How do young LGBTQ Californians help shape state policies to make them more equitable and fair? On this week’s Out in the Bay, two Sacramento insiders working hard for equal treatment share their views on how the sausage is made — and how they help make it — in our state capitol. Tami Martin is Equality California’s Legislative Manager; Severiano Christian is Senate Consultant for the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and a recent Equality California Institute-Comcast Fellowship alum.
Some of the issues they’re working on now and discuss in this week’s conversation are safety for incarcerated transgender people; the dearth of data on how COVID-19 affects LGBTQ people; and how teen sex is treated criminally — penalties are currently much harsher for same-sex partners than for their hetero peers.
The Equality California Institute – Comcast Fellowship brings LGBTQ youth and allies to Sacramento to learn about California politics and the legislative process. Fellows gain first-hand experience and leadership skills working with legislators, policymakers and staff, and meet with LGBTQ leaders to learn about how advocacy and public service can fuel meaningful policy change.
Links to other fellowships, internships and mentorships named in this week’s episode:
Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project-Comcast Fellowship
CA Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Capitol Internship