LOS ANGELES — Equality California, the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization in California, announced today that its executive director, John O’Connor, will step down in July following a successful, 18-month tenure leading EQCA through a period of extensive organizational transition. EQCA also announced that board member Rick Zbur, a senior partner…
Equality California today announced that Rep. Mark Takano has been named the Leadership Award honoree for the Palm Springs Equality Awards scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12. Takano is the first openly gay person of color elected to the House of Representatives, representing California’s 41st District, and since his election, has been a strong voice in…
A new poll carried out for Equality California (EQCA) by David Binder Research shows that 55 percent of likely voters polled are in support of restoring the freedom to marry and 37 percent are opposed. There have also been some strong upward shifts in support amongst key demographics. The key summary findings of the report…
SACRAMENTO — The Youth Equality Act (SB 323), designed to bring youth group tax exemptions in line with California’s existing non-discrimination laws, has passed the Senate with a vote of 27-9 making this the first LGBT rights bill to pass with a two-thirds majority in California history. The bill, authored by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Long…
Usually I focus upon one topic; this week I thought I would change it up and give our readers three small messages. Equality California I had the opportunity to have lunch with John O’Connor, the new executive director of Equality California (EQCA). The organization is having an event in San Diego June 1 at the…
LOS ANGELES — Equality California (EQCA) has announced the receipt of a $250,000 grant from The California Endowment to educate and enroll at-risk and marginalized lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians in Affordable Care Act approved health care plans. This funding will be used for a campaign named “Health Happens With Equality,” with outreach up…
SAN DIEGO — Equality California (EQCA) today announced that Supervisor Dave Roberts will be honored at the San Diego Equality Awards with the EQCA Leadership Award, and that nominations are now open for the event’s State Farm Good Neighbor Award. Roberts is the proudly gay District 3 supervisor for the County of San Diego, and…
Equality California (EQCA) has announced its sponsorship of five bills in the 2013-14 legislative session focused on reducing discrimination and improving the health and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians. “This legislative package is broad and fundamental,” said John O’Connor, EQCA executive director. “With these bills, we will end an unfair tax that…
John O’Connor was appointed as executive director of Equality California (EQCA) December 2012. O’Connor brings much experience to the role with more than 15 years of cause-related work and a strong record of accomplishment. In his previous role as executive director of the LGBT Community Center of the Desert, O’Connor planned and executed a complete…
On the heels of the controversy surrounding the Boys Scouts of America’s policy to exclude members of the LGBT community as scouts or adult leaders, today state Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Long Beach) and Equality California announced the introduction of new legislation that would remove a state tax exemption for any youth group, including the Boy…
