Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: President Dave Pine, District 1
Subject: Changing the LGBTQ Commission name to LGBTQIA+ Commission
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution changing the name of the San Mateo County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Commission to the San Mateo County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Plus (LGBTQIA+) Commission.
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BACKGROUND:
This Board is committed to equity and inclusion for all, and over many years has strongly supported the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and others (LGBTQIA+) community.
On June 3, 2014, seeking to continue to improve the quality of life and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals in San Mateo County, this Board established the San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission, the first such commission in the state. The purposes of the LGBTQ Commission include promoting programs that foster well-being and civic participation of LGBTQ individuals, providing support to at-risk and underserved LGBTQ populations, promoting transgender inclusion among private and public entities, developing initiatives to support LGBTQ families and children, and making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
DISCUSSION:
The LGBTQ Commission's name does not presently represent the queer community as a whole. For example, individuals who identify as intersex and asexual and other individuals who do not identify with any of the terms of the acronym "LGBTQ" may not see themselves represented by the current name of the Commission.
In light of this, on August 15, 2023, the Commission voted to recommend that the Board change the Commission's name. In line with its goals of fostering inclusion and improving visibility for the wider community of LGBTQIA+ individuals in San Mateo County, the LGBTQ Commission proposes adding "Inter...
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