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LGBT AGENDA

Our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community is an integral part of our district

 Our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community is an integral part of our district. They are our family, friends, and neighbors. Although our city and state have made some great strides towards protecting LGBT rights, like passing GENDA and banning conversion therapy, much more must be done to create real equality. Many of members of our LGBTQ family still face discriminatory practices in the workplace, housing, and public accommodations. Additionally, key services like healthcare, are generally not culturally-competent or readily available. To protect the rights of our LGBTQ family, we must:

INCLUDE LGBTA HISTORY IN OUR SCHOOL’S CURRICULUM

I am a firm believer that in order to have a truly inclusive curriculum, we must include LGBTQ history state wide, while providing educators with the necessary resources to teach it to all ages. This would improve the learning environment and benefit every student in the classroom.

PROTECT STUDENTS FROM BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

We must pass legislation to address bullying in all schools, this includes: 1) Increased training for all school staff and School Safety Officers (SSOs), to address and prevent discrimination and harassment. 2) Accessible information about DASA (Dignity for All Students), to ensure students understand their rights and their school’s responsibilities. This can include letters to students and parents, updated information on school websites (as required), posters on campus, and information in morning announcements. 3) Mandatory cyberbullying prevention policies in place for students and training for educators.

COMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION

It is a basic human right to receive age-appropriate comprehensive sex education in schools to promote acceptance and health. It should: 1) Incorporate positive examples of LGBTQ identities and relationships in sex education. 2) Inform students of their right to receive confidential health care, including sexual and mental health care, as well as resources about LGBTQ-friendly service providers. 3) Provide parents with culturally and linguistically appropriate resources to help support their LGBTQ children. 4) Help students recognize healthy relationships and know when to seek help.

CULTURALLY COMPETENT SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

We must help prevent social isolation among LGBTQ seniors by supporting laws that mandate funding for LGBTQ-friendly services, including supportive housing for aging LGBT individuals; programs for our LGBTQ seniors; and creating permanency by providing funding or rebates to landlords to make their homes senior friendly. I also support restoring state benefits to veterans that were discharged because of their sexual orientation and ensuring that middle class seniors are not prevented from accessing much needed social services.

The Lorena Borjas Transgender and Gender Non-Binary (TGNB) Wellness and Equity Fund 

Historically, our trangender community has not received their fair share of funds allocated to serve the unique needs of their community. Be it healthcare, social services, or even legal services and supportive housing. Catalina will push for the creation of a fund that not onlyappropriately allocates funds specifically dedicated to community organizations serving our TGNB neighbors, but also honors the amazing Lorena Borjas.