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Equality California member --

Since the beginning of the AIDS crisis, the FDA has banned blood donations from LGBTQ+ men, transgender women and people who have sex with them. But thanks to modern science and ongoing improvements in blood testing technology, these policies are completely unnecessary -- and irrational, given the blood and plasma shortages due to the COVID-19 crisis!

In recent years, the FDA has loosened the restriction from a lifetime ban to a year-long ban and now to a three-month ban. But one thing remains the same: the FDA’s blood ban is based on fear and stigma, not science.

Friend, we’re partnering with the LGBTQ Victory Fund and others to call for an end to this needless and discriminatory ban. Will you stand with us and the LGBTQ+ community? >>

Make no mistake -- the FDA’s move earlier this year to shorten its 12-month blood donation ban to a three-month ban is a positive step forward. But it’s not enough.

Through modern blood testing technology, laboratories can detect cases of HIV within 10 days of transmission. A three-month ban is arbitrary, discriminatory and irrational given the current shortage of blood donations.

Friend, we’re asking you to demand that the FDA stop discriminating against the LGBTQ+ community and lift the discriminatory blood donation ban:

https://www.eqca.org/lift-the-ban

In solidarity,

Samuel Garrett-Pate
Communications Director
Equality California
 

Friend,

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to affect our lives in so many different ways, we must all do our part to stop the spread, save lives and support one another. That’s why Equality California and our partners are working closely to coordinate response efforts for our LGBTQ+ community and the diverse communities to which LGBTQ+ people belong. But we need to ask you for a quick favor.

It’s important for us to hear directly from you -- our LGBTQ+ community members -- about how COVID-19 or the coronavirus is impacting you.

Please take 2 minutes to share your thoughts >>

An unfortunate reality of this crisis is that LGBTQ+ people are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of COVID-19 because we are more likely to belong to high-risk groups and less likely to have health insurance. That’s why Equality California is working hard to share the most up-to-date information and resources with members of our community.

We want to know: How has the COVID-19 crisis impacted you and your household? >>

Thank you for helping us understand how the COVID-19 is impacting you. Please answer each question honestly in order for us to maintain accurate data.

Take a few minutes right now to complete the COVID-19 survey:

https://action.eqca.org/LGBTQ_SURVEY_02

Sincerely,

Equality California

Friend -- Our first Equality California Power hour last week with Congressman Mark Takano was AMAZING. If you missed it, you can go back and watch here >>

Join us TOMORROW NIGHT to hear from our special guest, openly LGBTQ+ champion and chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Senator Scott Wiener! He''ll be joining me to discuss California''s response to the COVID-19 crisis and answer YOUR questions.

You won''t want to miss our conversation with one of the state legislature''s fiercest advocates for our LGBTQ+ community.

Set your reminder to join us tomorrow night on Facebook Live:

https://action.eqca.org/PowerHour-April21

See you soon!

Tami Martin
Legislative Manager
Equality California

Friend,

We’re excited to announce that applications for Equality California Institute''s FIRST EVER virtual Leadership Academy are officially open!

The Equality California Institute Leadership Academy, generously sponsored by Edison International, is an innovative program to foster the next generation of California LGBTQ+ leaders by connecting them with current California elected and appointed public officials. Our academy has prepared over one hundred leaders from across the state to run for office and seek appointments to state, municipal and private sector boards and commissions.

The deadline to apply is 6pm PST on Tuesday, June 30, so apply now!

Apply to be part of this unique experience >>

One of our priorities is to develop LGBTQ+ leaders at all levels of government and business throughout the state. That important work doesn’t stop -- even during a pandemic.

Interested applicants should display a history of accomplishments in their respective careers, as well as demonstrate a proven track record of advocacy and civic engagement with LGBTQ+ related issues.

Our virtual Leadership Academy will consist of six online sessions through the months of July and August hosted and presented by current California public officials as well as Equality California institute staff. Additionally, our fellows’ credentials will be included in a resource bank of LGBTQ+ leaders that we will use to advocate for their placement in appointed positions.

If you or someone you know would excel as an LGBTQ+ leader, apply now!

https://action.eqca.org/Leadership_Virtual_2020

For additional information about Leadership Academy, contact me at aubri@eqca.org.

In solidarity,

Aubri Qian
Program Manager
Equality California

Friend,

Please join me for our next COVID-19 LGBTQ+ Help Center Webinar, Protecting Your Finances During COVID-19, this Friday, June 26 at 11 a.m. PT.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an economic strain on many people and they are looking for answers. Join me and Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert with NerdWallet, as we discuss how you can protect and manage your finances during this time. Register for FREE today >>

We know our LGBTQ+ community has been hit especially hard by this virus and may require specialized support. That’s why we launched this webinar series in order to provide practical discussions on topics important to our community.

We’re here for you, your loved ones and all LGBTQ+ people during these challenging times. RSVP for our next webinar today:

https://action.eqca.org/webinar-6-26

In solidarity,

Valerie Ploumpis
National Policy Director
Equality California

Join us at 6 PM PT tonight for our FREE virtual event, Solidarity in Pride! We’ll have musical performances by Madame Gandhi, VINCINT, Bronze Avery, San Cha, Breanna Sinclairé and tons of special guests. And we''re excited to announce that we''ll be joined by actress, poet and organizer Yazmin Monet from Black Lives Matter Los Angeles!

A HUGE thank you to our partners at Weedmaps for making this community event free to public!

Grab a snack, grab your loved ones and settle in for a special night of pride, solidarity and good company.

See you soon,

-Equality California Events Team

Friend --

Tomorrow is an exciting day. While we can''t physically come together this year during Pride, it''s never been more important for us to come together virtually. I hope you''ll join us tomorrow for Solidarity in Pride, a virtual Pride event featuring a diverse group of advocates, activists, community leaders and performers. Please RSVP to join us for this powerful community Pride event >>

During this Pride month, it''s important we honor what Pride is. Pride began in honor of the uprising at the Stonewall Inn led by Black trans activist Marsha P. Johnson and Latinx trans activist Sylvia Rivera. Pride is -- and always has been -- about standing together in the face of adversity and injustice. Tomorrow, let''s stand in solidarity -- solidarity with the Black community, the Indigenous community, the Latinx community, the Asian community and with every community to which LGBTQ+ people belong.

Join us tomorrow at 6 PM PT LIVE on our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels:

https://action.eqca.org/Solidarity_Pride

In solidarity,

Rick Chavez Zbur
Executive Director
Equality California

Friend --

This morning, the Supreme Court affirmed what we’ve been saying for decades: LGBTQ+ employees can’t be fired simply because of our sexual orientation or gender identity!

Join us TONIGHT at 6 PM PT for a Power Hour to discuss the groundbreaking decision, its implications and what’s next in the fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice. Set a reminder and join us live on Facebook HERE >>

Friend, we are thrilled to be joined by an all-star lineup of legal experts to discuss this morning’s LGBTQ+ workplace discrimination ruling:

• Rick Chavez Zbur, Equality California Executive Director

• Shannon Minter, National Center for Lesbian Rights Legal Director

• Jenny Pizer, Lambda Legal Law and Policy Director

• David Cruz, USC Gould School of Law Professor

• And moderated by Valerie Ploumpis, Equality California National Policy Director

Please join us tonight for this important conversation on today’s monumental ruling:

https://action.eqca.org/PowerHour-6-15

Sincerely,

-Team Equality California

Friend --

Tomorrow night’s Evening for Equality is our VERY first virtual community event -- and we can’t wait! We’ve pulled together a stellar lineup of pro-equality champions and allies from TV to comedy to Congress. This is sure to be a fun and entertaining night.

Check out our full lineup, which now includes TV star Pauley Perrette, radio show host Stephanie Miller and a performance by the one and only CeCe Peniston!

How to watch: While anyone can watch for free, we’re asking our strongest supporters (like you, friend!) to buy a ticket for $25 to support our work during this crisis. Buy your ticket here >>

At 6 PM PT tomorrow (Thursday) join us on Facebook Live, Twitter or YouTube. Then sit back and enjoy the show!

Friend, we are truly grateful for your support for Equality California during this crisis. As you know, our LGBTQ+ community is especially vulnerable to the medical, social and financial impact of COVID-19. The money we raise during tomorrow night’s event will help to keep our organization on even footing so we can continue to serve our community’s most vulnerable.

We’ll see you (and Rep. Adam Schiff, and Margaret Cho, and Jason Mraz, and Chasten Buttigieg and SO many more!) tomorrow night at 6 PM PT. Be sure to grab your ticket right now!

https://action.eqca.org/evening-for-equality-tickets

Sincerely,

-Team Equality California

Hi there,

I know we''ve been emailing you a lot about tonight''s Evening for Equality, but we are beyond excited for our very first virtual community event. It''s because of supportive members like you that ensure Equality California is able to continue serving our LGBTQ+ and most vulnerable communities. We cannot express our gratitude enough.

We hope that you''ll join us in a few minutes (at 6 PM PT) for an incredible virtual event, featuring special guests Senator Tammy Baldwin, Congressman Ted Lieu, Chasten Buttigieg, Angelica Ross and so many others.

You can go ahead and tune in LIVE right now on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

You already do so much to support Equality California, but if you feel moved to contribute during tonight''s live event, you may do so HERE >>

Again, on behalf of our entire organization, thank you for your support during these trying times.

Enjoy the show!

Robbie Martin
Director of Development
Equality California

WOW -- The Trump-Pence Administration has truly hit rock bottom. We’re in the middle of a public health crisis, and LOOK at what they announced:

What does this mean? It means LGBTQ+ people could soon be DENIED care -- yes, even COVID-19 treatment -- just because of who they are. I’m OUTRAGED, and I know you probably are, too.

Our Washington, DC office has fought this rule from the very beginning. Needless to say, we must act NOW!

Tell the Trump-Pence Administration that EVERYONE deserves care during the COVID-19 crisis, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity >>

Friend, this is a reckless decision. Even during the best of times, the rule would be devastating for LGBTQ+ care. But the decision to finalize a rollback of discrimination protections during a public health crisis could be deadly.

We know that LGBTQ+ people already face discrimination and stigma in the healthcare system -- especially transgender and gender-nonconforming members of our community. This rule could further prevent LGBTQ+ people from even seeking care out of fear of being denied services.

Add your name to our URGENT petition calling on the Trump-Pence Administration to SCRAP this discriminatory and life-threatening rule:

Access to healthcare is a human right. Tell the Trump-Pence Administration that LGBTQ+ people need healthcare protections no matter what:

https://www.eqca.org/protect-lgbtq-patients

Sincerely,

Valerie Ploumpis
National Policy Director
Equality California

P.S. Click HERE to share your story if you have faced discrimination or denial of service in the healthcare system. Your information and story will be kept confidential, but will aid in our fight for nondiscrimination protections. Please share your story here >>

Hello --

I would like to invite you to join me TOMORROW, July 9 at 6 PM PT for an important Equality California in partnership with CHIRLA Power Hour virtual conversation, DACA: What''s Next? We will discuss the recent Supreme Court decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, what it means for DACA recipients and what may lie ahead. Set a reminder and join us LIVE at 6 PM PT tonight >>

We are thrilled to have Public Counsel''s Mark Rosenbaum -- who was part of the legal team that successfully challenged the Trump-Pence Administration''s termination of DACA at the Supreme Court -- as well as CHIRLA attorney Karla Aguayo, African Communities Program Director for U.S. Africa Institute Adrienne Bambou Diagne, DACA recipient and journalist Brian De Los Santos and DACA recipient Robert Nuñez!

I hope you''ll join us for this critical conversation. Watching is easy! Just login to Facebook tomorrow at 6 PM PT and you can watch live and ask our panelists your questions.

We''ll see you then:

https://action.eqca.org/power-hour-07-09

In solidarity,

Beatriz E. Valenzuela
Communications Manager
Equality California

This week, reproductive freedom scored a major victory at the Supreme Court:

Friend, we are thrilled by the decision in June Medical Services, LLC v. Russo, which not only protects abortion access in Louisiana, but also affirms Roe v. Wade and the constitutional right to reproductive healthcare!

But our work to protect reproductive freedom and Roe v. Wade is far from over. States with anti-choice, anti-LGBTQ+ legislatures are sure to double down on their efforts to restrict abortion care. That’s why it’s crucial to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act by California’s own Congresswoman Judy Chu.

ADD YOUR NAME to protect Roe v. Wade and ensure that everyone has access to the reproductive healthcare they need >>

Protecting access to abortion and reproductive healthcare is one of Equality California’s highest priorities. LGBTQ+ people -- especially low-income people, gender-nonconforming people and people of color -- are disproportionately impacted when abortion care is restricted.

Reproductive care is an LGBTQ+ issue. Full stop. Help us fight for LGBTQ+ people’s access to abortion care. Add your name to protect Roe v. Wade right now >>

Thank you for your support,

Alice Kessler
Legislative Director
Equality California

P.S. Join me, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, NARAL Pro-Choice California and our panel of reproductive health advocates TONIGHT at 6 PM PT for a special discussion on this week’s Supreme Court decision and the work ahead. Set a reminder and watch live here >>

Equality California member -- TODAY is Give OUT Day -- the only national day of giving for the LGBTQ+ community! Will you chip in any amount right now to help support our fight for full, lived LGBTQ+ equality? >>

Wondering how your donation will make an impact on this fight? Check out these stats on our progress:

In 2019 alone, we trained nearly 400 healthcare providers to better care for their LGBTQ+ patients, collected 9,000 pledges to complete the 2020 Census, trained 55 future LGBTQ+ leaders, endorsed hundreds of openly LGBTQ+ and pro-equality candidates, collected 2,200 public comments to protect transgender patients from discrimination, passed 8 pro-equality bills and resolutions in Sacramento -- and passed the Equality Act in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in history.

And even though the COVID-19 crisis has drastically altered the way we work, we haven’t stopped for one minute.

With your help we can continue to serve the LGBTQ+ community during and after this crisis. Chip in today in honor of Give OUT Day!

Now more than ever, thank you for stepping up to the plate.

Sincerely,

Samuel Garrett-Pate
Communications Director
Equality California
 

Friend --

Tomorrow is Give OUT Day -- the only national day of giving for the LGBTQ+ community.

This year, we at Equality California want to send an important message: When we say we are fighting for full, lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people -- we mean ALL LGBTQ+ people.

In honor of Give OUT Day, chip in right now to support our fight for ALL LGBTQ+ people >>

Friend, this year’s Pride month has been about solidarity -- solidarity with the Black community, the Indigenous community, the Latinx community, the Asian and Pacific Islander community, the disability community and with every community to which LGBTQ+ people belong.

And we’ve had some recent victories -- helping to protect LGBTQ+ workers’ rights, the DACA program and abortion access at the Supreme Court. But our work to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people is far from over.

Will you make a gift right now to help support our fight for full, lived equality for ALL LGBTQ+ people? >>

With your help, we will continue:

• Fighting for pro-equality and racial justice legislation in Sacramento, Nevada and Washington, DC -- like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act by Congresswoman Karen Bass; the Transgender Respect, Agency and Dignity Act by Sen. Scott Wiener and our bill SB 1255 with Sen. Lena Gonzalez and Insurance Commission Ricardo Lara to end insurance discrimination against people living with HIV.

• Electing pro-equality champions up and down the ballot -- like Abigail Medina and Susan Eggman, who could become the first two openly LGBTQ+ women of color to serve in the California Senate and Todd Gloria, who could become the first openly LGBTQ+ person and person of color elected as mayor of San Diego.

• Fighting for (and winning!) civil rights protections in the courtroom -- like the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming protections for LGBTQ+ employees.

• Reduce disparities in LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing -- especially for LGBTQ+ communities of color, the transgender community, immigrants and undocumented folks.

• Ensuring that our LGBTQ+ community is counted in the 2020 Census.

• Leading the Golden State’s fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice through an inclusive movement, which centers and uplifts LGBTQ+ voices and leaders of color.

Friend, this is important and urgent work, but we can’t do it without your help.  Will you chip in $5 or any amount ahead of Give OUT Day tomorrow? >>

Don’t wait until tomorrow to join our fight. We need you right now.

Please consider donating to Equality California so we can continue fighting for you, for all LGBTQ+ people and for the diverse communities to which we belong: 

https://action.eqca.org/Give-Out-Day-2020

In solidarity,

Rick Chavez Zbur
Executive Director
Equality California

P.S. Check out our Power Hour (happening LIVE right now!) on our fight for racial justice. Watch here >>

(Para leer este mensaje en español, vea abajo.)

Friend,

Please join us TONIGHT at 6pm PT for a special Power Hour with California’s first openly LGBTQ+ statewide elected official, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara! We''ll discuss how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting the Latinx community and answer YOUR questions -- all in Spanish!

Join us or share this information with someone who would benefit from this discussion. Set your reminder to be a part of our event tonight on Facebook Live:

https://action.eqca.org/PowerHour-May26

See you soon!

Beatriz E. Valenzuela
Communications Manager
Equality California

En español:

Amigo,

Lo invito a ser parte de un Power Hour muy especial ESTA NOCHE a las 6 pm PT con el Comisionado de Seguros de California Ricardo Lara, la primera persona abiertamente LGBTQ+ en ser elegido para un cargo público. El Comisionado contestará sus preguntas sobre COVID-19 y la comunidad Latina y nuestra discusión será completamente en español!

No se pierda esta oportunidad de ser parte de esta discusión. Comparte esta información con sus seres queridos y reserve la fecha para ser parte de este evento el martes, 26 de mayo a las 6 pm.

https://action.eqca.org/PowerHour-May26

Nos vemos!

Beatriz E. Valenzuela
Communications Manager
Equality California

Friend,

The COVID-19 crisis has hit our LGBTQ+ community especially hard for a number of reasons -- including higher rates of smoking and tobacco use among LGBTQ+ people.

Equality California’s OUT Against Big Tobacco Coalition is working to expose the tobacco industry for targeting the LGBTQ+ community and profiting off our deaths -- work that is even more critical during this pandemic. I’m reaching out because we need your help collecting data about smoke exposure, tobacco use and COVID-19 within our community and among our allies.

Please take 2 minutes to share your thoughts >>

We know LGBTQ+ people are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of COVID-19 because we are more likely to belong to high-risk groups and less likely to have health insurance. That’s why gathering this information is so vital. Will you please take just a couple of minutes to fill out the survey now? >>

Thank you for your input. Please answer each question honestly in order for us to maintain accurate data:

https://action.eqca.org/OABT_SURVEY

In solidarity,

Marisa London
Program Associate, OUT Against Big Tobacco
Equality California

Friend,

Anti-LGBTQ+ Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma found a hateful weapon in the words of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling last week, when he quoted her transphobic manifesto in a vicious attempt to justify opposition to the Equality Act.

This rhetoric is a direct assault on our transgender friends, family and loved ones. It’s time to end the ridiculous debate over who gets the protection of basic civil rights and affirm our shared humanity once and for all. It’s time to pass the Equality Act.

Will you add your voice to the ranks of people calling for the US Senate to pass the Equality Act? >>

Transgender advocate Gillian Branstetter, also a spokesperson for the National Women''s Law Center, said it best in her response to Lankford’s words:

"Nearly every attack on the rights of women in American history has been poorly disguised as an attempt to act in women''s best interest — whether it was the anti-suffragists, the antifeminists, or anti-abortion activists."

"Those opposing transgender equality are no different and — as the Supreme Court affirmed earlier this week — you cannot limit the rights of transgender women without limiting the rights of all women."

Friend, we know you are just as determined as we are to continue the fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights. Will you show your support today to help us pass the Equality Act?

https://action.eqca.org/pass-the-equality-act-now

Until the work is done,

Valerie Ploumpis
National Policy Director
Equality California

Friend --

Pro-equality champion Christy Smith is running for Congress and she needs our help! She is running in the CA-25 special election on May 12 -- one of the most competitive Congressional races in the country. Can she count on your help?

RSVP today to attend a virtual GOTV kickoff and phone bank on May 7 for Christy for Congress >>

You see, helping to elect pro-equality champions like Christy Smith is one of our highest priorities this year. With an anti-LGBTQ+ opponent in a swing district, she needs our help right now! That’s why we’re activating you and our 900,000+ members across the country — and why we’ve teamed up with Daily Kos, NARAL Pro-Choice America and the Human Rights Campaign to host this virtual kickoff and phone bank.

Join us at 5 PM PDT on Thursday, May 7 and help put Christy in Congress:

https://action.eqca.org/GOTV-Kickoff-Christy-Smith

We''ll see you on Thursday,

Tony Hoang
Managing Director
Equality California

Equality California member --

Not all heroes wear capes. In fact, right now many of our heroes are wearing gloves, stethoscopes and scrubs. Others are bagging our groceries, picking our vegetables and delivering our packages. We are SO thankful to our LGBTQ+ frontline workers and we know you are, too, friend.

Will you sign our card thanking these hard-working LGBTQ+ heroes who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis? >>

Recently there have been too many stories to count of LGBTQ+ frontline workers going above and beyond to care for those in need.

Harold Sarmiento, a gay infectious disease nurse in LA, is on the front lines treating COVID-19 patients and said this in the Los Angeles Blade:

“Seeing and caring for the LGBTQ population opened up my eyes to the disparities in our healthcare system. It breaks my heart to see how the LGBTQ community is disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, even these days. I am here, trying to make an impact on the lives of my own community.”

Friend, if you are grateful for LGBTQ+ frontline heroes like Harold, sign our card before midnight tonight! >>

Be sure to sign our card before we send it off to LGBTQ+ frontline workers around the country. And if you have a story of an inspiring LGBTQ+ frontline worker, please share it with us after you sign our card HERE >>

Thanks for signing, Friend. We can’t let these heroes, sheroes and theyroes go unrecognized!

-Team Equality California

Friend --

Fifty years ago, the first Prides marked the anniversary of an uprising against police brutality led by Black and Latinx transgender women. Pride has always been and will always be a protest against injustice -- and this year is no different.

As president of Equality California Institute’s board of directors, I’m so excited to invite you to join me for a FREE virtual Pride event featuring a diverse group of advocates, activists and community leaders, with musical performances by Madame Gandhi, Vincint, Bronze Avery, La Doña and Breanna Sinclairé: Solidarity in Pride on Wednesday, June 24 at 6 PM PT.

We hope you''ll join us for this opportunity for all LGBTQ+ people and our allies to stand in solidarity against injustice and racism. Please RSVP to join us for this powerful community Pride event >>

Equality California’s mission to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people is ONLY achievable if we create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all Black people. It is only achievable if we end systemic racism, transphobia, xenophobia and achieve full, lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people of color.

Next Wednesday, June 24, we’ll join together in solidarity.

The struggles for racial justice and for LGBTQ+ justice are not the same, but they are inextricably intertwined. As a diverse organization serving a diverse community, we know how critically important it is to use our platform to amplify the voices of Black LGBTQ+ leaders and allied leaders within the Black Lives Matter movement and in the fight for racial and social justice.

I hope you and your loved ones will join us as we continue to fight for full, lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people and the diverse communities to which we belong!

https://action.eqca.org/Solidarity_Pride

In solidarity,

Jackie Thomas
President, Board of Directors
Equality California Institute

Friend,

We’re excited to announce the launch of our COVID-19 LGBTQ+ Help Center Webinar series designed to assist those looking for help during this pandemic.

Our first webinar, Retooling your Resumé, will take place Wednesday, June 10 at 1:30 p.m. PT. Join Heather Tinsley-Fix, AARP Sr. Advisor of Employer Engagement and Drían Juarez, Vice President Of Programming at TransCanWork for this informative and valuable webinar hosted by Equality California’s National Policy Director, Valerie Ploumpis. Register for FREE today >>

We know our LGBTQ+ community has been hit especially hard by this virus and may require specialized support. That’s why we are committed to providing practical discussions on topics such:

• Understanding Your Rights During COVID
• Pivoting Your Skills for Remote Work
• How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits
• and more!

We’re in this together, Friend. The COVID-19 LGBTQ+ Help Center and Help Line are roadmaps for members of our community to find the support they need from providers who know and care about LGBTQ+ people.

Visit the COVID-19 LGBTQ+ Help Center: covid19.eqca.org
Call the COVID-19 LGBTQ+ Help Line: (323) 448-0126
Email the COVID-19 LGBTQ+ Help Line: covid19@eqca.org

We’re here for you, your loved ones and all LGBTQ+ people during these challenging times. RSVP for our next webinar today:

https://action.eqca.org/resume-webinar-6-10

In solidarity,

Jeremy Payne
Associate Program Director
Equality California

Hello --

This evening, we''re hosting a special Power Hour that you won’t want to miss. Please join me and our incredible panelists as we discuss how the LGBTQ+ community -- and the diverse communities to which we belong -- must stand united in the fight for racial justice. Set a reminder and join us LIVE at 6 PM PT tonight >>

We are thrilled to have Rabbi Denise Eger, Blair Imani, Runningbear Ramirez, Bamby Salcedo and Tracy Zhao join our panel tonight!

If you haven’t joined us live for a Power Hour yet, we hope you’ll join us today. Watching is easy! AT 6 PM PT today, just login to Facebook or join us on YouTube, where you can watch live and ask our panelists your questions.

Well see you tonight at 6 PM PT:

https://action.eqca.org/powerhour-6-29

In solidarity,

Josh Stickney
Deputy Communications Director
Equality California

Equality California member --

I know it’s the weekend, so we’ll be quick.

One year ago today, Speaker Pelosi’s pro-equality majority in the House of Representatives PASSED the Equality Act with bipartisan support!

This was an historic step forward in our fight for full, lived LGBTQ+ equality. But thanks to Mitch McConnell -- who REFUSES to hear it in the U.S. Senate -- the bill has not moved an INCH since then. Sign our petition demanding Mitch McConnell to hold a vote on the Equality Act >>

This bill is a no-brainer: it would provide comprehensive federal nondiscrimination protections for all LGBTQ+ people across the United States.

WOW, did you know that HALF of all LGBTQ+ Americans live in a state without basic legal protections? It is completely unacceptable for Mitch McConnell to continue holding up the Equality Act and critical protections for LGBTQ+ people.

Sign our petition right now. We’ll send the petition to Senator McConnell’s office first thing on Monday morning:

https://action.eqca.org/vote-now-mitch

Thanks,

Samuel Garrett-Pate
Communications Director
Equality California
 

Equality California member -- The Trump-Pence Administration’s cruel attacks on LGBTQ+ Americans has to stop. Here’s what’s been happening:

On Friday, The Department of Health and Human Services announced a final rule that would allow healthcare providers to discriminate against LGBTQ+ and other patients.

Then on Monday, the Supreme Court ruled that it is ILLEGAL to fire an LGBTQ+ worker based on their sexual orientation or gender identity -- GREAT NEWS.

Now, we must act to protect LGBTQ+ patients just like we protect LGBTQ+ workers. Yesterday’s ruling underscores the importance of defending civil rights and social justice in all aspects of life -- including healthcare.

If you have faced discrimination in the healthcare system, we want to hear from you. Fill out this quick survey and someone from our policy team will reach out to you. >>

Equality California member, while we celebrate this week’s victory, we MUST keep fighting to ensure that our LGBTQ+ community has full, federal protections in healthcare, housing, adoption and foster care and so much more. Help us as we continue to fight. Share your story with us today:

https://action.eqca.org/healthcare-discrim-survey

Sincerely,

Samuel Garrett-Pate
Communications Director
Equality California
 

WOW -- The Trump-Pence Administration has truly hit rock bottom. We’re in the middle of a public health crisis, and LOOK at what they announced:

What does this mean? It means LGBTQ+ people could soon be DENIED care -- yes, even COVID-19 treatment -- just because of who they are. I’m OUTRAGED, and I know you probably are, too.

Our Washington, DC office has fought this rule from the very beginning. Needless to say, we must act NOW!

Tell the Trump-Pence Administration that EVERYONE deserves care during the COVID-19 crisis, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity >>

Friend, this is a reckless decision. Even during the best of times, the rule would be devastating for LGBTQ+ care. But the decision to finalize a rollback of discrimination protections during a public health crisis could be deadly.

We know that LGBTQ+ people already face discrimination and stigma in the healthcare system -- especially transgender and gender-nonconforming members of our community. This rule could further prevent LGBTQ+ people from even seeking care out of fear of being denied services.

Add your name to our URGENT petition calling on the Trump-Pence Administration to SCRAP this discriminatory and life-threatening rule:

Access to healthcare is a human right. Tell the Trump-Pence Administration that LGBTQ+ people need healthcare protections no matter what:

https://action.eqca.org/protect-LGBTQ-patients-NOW

Sincerely,

Valerie Ploumpis
National Policy Director
Equality California

P.S. Click HERE to share your story if you have faced discrimination or denial of service in the healthcare system. Your information and story will be kept confidential, but will aid in our fight for nondiscrimination protections. Please share your story here >>

Look -- we’ll cut to the chase: we’ve officially reached the end. Our deadline to raise $150,000 is at midnight. And we’re still $4,459 short.

Can you help us reach our goal by making a 2X-MATCHED donation?

LGBTQ+ people are at heightened risk -- medically, financially and socially -- due to this public health crisis. And our work is more crucial than ever. That’s why hitting this goal is so critical.

We’re fighting around the clock to support the LGBTQ+ community during these trying times AND continuing our work to promote full, lived LGBTQ+ equality. But we’re not immune to the financial impacts of the current state of the world.

So please, can you give $5 (2X-MATCHED) to help us fight for fully lived LGBTQ+ equality?

Thanks,

Equality California

P.S. Tonight is our very first virtual community event, Evening for Equality! Join Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Adam Schiff, Chasten Buttigieg, Margaret Cho, CeCe Peniston and more TONIGHT, live on our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channel. RSVP here and join us at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET >>

We want to thank the many, many incredible educators across the country who are going above and beyond right now to support their LGBTQ+ students. Will you sign our card thanking teachers for their outstanding work during this crisis? >>

You see, we know that schools all over the country are closed, and students are learning at home. But teachers are still hard at work — learning new technologies, partnering with parents and doing everything they can to support their students.

Our educators are on the front lines when it comes to supporting our LGBTQ+ young people. Too many students are quarantined in unsupportive, sometimes unsafe, homes.

It’s TEACHERS who are often some of the first people our LGBTQ+ students turn to in times of need. And we’re seeing teachers find creative ways to connect with and support vulnerable students.

That’s why now more than ever, we’re SO thankful to LGBTQ+ affirming teachers. ADD YOUR NAME to thank a supportive teacher! >>

We need to let our teachers know that we are so grateful for the work they do every day on behalf of LGBTQ+ kids. Sign on to our card before Teacher Appreciation Week is over!

https://action.eqca.org/Thank-a-Teacher

Sincerely,

-Team Equality California

Friend,

I’m happy to let you know the deadline to apply to our Leadership Academy has been extended to 6pm PST on Tuesday, July 7, so apply now!

Are you or someone you know a future California LGBTQ+ leader? Equality California Institute has opened applications for our FIRST EVER virtual Leadership Academy created to foster the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders! Apply to be part of this unique experience >>

The Equality California Institute Leadership Academy, generously sponsored by Edison International, connects participants with current California elected and appointed public officials in order to develop future LGBTQ+ leaders at all levels of government and business throughout the state. Our academy has prepared over one hundred leaders from across the state to run for office and seek appointments to state, municipal and private sector boards and commissions.

Interested applicants should display a history of accomplishments in their respective careers, as well as demonstrate a proven track record of advocacy and civic engagement with LGBTQ+ related issues.

Our virtual Leadership Academy will consist of six online sessions through the months of July and August hosted and presented by current California public officials as well as Equality California institute staff. Additionally, our fellows’ credentials will be included in a resource bank of LGBTQ+ leaders that we will use to advocate for their placement in appointed positions.

If you or someone you know would excel as an LGBTQ+ leader, apply now!

https://action.eqca.org/Leadership_Virtual_2020

For additional information about Leadership Academy, contact me at aubri@eqca.org.

In solidarity,

Aubri Qian
Program Manager
Equality California

Listen -- we’re over the moon!

For the past week, we’ve been on a mission to raise $150,000 to continue our critical work fighting for fully lived LGBTQ+ equality.

And last night, we hit $140,000! So guess what: our board of directors are so excited, they decided to extend the match to raise the final $10,000!!

But your gift can only be 2X-MATCHED for the next 48 hours.

Please, step up right now and chip in $5 -- it’s instantly worth 2 TIMES AS MUCH! >>

Look, the LGBTQ+ community is especially vulnerable to the worst economic, medical and social impacts of this crisis.

But so far, the government has largely ignored this disproportionate impact on our community -- we cannot let that continue.

That makes our work more important than ever before.

Please. If you’re in a position to donate right now, can you chip in $5 (2X-matched to $10) while the match is still active?

Thanks so much for everything,

Equality California

Hi there,

You’re about to become a part of something bigger than all of us.

For the past two decades, Equality California has led the Golden State’s fight for full LGBTQ equality, and we’re honored to have you fighting alongside us.

While we’ve seen incredible progress, our country’s moral fabric is being tested every day by the Trump-Pence Administration. We’re seeing a rise of intolerance and hate. We’re seeing a president targeting our LGBTQ community, targeting women and immigrants and Muslims.

As the Executive Director of Equality California, I know we can make huge strides for equality, even in the face of adversity -- but we can’t do it without your help.

By choosing to stand with Equality California, you’re making a firm statement: I believe in civil rights and social justice for LGBTQ people and the diverse communities to which we belong. I believe in a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. I don’t just tolerate diversity, I celebrate it. And I will continue fighting for LGBTQ equality -- until the work is done.

To join our movement, here are a few things you can do to get started:

1) Follow us on social media! We’re on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You’ll receive regular updates from our Equality California HQ about current legislation we’re supporting and LGBTQ candidates running for office! Click the buttons below to join our team >>

2) Tell a friend about us! Our fight for LGBTQ civil rights and social justice is shaped by our network of grassroots supporters like you, Firstname. Educating friends and family about the fight for LGBTQ equality is one of the best places to get started as an activist.

Look, we’re proud of the work that we’ve done. In 20 years, we''ve:

• Passed over 142 bills and resolutions in Sacramento -- including legislation to support LGBTQ students, prohibit discrimination against transgender Californians and protect LGBTQ people from “conversion therapy;”
• Trained more than 2,000 healthcare providers to better care for LGBTQ patients;
• Sued the Trump Administration to block the president’s unpatriotic transgender military ban;
• And elected thousands of openly LGBTQ and pro-equality candidates to office -- at every level of government!

Make no mistake: With the Trump-Pence Administration running the show in Washington, we’re fighting an uphill battle. But we have one major advantage that they don’t -- YOU.

With over 800,000 advocates, grassroots supporters and allies across California and the nation, we can create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people.

We’re thrilled to have you on our team. Take pride knowing you’re a part of something worth fighting for.

Rick Zbur
Executive Director
Equality California

P.S. We’re a grassroots organization that exclusively relies on support from LGBTQ activists and our allies. If you can, chip in $5 to affirm your commitment to the fight for FULL LGBTQ equality >>

Friend,

Anti-LGBTQ+ Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma found a hateful weapon in the words of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling last week, when he quoted her transphobic manifesto in a vicious attempt to justify opposition to the Equality Act.

This rhetoric is a direct assault on our transgender friends, family and loved ones. It’s time to end the ridiculous debate over who gets the protection of basic civil rights and affirm our shared humanity once and for all. It’s time to pass the Equality Act.

Will you add your voice to the ranks of people calling for the US Senate to pass the Equality Act? >>

Transgender advocate Gillian Branstetter, also a spokesperson for the National Women''s Law Center, said it best in her response to Lankford’s words:

"Nearly every attack on the rights of women in American history has been poorly disguised as an attempt to act in women''s best interest — whether it was the anti-suffragists, the antifeminists, or anti-abortion activists."

"Those opposing transgender equality are no different and — as the Supreme Court affirmed earlier this week — you cannot limit the rights of transgender women without limiting the rights of all women."

Friend, we know you are just as determined as we are to continue the fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights. Will you show your support today to help us pass the Equality Act?

https://action.eqca.org/pass-the-equality-act-now

Until the work is done,

Valerie Ploumpis
National Policy Director
Equality California

Equality California member --

This year’s LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations are going to be different, plain and simple. The COVID-19 crisis has limited or canceled many in-person Pride festivals and marches, but the fight for racial justice and against anti-Black violence demands our attention.

As we support and amplify Black members of our LGBTQ+ community and allies, Equality California stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Our struggles are not the same, but they are inextricably linked.

Pride started as a celebration of uprisings against police brutality -- uprisings led by Black and Latinx transgender and gender-nonconforming activists.

We want to hear how you’re celebrating this important month AND honoring the legacies of leaders like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera by fighting for racial justice. Please take 2 minutes to complete our 2020 Pride survey and receive FREE digital swag >>

Friend, have no doubt: parades and festivals may be cancelled this year, but Pride is not. Pride is a protest, and we’re raising our voices and standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Since we can’t give you swag to show your Pride at a festival this year, we want to give you some FREE digital swag! Take our Pride Survey now and get your FREE swag:

Thank you for helping us make this year’s Pride a success.

Happy Pride,

Robbie Rodriguez
Program Director
Equality California