About OLGBTQA

We provide leadership and support for the well-being and longevity of LGBTQ communities in Santa Clara County through coordinated, integrated approaches.

Mission

The mission of the County of Santa Clara is to plan for the needs of a dynamic community, provide quality services, and promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous community for all.

Vision

As a government office, we are committed to creating strong bridges throughout Santa Clara County that affirm and embrace the whole person by creating a social climate with institutional backing that offers multiple pathways for LGBTQ individuals and communities to thrive here and everywhere.

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Learn more about our office

Find out more about our news, events, initiatives, and reports.

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Our pro-equity approaches

Change the narrative

Empower individuals and communities with innovative trainings and cutting-edge tools to unravel the deep-rooted factors perpetuating inequities surrounding Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE), promoting a cultural shift towards understanding and proactive solutions that thrives on inclusion, belonging, and authentic self-expression for all.

Subject matter expertise

Provide expert leadership to County departments and community members in their pursuit of comprehensive LGBTQ+ support and access to an extensive network of local and national resources; forging seamless collaboration with County departments and agencies to critically assess existing practices and deliver unparalleled technical assistance for meaningful improvements.

Transformational change

Catalyze a paradigm shift by propelling the advancement of groundbreaking cross-departmental best practices, dismantling entrenched systemic barriers, and ushering in an era of unparalleled linkage and access to services, thus igniting transformative change that redefines the possibilities for all individuals and communities.

Partnerships and community engagement

Forge an unwavering alliance as the County's LGBTQ+ ambassador, cultivating dynamic partnerships with a diverse array of government agencies, schools, and organizations to collectively champion LGBTQ+ issues and advance inclusive progress that empowers, elevates, and amplifies the resounding voice of the LGBTQ+ community, echoing far beyond boundaries and inspiring authentic societal transformation.

Policy analysis

Harness the power of policy analysis to furnish meticulously researched and bold recommendations that invigorate local action, steering the trajectory of key LGBTQ+ policy areas towards unprecedented progress and equity; diligently scrutinize existing or proposed policies, summoning a tenacious commitment to guaranteeing the integration of LGBTQ+ populations.

Data, evaluation, and accountability

Pioneer an endeavor to standardize and integrate SOGIE and associated data points into data collection systems that propels evidence-based decision-making; secure research initiatives and map service gaps to uplift the needs and untapped potentials of LGBTQ+ residents; embolden County departments and agencies to reinforce a culture of compliance with existing laws and propel a relentless pursuit of best practices, creating a future founded on accountability, justice, and dignity for all.

Our staff

Sera Fernando, Manager, Office of LGBTQ Affairs

Sera Fernando
Manager
[email protected]
Pronouns: She/Her

Lashanna Hornage, MA, Program Manager, Office of LGBTQ Affairs

Lashanna Meeks, MA
Program Manager
[email protected]
Pronouns: She/Her

Crystal Haney, Community Outreach Specialist, Office of LGBTQ Affairs

Crystal Haney
Community Outreach Specialist
[email protected]
Pronouns: She/Her

Acknowledgements

Maribel Martínez, MA
Founding Manager
Pronouns: Any/all pronouns