Equality California

In 2024, governor gavin newsom signed a total of 7 equality california-sponsored bills, including legislation to improve campus climate for lgbtq+ students in higher education, enhance lgbtq+ data collection efforts, protect and improve access to prep for hiv prevention, and create more inclusive emergency preparedness and response programs. In a major win for lgbtq+ families, gov. Newsom signed sb 729 by sen. Menjivar to expand health insurance coverage for fertility services, including ivf, to roughly 10 million californians. California also became the first state in the nation to ban dangerous 'forced outing' policies with the passage of the safety act, by asm. Ward. In collaboration with the california legislative lgbtq caucus and our legislative allies, we successfully stopped several bills that threatened the health and safety of lgbtq+ people, including efforts to ban transgender healthcare for youth and ban books with lgbtq+ content from school libraries.

In 2024, equality california hosted the first dc advocacy day, bringing staff and board members to capitol hill to meet with key members of the california congressional delegation and elevate the priorities of lgbtq+ californians at the federal level. In washington, dc, equality california worked closely with the california and nevada congressional delegations and allied partners to defeat dozens of anti-lgbtq+ bills and harmful appropriations riders introduced by extremist house members. Equality california also worked alongside the biden administration on the appointment of more than 220 senate-confirmed judges--many with strong civil rights records-- which will leave a lasting legacy in the fight for lgbtq+ equality across the judiciary.

All other programs including - silver state equality endorsed a diverse slate of 45 pro-equality candidates, and mobilized voters through education and the get-out-the-vote campaign. In northern nevada, silver state equality led the charge against coordinated efforts to ban lgbtq+ books and shut down drag queen story hours--defending the right to inclusive expression and visibility.silver state equality also released a comprehensive report by the lgbtq+ student advisory council, which presented findings and policy recommendations based on a statewide online survey and listening sessions with lgbtq+ students.