 Comcast Fellow
LOOKING AHEAD
The impact of this work, alongside our partners’ efforts across the movement, is reflected in the continued growth of the California LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus, which now includes 14 members. As we look to 2026, our commitment to strengthening the pipeline of LGBTQ+ leadership remains strong.
For the first time, we will host three LGBTQ+ Leadership Academies in a single year, including expanding into the Central Valley to reach emerging leaders in new regions of the state. Our California LGBTQ+ Leadership Summit will continue to convene openly LGBTQ+ elected and appointed officials to build alignment and deepen policy expertise. And through our Comcast Fellowship, we will continue preparing the next generation of LGBTQ+ civil servants by providing hands-on exposure to the Sacramento legislative process.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Hosted more than 125 openly LGBTQ+ elected and appointed officials and community leaders at the sixth annual California LGBTQ+ Leadership Summit in Sacramento
“The program really helped me understand the importance of my voice in political systems. I think this program speaks to an important moment in history right now and I’m so glad I had a chance to learn and hear from folks who are changing the political landscape.”
DR. JONATHAN P. HIGGINS
Los Angeles
Leadership Academy
Participant 2025
Equipped 31 emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to run for office, seek appointed positions, and pursue leadership roles
Placed six LGBTQ+ undergraduate students in legislative fellowships in Sacramento, building the next generation of public servants
DRIVING CHANGE: Advocacy
With a community informed about its rights and a growing pipeline of LGBTQ+ leaders prepared to serve, Equality California Institute advanced advocacy efforts designed to drive lasting policy and systems change.
In 2025, we closed one chapter in the Central Valley while opening another. In June, we concluded the five-year OUT Against Big Tobacco initiative, which focused on advancing local controls on the sale and
marketing of flavored tobacco products. In the fall, we launched a new LGBTQ+ Health Equity Coalition in the Central Valley, building on relationships developed through the tobacco campaign. The coalition will focus on policy advocacy, equitable funding, and narrative change strategies to improve LGBTQ+ health outcomes in the region.
Our 2025 LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day brought nearly 300 LGBTQ+ people and allies to Sacramento to meet directly with legislators and their staff, share personal stories, and advance legislative priorities impacting transgender and LGB communities. We also convened 100 LGBTQ+ community leaders for a two-day virtual Fair Share for Equality gathering to identify policy and budget
priorities for 2026. These priorities will shape our legislative agenda in the year ahead. Statewide, our advocacy extends to local school districts through monthly LGBTQ+ Student Rights Coalition calls, hosted in partnership with the ACLU of Southern California. These calls bring together more than 100 advocates, educators, and community leaders to coordinate messaging, provide updates on litigation and legislation, and support implementation of legal protections for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families.
“My 15-year-old trans son Charlie and I took part in Equality California’s Advocacy Day, and we both found the experience empowering, affirming, and inspiring. Being in community with fellow parents, trans kids, grandparents, and other advocates from across the state reminded us that our stories, our lived experiences, and our collective voices can truly matter—especially when we’re effectively organized and equipped to engage lawmakers and their staff. The preparation and support we received from Equality California gave Charlie and me the confidence to speak about the real needs of LGBTQ+ people in our communities. Advocacy Day was more than a single event. It was a powerful reminder that change is driven by everyday people who are willing to show up, speak out, and stand together for equality and justice.”
JOHN WHALEY Participant, 2025
Day
LOOKING AHEAD
As we move into 2026, we will continue elevating the voices of LGBTQ+ people in the halls of power through Advocacy Day, Fair Share for Equality, and sustained engagement at local city council and school board meetings across California. The Central Valley LGBTQ+ Health Equity Coalition will identify and advance priority budget, policy,
and access solutions to improve health outcomes for LGBTQ+ people in the region, strengthening long-term equity and community well-being.
In the fall of 2026, we will release the fourth edition of the Safe and Supportive Schools Report Card, providing an essential transparency and accountability tool for students, families, and staff in California’s unified school districts and helping drive continued progress toward safer, more inclusive schools.
“I am grateful to have been a part of the EQCA Advocacy Day and have the opportunity to speak directly to our lawmakers. So much of the public discourse around trans people like myself has been dehumanizing, and being able to show up authentically to our elected representatives and advocate for my community, at the same time I was reminding them of our humanity, was a deeply empowering experience.”
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Brought hundreds of LGBTQ+ community members and allies to Sacramento for Advocacy Day, mobilizing constituents to meet directly with legislators and advance priority legislation
DREW HARBAUGH Vice-President, PFLAG Fresno
Hosted 100 LGBTQ+ community leaders for a two-day virtual convening to identify 2026 policy and budget priorities, shaping our legislative package for the year ahead
Launched the fourth Safe and Supportive Schools Survey to collect statewide data on district policies and best practices supporting LGBTQ+ students
Convened advocates and partners at our annual Stop the Hate gathering to advance improved data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity for LGBTQ+ students
SILVER STATE EQUALITY
The year began with a wave of harmful antiLGBTQ+ presidential executive orders targeting transgender and genderdiverse people and seeking to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives nationwide.
In response, Silver State Equality intensified our advocacy and public education efforts to help LGBTQ+ Nevadans navigate the rapid and destabilizing political shifts that Project 2025 had long foreshadowed.
Despite these challenges, Nevada remains one of the strongest states in the nation for LGBTQ+ people because of existing legal protections. During the 2025 legislative session, we were deeply disappointed by Governor Lombardo’s vetoes of our priority legislation, though the session also produced more limited wins that upheld and advanced protections for LGBTQ+ Nevadans. In April, more than 60 people from across the state joined us in Carson City for Equality Lobby Day, meeting directly with lawmakers and standing together at a press conference to make clear that LGBTQ+ Nevadans are engaged and paying attention.
We continued investing in long-term community power by training 12 LGBTQ+
leaders through the Nevada LGBTQ+ Leadership Academy and by hosting an estate planning workshop to help people protect their families and assets amid growing legal uncertainty. In the fall, more than 300 people gathered for the seventh annual Silver State Equality Awards to honor Lisa Vanderpump, Jan Jones Blackhurst, and The LGBTQ+ Center of Las Vegas. Looking ahead, we also launched a research effort in preparation for the 2030 Census to better understand LGBTQ+ Nevadans’ comfort with sharing sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression data — work that will help ensure our community is counted, represented, and protected.
“At this moment, advocating for LGBTQ+ Nevadans to be treated with dignity and respect has never been more important — which is why I was proud to lead on SB 141 and SB 352 this session. While I am greatly disappointed at the governor’s vetoes of several pro-equality bills, I am confident that the work of the LGBTQ Caucus and our allies will continue to lay the groundwork for full, lived equality in Nevada.”
SEN. MELANIE SCHEIBLE
Chief Senate Majority Whip; CoFounder, Nevada LGBT Caucus (D-9)
LOOKING AHEAD
The 2026 midterm elections present a critical opportunity to elect more pro-equality leaders across Nevada, including the opportunity to elect a governor who reflects and supports the needs of LGBTQ+ communities.
Silver State Equality will continue endorsing LGBTQ+ candidates and allies running for office at every level of government. At the same time, we are closely monitoring a proposed 2026 ballot measure targeting transgender studentathletes that remains under legal review, which
could create new challenges for LGBTQ+ youth and their families if it advances to voters.
At the same time, growing dissatisfaction among voters creates an opening to engage people who have historically been left out of the political process. Silver State Equality will implement a comprehensive, multi-pronged Get-Out-theVote (GOTV) effort focused on mobilizing lowpropensity and new voters through targeted digital advertising, direct voter engagement, and robust voter education efforts — ensuring more Nevadans have the tools and motivation to participate and shape the future of the state.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS News Articles
Lombardo vetoes trans protections bills, in contrast to previous session
OPINION: On LGBTQ+ issues, Lombardo choosing convenience over courage Academy grows LGBTQ+ political voices to better serve Las Vegas
Secured the passage and signing into law of six pro-equality bills during the legislative session
Produced Equality Lobby Day in Carson City, mobilizing more than 60 advocates to meet with lawmakers at the Capitol
“This legislative session was particularly challenging as we worked within the constraints of a budget deficit. Even in that environment, Silver State Equality was strategic in advancing legislation without fiscal notes. Jessica and the Silver State Equality team ensured that critical conversations about LGBTQ+ visibility and equity took place, leading to the successful passage of several key bills, though they were unfortunately vetoed. Jessica is a brilliant advocate and lobbyist, and it was a joy to work with her and André throughout the session.”
CARRISA PEARCE Government Affairs Manager, Children’s Advocacy Alliance
Conducted statewide research ahead of the 2030 Census, surveying LGBTQ+ Nevadans on their comfort sharing sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) data on federal Census forms
Trained 12 emerging LGBTQ+ leaders through the Nevada LGBTQ+ Leadership Academy to prepare candidates for elected office and appointments to boards and commissions
FINANCIALS
2025 Equality California Expenses
2025 Equality California Institute Expenses
3,550,947
888,489
337,892
4,777,327
4,697,517
2,641,818
1,521,918 Total 8,861,252
GRANTERS & FUNDERS
FOUNDATION GRANTS:
Annenberg Foundation
Asian Pacific Islander American
Public Affairs Association
Blue Shield of California
California Legislative LGBT Caucus Foundation
Comcast Foundation
CSBA
David Bohnett Foundation
East Bay Community Law Center
Edison International
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
GSK
Merck Foundation
NEO Philanthropy
NV Energy Foundation
One Institute
Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management
The California Endowment
The Children's Partnership
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
The PG&E Corporation Foundation
The Ritter Charitable Trust
Transgender Health & Wellness Center
United We Dream
Wescom Foundation
GOVERNMENT GRANTS:
California Department of Public Health
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Civil Rights Department
Government Office of Land Use & Climate
State of Nevada
SPONSORS & DONORS
LEADERSHIP SPONSORS
STATEWIDE SPONSORS
REGIONAL PRESENTING SPONSORS
IN-KIND AND PRO-BONO SPONSORS
AEG
Alaska Airlines being
Black Dahlia
Brownstein Hyatt Farber
Schreck, LLP (BHFS)
Cali Griebel
Charter Communications
(Spectrum/Time Warner Cable)
Chris Panizzon
Creative Artist Agency
Cupcake Wines
Darrell Tucci
Diageo
Drew Murphy
Gipsy & Piranha
Greenberg Traurig
Kevin Tilden & Philip Diamond
Kiehl’s
La Crema
Leslie Katz
Live Nation
May Lindstrom
Natalie Sofer Weddings & Events
Neutrogena
Reed & Davidson
Richard Tamayao Photography
Sahara
Scarlet Fox (San Francisco)
Shirin Esteem
Southwest Airlines
Sphere
StateHouse
The Melt
The Promotions Department
Titos
Uber
United Airlines
Venetian
Verve
Wynn Resorts
Yale Scott & Bobby Pourziaee
Equality California brings 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.