QUARTERLY
André Wade
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we approach one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime, I want to personally thank you for your unwavering support and trust. The stakes could not be higher this November, and our collective action has never been more important.
At Silver State Equality, we are proud to work alongside our colleagues at Equality California and fight for a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ Nevadans. Together we work tirelessly to move the needle in the fight for full-lived equality.
This election, the future of our democracy runs through Nevada. The Silver State is one of a handful of states that will determine whether or not Kamala Harris or Donald Trump occupies the White House in 2025. This year, we must ensure that the blue wave sweeps Vice President Harris and Governor Tim Walz to victory and washes Donald Trump into the dustbin of history — our fundamental freedoms depend on it.
Our Senator Jacky Rosen has been a champion for equality during her time in Congress, and her re-election is essential to retaining a pro-equality Senate that will stand up to the extremist agenda threatening our community. In the House of Representatives, protecting Rep. Susie Lee and Rep. Steven Horsford is vital to winning back a proequality majority that will fight for the rights of all Americans. We are also committed to helping our colleagues in California ensure that we eject antiLGBTQ+ extremists like Ken Calvert from Congress and replace them with champions like Will Rollins.
This year, Nevadans will also be voting to codify the right to abortion. In the face of an increasingly extremist Supreme Court, we must protect the right to choose and safeguard reproductive freedom for all — and we must similarly protect the freedom to marry in California by passing Proposition 3.
Together, we can and will make a difference this year. Thanks to your support, our fight continues during this pivotal time.
OUR WORK, OUR IMPACT:
Stop the Hate
Dear Equality California Supporters,
Since 2022, Equality California Institute has been a proud organizational member of Stop the Hate, an initiative by the California Department of Social Services to provide support and services to victims and survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes, and to facilitate hate incident or hate crime prevention measures.
Throughout our history, Equality California has supported initiatives and legislation that aim to reduce anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes. Our Stop the Hate program continues this work by engaging with communities, organizations, and government agencies to create and recommend prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate LGBTQ+ related hate crimes in California.
In May, our annual Stop the Hate convening brought together educators, support staff, parents, caregivers, advocates, and youth leaders to address the rising attacks on LGBTQ+ students. This gathering provided a platform for inclusive discussions and shared solutions, featuring LGBTQ+ leaders and allies who emphasized the impact of hate on school campuses and the importance of community in safeguarding LGBTQ+ students and school staff.
To learn more about this initiative and resources please visit eqca.org/ stopthehate.
Thank you for your steadfast support and commitment to our shared mission.
With
gratitude,
André Wade He/Him State Director Silver State Equality
Erin Arendse, She/They Program Director
Legislative Update
Federal Legislation
The August 6 announcement of the Harris-Walz presidential ticket injected a jolt of excitement into November’s elections. And just in time, as headwinds against a progressive agenda were building, due to a spate of 6-3 Supreme Court rulings in June that signaled an hard-right shift — from granting the president immunity from criminal liability in all “official” acts, to gutting the longstanding “Chevron” deference to the federal government on issues of public importance, to the weakening of marriage rights for binational couples.
Equally worrisome were the injunctions against new Biden rules on Title IX and healthcare scheduled to go into effect this summer. In the first case, 26 Republican Attorneys General filed suit against regulations that would explicitly prohibit discrimination in schools on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). In the other case, Biden rules clarifying that ACA’s Section 1557 nondiscrimination protections include SOGI were immediately challenged by multiple Republican-led states. Both issues are far from settled.
These setbacks aside, EQCA’s Federal Office is working hard to advance two high-priority bicameral bills – the Health Equity and Accountability Act, sponsored by CA Democrats Barbara Lee and Judy Chu, as well as the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, a bill that would prohibits federally-funded child welfare service providers from discriminating on the basis of SOGI and ban conversion therapy for foster youth.
We are also excitedly gearing up for EQCA’s first-ever DC Advocacy Day on September 25! We are thrilled to meet directly with members of the California congressional delegation and host a reception for our many supporters in the nation’s Capitol.
State Legislation
Valerie Ploumpis, She/Her National Policy Director
On July 15th, Governor Newsom signed AB 1955, the SAFETY Act, by Assemblymember Chris Ward and the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus – EQCA’s highest legislative priority this year. The bill was introduced in response to a wave of school boards enacting harmful policies requiring teachers and school staff to out trans students to their parents without their consent or concern for their safety. The new law will prohibit “forced outing” policies, provide resources to parents and families of LGBTQ+ students, and prevent retaliation against teachers who create a safe and supportive school environment. Equality California worked in lockstep with the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and partner organizations for nearly a year to craft the legislation and advance it through the Legislature amidst fierce opposition from Republicans and anti-LGBTQ+ extremists. This makes California the first state in the nation to enact legislation explicitly prohibiting forced outing policies.
Equality California also defeated a dangerous proposed ballot measure that would have stripped away rights and protections from trans youth, including banning gender-affirming care, implementing forced outing policies statewide, and prohibiting trans youth from accessing school facilities or playing sports that correspond with their gender identity. Though the battle is far from over, the initiative thankfully failed to meet the required signature threshold to appear on the ballot.
Instead, voters will have the opportunity to remove the stain of Proposition 8 from California’s Constitution and enshrine the fundamental right to marry regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity. The Freedom to Marry measure has been designated as Proposition 3 on the November 2024 ballot, and we are working hard with our partners to ensure its overwhelming passage.
Craig Pulsipher, He/Him Legislative Director
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE:
Host an Event for Equality California
We love hosting events to share our work and find community, but we also need community leaders like YOU to share Equality California’s mission. Already hosting friends and family to join you for a birthday, holiday, retirement or Pride party? Let’s partner together, and cheers to Equality! Our team can help you with:
∂ Building a unique registration & fundraising link
∂ Creating an RSVP list so you can thank attendees post-party
∂ A QR Code for onsite contributions
To learn more, reach out to Rick-Arlo Yah Lira (he/him), Associate Director of Donor Relations, at rick-arlo@eqca.org to collaborate on creating a meaningful event that fosters community, drives positive change, and raises vital funds for our shared mission of equality.
Be a part of our celebration
We’re thrilled to continue our extraordinary series of Equality Awards celebrating our milestone 25th Anniversary year! These awards honor remarkable individuals and outstanding local organizations that champion our shared vision of a world that embraces health, justice, and complete equality for every member of the LGBTQ+ community. Keep an eye out for updates on honorees and special guest appearances at these upcoming Equality Awards:
Thursday, September 12, 2024
KAOS at Palms Resort Casino
Los Angeles
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Fairmont Century Plaza
Palm Springs
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs
To learn more about our awards or to pledge your sponsorship, visit eqcaawards.org or email events@eqca.org.
Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual,
Equality California brings the voices of LBGTQ+ people and allies to
striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LBGTQ+ people. We advance civil
that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve.