Issue Position: Supporting the LGBT Community

Issue Position

As a gay man, representing the LGBT community is a passion for me, including working to end HIV infections, ensure access to HIV medications, meet the community's housing needs, and address the needs of our seniors and youth:

LGBT Seniors: Meeting the Needs of this Unique Community

We have a growing senior population in San Francisco, including many LGBT seniors. We do a lot of work to address the needs of seniors, but we hadn't fully analyzed the specific needs of LGBT seniors, for example, aging with HIV, being more likely to age without adult children, and experiencing discrimination in senior programs and facilities. I co-sponsored legislation to create an expert task force to study and come up with policy recommendations on how to ensure that this growing population survives and thrives.

Based on the task force's recommendations, I authored groundbreaking legislation to ban discrimination against LGBT people in long-term care facilities in San Francisco and provide specific guidance on how to avoid discrimination, such as requiring that seniors be addressed using the pronoun of their choice, providing medically appropriate healthcare, and prohibiting room reassignments based on homophobia and transphobia. The legislation ensures that these facilities are sensitive to the needs of LGBT seniors and that they meet the needs of this growing population. I also obtained funding in the budget to address dementia and isolation among LGBT seniors.

Helping Transgender Youth

We are seeing an increase in the number of school-age youth and adolescents transitioning genders. These young people face many challenges, including stigma, discrimination, bullying, misunderstanding, family support or lack thereof, and healthcare access. To better understand what we can do to support these young people, I held a hearing on transgender and gender non-conforming children and adolescents. Specifically, we looked at the needs of these young people and their families, including their health needs; the current state of the research in the area; and what the City of San Francisco can do to support these youth.

USS Harvey Milk Resolution

A congressman from San Diego has requested that the Secretary of the Navy name a naval vessel "U.S.S. Harvey Milk." I authored a resolution supporting that request, which the Board passed.

LGBT Access to Affordable Housing

The city has a robust affordable housing program, but many people don't know about it or think much about getting onto wait lists for housing. The LGBT community has significant affordable housing needs, and there isn't sufficient awareness in the community. I obtained funding for a two year pilot program to expand awareness in the community. That program is now in place.

Supporting At-Risk LGBT Youth

Many LGBT young people struggle in San Francisco around housing, health, jobs, and other needs. We have an obligation to support our youth and create an environment in which they can succeed. I've secured significant funding to support our at-risk youth, including for housing, education programs, meal programs, and other needs.

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