Seated Dinner & Awards Presentation
April 13, 2024 | Fairmont San Francisco
6:00 pm
Cocktail Reception
7:30 pm
Program Begins 8:30 pm
Dessert Reception
I can hardly believe the words as I write them, but they’re the truth: This year, Equality California celebrates 25 years of fighting for a world that is safe, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. What’s more, it fills me with great pride to say that since 2009, I’ve been part of our organization’s journey to becoming the largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the nation.
When Equality California was founded, we had no idea that in just a few short years, we would be at the epicenter of one of our time’s great civil rights movements — the fight for marriage equality. While we took on that battle — and eventually won at the highest court in the land — we also continued to build our political and people power, passing the strongest civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people in the country. With every year that passed, we continued to evolve, taking on all kinds of issues that impact our community, from immigration to gun violence prevention, protecting transgender youth to reducing health and economic disparities, and so much in between.
“While we have much to look back on & acknowledge fondly, we know the most important fights are those still to come.”
While we have much to look back on and acknowledge fondly, we know the most important fights are those still to come. Even with all we’ve achieved over the last quarter century, we’re seeing a disturbing escalation in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, and far-right extremists attempting to roll back our rights at the local level, in state legislatures, in Congress, and in the courts. Rest assured, we’ve got our eye on the challenges ahead; and though they will be myriad, I am confident we will rise to meet them, especially with your support.
This 25th anniversary year is a special one, so we will certainly take the time to reflect, and to honor the legacy we’ve created. The Equality Awards give us an incredible opportunity to recognize the work of community leaders, policymakers, and public figures advocating for the rights our community has fought to earn over generations, while at the same time continuing to raise critical funds for the work ahead. I look forward to joining you at these celebrations around the Golden State (and in Nevada for our Silver State Equality event) throughout 2024.
Here’s to 25 years of remarkable strides, and to continuing the work for full, lived equality for all. Thank you for being part of our journey for equality.
Until the work is done,
Tony Hoang, He/Him/His Executive Director
As we celebrate Equality California’s milestone 25th anniversary, we are reaffirming our commitment to securing full, lived equality for all.
This year, we are conducting our largest electoral and get-out-thevote efforts in the history of the organization, as we fast approach what is sure to be the most important election of our lifetimes. We have endorsed more openly LGBTQ+ and pro-equality candidates than ever before at the federal, state, and local level. We know the path to reclaiming a pro-equality House majority runs through California, and we are confident that voters will help us make that a reality.
“I am beyond proud of the work that Equality California has done for a quarter-century now to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.”
We are also advancing a bold legislative package this session, which among other priorities includes expanding protections for LGBTQ+ students, combatting discrimination, protecting access to healthcare — including gender-affirming care — supporting LGBTQ+ families, providing resources for unhoused LGBTQ+ youth, and addressing climate change and disaster preparedness. We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, and will continue to work hand in hand with them to address the issues that most impact our community.
Equality California is also proud to be leading the charge in the Freedom to Marry campaign, which officially launched on February 12th. This ballot measure will appear before voters in November, and would finally strip away the discriminatory language of Proposition 8 while ensuring that same-sex and interracial marriages are fully protected under State law.
I am beyond proud of the work that Equality California has done for a quarter-century now to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. It is because of your support that we will achieve our mission of a fully just and equal society for all LGBTQ+ people.
Thank you for joining us here in San Francisco! Cheers to many more years with supporters like you!
Tom Temprano, He/Him/His Managing Director of External Affairs
Lyon-Martin Community Health Services provides high quality, compassionate and traumainformed medical, gynecological, and mental health care services targeting trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGI) communities and cis-gender women with specific sensitivity to LGBQA+ sexual orientation, disability, size, race, ethnicity, and language regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Lyon-Martin, founded 45 years ago by Dr. Patty Robertson, Sherron Mills NP, and Alana Schilling, aims to eliminate health inequities for our communities by rooting clinical practice in the core foundational frameworks of intersectionality, anti-racism, reproductive and disability justice, self-determination, and harm reduction. As a community clinic, Lyon Martin Community Health believes communities are best served by us and for us; that’s why community engagement and leadership development are central to their mission of community care and mutual aid. Finally, Lyon-Martin is committed to increasing access to culturally responsive care for queer, trans, and intersex (QTI) people beyond their clinic walls through provider training, education, and addressing systemic barriers to equity through policy advocacy.
Xavier Becerra is the 25th Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the first Latino to hold the office in the history of the United States. As Secretary, he will carry out President Biden’s vision to build a healthy America, and his work will focus on ensuring that all Americans have health security and access to healthcare.
Throughout his career, the Secretary has made it his priority to ensure that Americans have access to the affordable healthcare they need to survive and thrive - from his early days as a legal advocate representing individuals with mental illness, to his role as the Attorney General of the state of California.
Secretary Becerra served 12 terms in Congress as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. During his tenure, he was the first Latino to serve as a member of the powerful Committee on Ways and Means, he served as Chairman of his party’s caucus, and as the Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health.
For over two decades in Congress, Secretary Becerra worked so that every family had the assurance of care that his own family had when he was growing up. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Secretary Becerra introduced legislation -- the Medicare Savings Programs Improvement Act of 2007 -- that expanded cost-sharing subsidies for low-income seniors who receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits by increasing the amount of resources they could receive. He championed provisions of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 that required physicians who perform imaging to be accredited and trained to ensure patient safety. And he was one of the original cosponsors of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) which strengthened Medicare and lowered costs for seniors.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a forceful and progressive voice in Congress, dedicated to social and economic justice, international peace, and civil and human rights.
First elected in 1998 to represent California’s 9th Congressional District, the Democratic lawmaker has a reputation for principled and independent stands, unafraid to take on the tough issues and speak her mind for her constituents, for a more just America, and for a safer world. A social worker by profession, she has been a life-long advocate for constituents, families and others accessing government services.
Congresswoman Lee has been a strong proponent of safe communities, addressing hunger, environmental justice, universal health care, just immigration policies, the establishment of a living wage, reproductive health care rights and affordable housing, including creation of a National Housing Trust Fund.
Her accomplishments include authoring or co-authoring every major piece of legislation dealing with global HIV/AIDS issues since she was elected to Congress.
After the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the congresswoman was the lone vote against a resolution that gave the President virtually unlimited authority to use force against unspecified organizations, individuals or nations for an unlimited period of time. She has consistently fought to stop endless wars and to reduce conditions that produce conflict and injustice.
Congresswoman Lee is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. She serves as Co-Chair of the Steering and Policy Committee, former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Chair Emeritus of the Progressive Caucus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Health Task Force, and Co-Chair of the ProChoice Caucus. She also serves as Chair of the Majority Leader’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. As a member of the House Democratic Leadership, she is the highest ranking African American woman in the U.S. Congress.
Coco Montrese has touched people the world over. From her early days as a performer at Walt Disney World, this colorful, sassy — yet gentle — character came to life on stage. It wasn’t long until Marty became Coco and the rest was history.
Ever the pageant queen, Coco Montrese has held coveted titles like Miss Gay America, competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and graced the stages as the ultimate showgirl in Las Vegas. Showing her versatility knows no bounds — she can take on impersonations of Janet Jackson and Tina Turner, then segue gracefully right into a power ballad.
She’s a diva that keeps pushing forward and showing a new generation of drag queens what it means to be professional and kind-hearted — qualities of a true success story.
METTE grew up in Alexandria, Minnesota. The daughter of two ‘army brats,’ her familial home instilled in her a passion for music. Anita Baker, James Taylor, Chaka Khan, Pink Floyd, Lauryn Hill, and The Delfonics were the soundtrack to METTE’s younger years. Identifying as a Black woman of mixed-race heritage, METTE didn’t see herself often mirrored in the live performance space growing up. But suddenly in 2014, a phone call inviting her to audition as a dancer for Pharrell changed the course of her life.
METTE’s first big break was the coveted starring role in the N.E.R.D and Rihanna ‘Lemon’ video. When the COVID pandemic hit, she began working on music as an outlet for her feelings, resulting in the single “Mama’s Eyes,” which hit #1 in the UK Club Chart, amassed over 3 million streams, and garnered key tastemaker support from BBC Radio 1. 2023 has also seen METTE grace the covers of Notion, BEAT and Hunger, in addition to three awards at the 2023 UK VMAs for her music video for “Mama’s Eyes”, including a coveted Video of the Year nod.
Her biggest artistic statement came with the arrival of her debut EP METTENARRATIVE. The seven track project includes previous singles ‘MAMA’S EYES’ and ‘VAN GOGH,’ an intro track, ‘METTE INTRO’, as well as four new songs, ‘FOR THE PEOPLE’, ‘CHOCOLATE CITY’, ‘PSYCHO’ and ‘ACID RAIN’.
In October, she sold out her debut headline shows to rapturous crowds at The Lower Third in London, Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, and Moroccan Lounge in LA, before joining Mercury Prize Awardnominated Jessie Ware on her UK autumn tour.
METTE has been on a journey – and with the ability to tap into these creative outlets – she has found her true essence. And not only is she dancing to that essence, she’s turned it into music, too.
Performances By:
Ronnie Reddick Presents:
A Special 25th Anniversary Performance
Attorney General Rob Bonta
Asm. Evan Low
Hon. Lateefah Simon Lucas Hunt
Hon. Leslie Katz
Hon. Gabriel Quinto
Hon. Alex Randolph
Hon. Carolyn Wysinger
Vikrum Aiyer
Eric Andresen
Dan Arriola
Carl Cade
Martín Campos
Trevor Chandler
Jason Daniels
Shirin Etessam
Shay Franco-Clausen
Jeff Freitas
William French
Laurie Hasencamp
Alice Kessler
Kirk Kleinschmidt
Thomas Li
Luis Alejandro Liang
Kate Maeder
Martha Miller
Sahand Mirzahossein
Jane Natoli
Alberto Nodal
Alfredo Pedroza
Rich Poppen
Jeff Riles
Amy Schneider
Tom Temprano
David Tsai
Melissa White
Scott Malzahn, President
Cecilia Cabello, Vice President
Drew Murphy, Secretary
Jason Anderson, Treasurer
Jason Chan, Governance Chair
Jane Natoli, PAC Chair
Joe Gregorich
Hon. Leslie Katz
Hon. Alex Randolph
Hon. Bevan Dufty
Hon. Gabriel Quinto
Brenda Lorena Aguirre
Rachel Anderson
Aaron Avery
Carl Baker
Jerry Bloom
Tracey Broadman
Sue Burnside
Francisco Castillo
Jason Daniels
Sue Dunlap
Shirin Etessam
Janessa Goldbeck
Alicia Isaacs-Lee
Mandy Isaacs-Lee
Thomas Li
Adam Ma
Kate Maeder
John Marciano
Alfredo Pedroza
Liliana Perez
Jeff Riles
Yale Scott
Kasey Suffredini
Nancy Sutley
David J. Tsai
Darrell L. Tucci
Juan Camacho, President
Jeff Freitas, Vice President
Rabbi Barbara Zacky, Secretary
Laurie Hasencamp, Treasurer
Katherine Forster, Governance Chair
Mark Gonzalez, At-Large Member
Hon. Lena Gonzalez
Hon. Dallas Harris
Hon. Rafael Mandelman
Hon. Abigail Medina
Hon. Lisa Middleton
Hon. Steve Padilla
David Ambroz
Daniel Arriola
Alberto Bautista
Beth Collins
David Cruz
Ryan Harlow-Nakano
Alberto Nodal
Amy C. Quartarolo
Amy Schneider
Laura Zagar
Susan McCabe, Co-Chair
Richard Poppen, Co-Chair
Hon. Betsy Butler
Hon. Nora Vargas
Hon. Ahmad Zahra
Daniel Allender
Holly Amaya
Eric Andresen
Eric Armstrong
Rami Bachour
Sapphire Blackwood
Nicholas Bloom
Dr. Diandra Bremond
Daniel Brownstone
Trevor Chandler
Tina Choi
Victor Christy
Randy Clark
Roberta Conroy
Ivan Dominguez
Emily Dysart
Trevan Fisher
Sandra Fluke
James Frost
Drexel Heard II
Dylan Jacobs
Conor Johnston
Shreya Key
Billie Lee
Luis Alejandro Liang
Tom Maddox
Jason McCoy
Dharia McGrew
Jesse Melgar
Mark Morales
John Musella
Will Nguyen
Laura Parra
Margaret Raven
Anthony Reyes
Martha Sanchez
Herb Schultz
Dr. Priya Shah
Woody Sides
Natalie Sofer
Brandon Stansel
Erik Terreri
Stephanie Wade
Chris Wagner
William Yi As of 03/15/24
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL
Hon. Ricardo Lara
Hon. Betty Yee
Dolores Huerta
Stuart Milk
EQUALITY CALIFORNIA BOARD PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Cary Davidson
Clarissa Filgioun
Andreas Meyer
Joyce Rowland
Hon. José Cisneros
Hon. Joe Dunn
Hon. Geoffrey Kors
Hon. James G. Williamson
Hon. Betty Yee
Diane Abbitt
William E. Adams
Lana Barnett
Dave Baron
Xavier Barrera
Marc Blakeman
Daniel R. Brownstone
Bob Burke
Betsy V. Butler
Pat A. Callahan
Mike Cavalluzzi
Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas
Randall Clark
Michael Colbruno
Josephine C. Cole
Paul A. Curtis
Jim A. DeLaHunt
William F. Delvac
Michael Dunn
John J. Duran
Lara E. Embry PhD
Ellen Evans
Carrie Farrell
Chris Frahm
Mariah T. Hanson
Laurette A. Healey
Rabbi Steven Jacobs
Deanna Johnston
Moez Kaba
Deb Kinney
Kirk P. Kleinschmidt
Ellen LaPointe
Sam Leslie
Lloyd E. Levine
Kathy Levinson
Eve Lubalin
Tom Maddox
Dennis H. Mangers
Marty Martinez
Steve W. Mele
Dr. Martin Mendelson
Phil Mercado
Nicole Murray-Ramirez
Bao Nguyen
Ron Oden
Lester Olmstead-Rose
Nico Opper
Jeff A. Orr
Scott R. Palermo
Philippe Phaneuf
Margret Raven
Rick Rivas
Dave Roberts
Donna Sachet
Richard S. Shaffran
Katherine Spillar
Jessica Stebbins Bina
Erik Terreri
Alan Uphold
Hillary Whittington
Greg Williamborg
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
NATIONAL TRAILBLAZER
Rabbi Barbara Zacky
STATE INNOVATOR
Roberta Conroy
Frederick Noble
Tom Steyer & Kat Taylor
REGIONAL INFLUENCERS
Rosemary & Peter Casey
Seth Jacobson
Rich Poppen & Eric Lao
Laurie Hasencamp & Mike Lurey
Joyce Rowland
LOCAL LEADERS
Susan McCabe & Lee Antoinette
David Benz
Tom Buttgenbach
Cecilia Cabello
Ruthann Chou
Glen Dake
Scott Malzahn & Caesar Herrera
Lori Stanford & Jennifer Hill
Travis Jackson
Herb Schultz & Stuart Leviton
Randy Clark & Tom Maddox
Jacqueline Thomas & DeeAnn McCoy
Andreas Meyer
John Monahan
Danielle Morris
Cary Davidson & Andrew Ogilvie
Dean Pitchford
Dr. Trevan Fischer & Lance Radford
Mark Stuart & Tim Rupe
Laura Zagar
CAPITOL CLUB ADVOCATES
Hon. Alex Randolph
Kevin Tilden & Dr. Philip Diamond
Kathy Levinson & Naomi Fine
Tyler Gregory
Donald Grether
Christopher Heritage
Michaeljohn Horne
Edward Hoffman & Andrew Karas
Mark Morales
Stephen Nathan
Jane Natoli
Beth Schroeder
Darrell Tucci
As of 03/15/24
Southwest Airlines® is dedicated to the LGBTQ+ Community.
Our mission is to make the connections that empower communities to thrive. Through our meaningful relationships, we proudly support your efforts in the many communities we call home. Whether in the air or the ground, we believe community is more than a place – it’s at the Heart of what brings us together.
Southwest Airlines® congratulates Equality CA on 25 years of incredible impact and the honorees in San Francisco!
We are proud to sponsor Equality California’s 2024 Equality Awards
CONGRATULATIONS TO TONIGHT’S HONOREES.
We stand with the LGBTQ+ community in health, harmony, and happiness.
Everyone deserves access to inclusive and affirming care, no matter who they love or how they identify. We see you — and celebrate you — for all that is you. about.kp.org
Safeway is a proud sponsor of the 25th Anniversary 2024 San Francisco Equality Awards
LEADERSHIP SPONSORS
AT&T
Sempra Energy
Southwest, Official Airline Sponsor
STATEWIDE SPONSORS
Comcast
Edison International
Kaiser Permanente
La Crema, Official Wine Sponsor
Reed & Davidson
Sutter Health
Uber, Official Rideshare Partner
United Airlines
25 TH ANNIVERSARY
PRESENTING SPONSOR
AFSCME 3299
Amazon
CFT
Fairmont
San Francisco
DIAMOND SPONSOR
PG&E
PLATINUM SPONSORS
AAPILC
Koret Foundation
Microsoft/LinkIn
GOLD SPONSORS
FivePoint
Perkins Coie, LLP
Reyes Bottling Co.
Starbucks
Visa
Wells Fargo
SILVER SPONSORS
AECOM
Arcadis
ATU Local 1555
Caliber Strategies
HDR
HNTB
Latham & Watkins LLP
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis
Parsons
Perkins Coie LLP
PGH Wong Engineering, Inc.
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Platinum Advisors
Safeway
San Francisco International Airport Supervisor Rafael Mandelman
Senator Scott Wiener
West Coast Property Management
EQUALITY DEFENDER
SPONSORS
California Attorney General Rob Bonta
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA
As of 03/15/2024
Tony Hoang, Executive Director
Sunitha Menon, Managing Director of Operations
Tom Temprano, Managing Director of External Affairs
Erin Arendse, Programs Director
Theresa Carlisle, Director of Human Resources and Administration
Shay Franco-Clausen, Political Director
Sarah T. Morrow An, Development Director
Valerie Ploumpis, National Policy Director
Craig Pulsipher, Legislative Director
Jorge Reyes Salinas, Communications Director
Stacy Triolo, Chief Financial Officer
Joel Gemino, Associate Program Director
Jesse Reed, Associate Director of Creative & Marketing
Mallery Jenna Robinson, Associate Program Director
Melissa Stone, Associate Director of Events & Sponsorships
Wendy Anguiano, Program Manager
Aldo Macias Arellano, Executive Manager and Board Liaison
Beatriz Baez, Program Manager
Michelle Castillo, Administration Manager
Eric Hernandez Barraza, Program Manager
Alexandria Hughes, Grants Manager
José Luis Morales, Donor Relations Manager
Jasmine Pantoja-Vila, Communications Manager
Shane M. Stahl, Communications Manager
Bianca Sy, Events Manager
Arie Abija, Events Associate
Andrew Giang, Senior Program Associate
Julz Goff, Senior Program Associate
Alexandra Grissell Gomez, Senior Program Associate
Kae Hodge, Senior Program Associate
Cindy Lopez, Civic Engagement Associate
Nicholas Phillips, Grants AssociatePrograms
Samuel Turley, Civic Engagement Associate
Adrielle Welch-Brooks, Senior Associate of Database Operations
Paton Moody, Legal Fellow
Jorge Diaz, Program Manager THANK
SAN DIEGO
Friday, May 17, 2024, 6-10 pm
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
LAS VEGAS
Thursday, September 12, 2024, 6-9 pm
KAOS at The Palms Hotel & Casino
LOS ANGELES
Saturday, October 5, 2024, 6-10 pm
Fairmont Century Plaza
PALM SPRINGS
Fall 2024
(Date and Location to be announced soon)
Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. We are California’s only LGBTQ+ civil rights organization working at all levels of government. For 25 years, our mission has been to defend and improve the rights, health, and political representation of LGBTQ+ people in California & across the nation.
Fulfilling this mission would not be possible without the leadership and support we receive from our members. By becoming a member, you can directly impact the lives of countless individuals by fueling our fight for equality.
Equality California offers three core membership programs: our Leadership Circle, Capitol Club, and our planned giving program, the Equality Society. All three of these programs provide foundational support and enable our work from the classroom to congress. Benefits of these membership programs can include:
ɖ Recognition on materials including on our website and Annual Report
ɖ Special members discounts at events across the state including our Equality Awards
ɖ Insider updates via private quarterly Town Halls and newsletters
ɖ Invitations to private events with EQCA leadership and legislators
To learn more about our membership programs, or to join today, please visit www.eqca.org/membership/ or email donorrelations@eqca.org.
