MAKING HISTORY

If elected in November, I would become the first openly gay person to run and win an elected office in Alameda. Given the history of tension between the Alameda School Board and the community on matters of LGBTQ+ inclusion - this history-making opportunity would send a powerful message to LGBTQ+ families, students, staff and community members.

My husband and I have been together for almost 27 years and were so lucky to have the privilege to build our family through adoption during a time when some judges rejected gay adoptions. We have worked hard to impact policies and laws across the U.S. that protect families like ours.

I also have the additional life experience of being the child of a lesbian mother and understand the complexities of navigating school and life in a non-traditional family in a era without LGBTQ+ protections like marriage and employment non-discrimination.

• I was the only person with LGBT parents to testify against DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) in my home state of Michigan in 1996.
• While a student at the University of Michigan, I led the largest LGBTQ+ student organization. And I also created the United States’ first LGBT Commission in a University Student Council.
• I am a past president of the board of directors of COLAGE National (Children of LGBTQ parents). I served six years on the board and was President during the highest income generating year for the San Francisco-based non-profit.
• I am proud to have created and led the DC Chapter of COLAGE for its first 12 years.
• I co-organized the largest gathering of LBGTQ+ families during the 2000 March on Washington.
• I have created and given national trainings for teachers in collaboration with the Task Forces's Creating Change and the NEA National conferences on how to “Make Classrooms Safe for Students with LGBTQ Parents.”
• I am a contributing author in the book: Improving Emotional and Behavioral Outcomes for LGBT Youth: A Guide for Professionals (2012)
• I am the author/illustrator of the children’s book, Families Come in Many Shapes, Sizes & Colors
• I was proud to consult with Olivia Higgins on the creation of AUSD’s gender and sexuality curriculum launched in grade K-5 last year.
• Recently, I led Alameda's Pride Month promotions by creating pride posters and compiling a resource guide of LGBTQ-owned businesses in Alameda
• I am currently the co-chair of the AUSD’s LGBTQ+ Roundtable