State

Jared Milrad, an award-winning actor, writer, filmmaker, lawyer, and activist, has launched We Won’t Go Back, a people’s movement for Americans of all backgrounds fighting to protect the country’s highest ideals of inclusivity, equality, justice and opportunity. The movement’s Web site, wewontgoback.us, provides unique resources for supporters to increase democratic engagement, including more than a dozen prominent non-profit organizations in need of donations, ways to contact Members of Congress, and a survey that prioritizes the top social issues of participants for future engagement.  “Nov. 8, 2016 was a turning point for our nation,” said Milrad. “Millions of Americans are deeply troubled and even […]

In the aftermath of the tragic fire at the Ghost Ship artist community Dec. 2 that claimed the lives of more than 35 people, local authorities and media have continued to disrespect transgender victims by not honoring their correct names and gender identities. The following joint statement was issued by Equality California, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Center for Transgender Equality, National LGBTQ Task Force, Transgender Law Center and the Trans Assistance Project. “As we continue to mourn the lives of those lost in the tragic Ghost Ship fire, it is essential that we do everything that we can […]

Toni Atkins Shortly after being sworn in as the senator representing California’s 39th District Monday, Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) introduced legislation, SB 2, to create a permanent source of funding for affordable housing. “The Legislature must address California’s severe housing crisis,” Atkins said. “While local communities largely control housing development, there are ways the state can help. Considering how hard it has become for an increasing number of Californians to afford housing, we need to step up.” SB 2 is similar to AB 1335, which then-Assembly Speaker Atkins introduced in 2015. It seeks to fund construction of affordable homes […]

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors recently passed a resolution, introduced by Board President London Breed, in response to the election of Donald Trump. The resolution reads as follows:   WHEREAS, On November 8, 2016, Donald Trump was elected to become the 45th President of the United States; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That no matter the threats made by President-elect Trump, San Francisco will remain a Sanctuary City. We will not turn our back on the men and women from other countries who help make this city great, and who represent over one third of our population. This is […]

In recognition of the 18th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: “The last year saw the killings of at least two transgender people in California, and at least 27 across the country. Outside the United States, more than 85 transgender men and women have been murdered in hate crimes or by domestic partners. In spite of the rapid progress we have made together as a community, one thing has not changed: transgender members of our community – especially transgender women of color – continue to suffer from an epidemic of violence. […]

Equality California applauded the election of its endorsed candidate California Attorney General Kamala Harris to represent the state of California in the United States Senate. Equality California endorsed Harris’ candidacy in May of this year. “Kamala Harris is an outstanding successor to Barbara Boxer and will carry on her decades-long pro-equality legacy,” said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California. “Harris already has a 20-year record of using each office in which she has served to advance LGBT equality. We are confident that she will continue as a champion for the civil rights of LGBT people – and all people […]

EQCA endorses viable candidates running for local, state and federal offices who have a proven track record of supporting equal rights and legal protections for LGBT Californians and who are committed to advancing these goals in their capacity as elected officials. Click here to find your Congressional district. Click here to find your Senate and Assembly districts. Current Endorsements President of the United States: Hillary Clinton United States Congress: U.S. Senate: Kamala Harris California Congress: Congressional District 1: No Endorsement Congressional District 2: Jared Huffman Congressional District 3: John Garamendi Congressional District 4: No Endorsement Congressional District 5: Mike Thompson Congressional […]

  With Covered California’s three-month open-enrollment period starting Nov. 1, it’s a great time to shop for the best fit for your health coverage. During Covered California open enrollment, which runs through Jan. 31, consumers can choose among 11 name-brand health insurance plans that offer high-quality and affordable coverage. Here are some helpful tips. Shop, shop, shop around. Covered California’s online Shop and Compare Tool provides consumers with detailed information about various health plans in specific regions throughout the state. You can compare premium costs, the four pricing tiers, and subsidies available to help you pay for coverage. With some […]