LGBT Caucus Commemorates Historic Speakership Transition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2014 

LGBT Caucus Commemorates Historic Speakership Transition

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Rich Gordon (Menlo Park), Chair of the Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus, released the following statement commemorating the historic Speakership transition today.

“Today we bid farewell to one extraordinary leader as we welcome another. From shepherding numerous bills to enacting balanced budgets, Speaker John A. Pérez has been a tireless advocate for expanding opportunity and driving equality. His leadership greatly benefitted our great state.

From her humble beginnings as a daughter of a miner and a seamstress in Appalachia to assuming leadership of the Assembly, Toni has the experience, compassion and fortitude to tackle the problems that face California. We have no doubts that she will be able to carry on the hard work of Speaker Pérez, and we are confident that she will serve as a strong advocate for the LGBT community and for all Californians. Toni understands that the successes of tomorrow will depend on the coalitions we build and cultivate today.

We recognize today not only as a momentous occasion for the State Assembly, but also in the history of the LGBT movement. The LGBT Caucus was formed twelve years ago to address the needs of concerns of our community. For far too long, we have walked, marched and fought to have our voices heard. Toni, along with her spouse Jennifer LeSar, will be the first same-sex couple to hold the Assembly’s highest position and their love and commitment reminds all of us of the progress we have made. Through the speakership role, through Toni, and in our growing caucus membership and supporters alike, we will continue working towards creating a just and fair society for each and every person.”

Originally formed in 2002, the LGBT Caucus serves as a forum for the California Legislature to discuss issues that affect LGBT Californians and to further the goal of equality and justice for all residents in the State. Comprised of both Senate and Assembly members, the LGBT Caucus members include: Speaker Toni Atkins and Speaker Emeritus John A. Pérez; Assemblymembers Tom Ammiano, Susan Talamantes Eggman; Senators Cathleen Galgiani, Ricardo Lara, and Mark Leno. The Caucus’ formation made California the first state in the country to recognize an official caucus of openly-LGBT state legislators.

###

Media Contact: 
William Kim
916-319-2024
William.Kim@asm.ca.gov