San Francisco has always been a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, a place where you can love who you love and be who you are. Growing up, I saw firsthand through my stepfather’s work at Levi’s how a company could stand up for its LGBTQ+ employees during the AIDS crisis.

This City has a proud history of supporting its LGBTQ+ community, and as your mayor, I will build on that legacy. I commit to pursuing LGBTQ+ representation in my administration through appointments, funding decisions, and inclusive policies. Together, we will make sure that San Francisco remains a safe, welcoming, and thriving home for all.

Providing Comprehensive Healthcare and HIV/AIDS Support

Access to culturally-competent health care is a fundamental right. This includes robust funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. As mayor, I will continue to backfill any federal funding cuts driven by Republican agendas and invest in our City Clinic’s modernization and relocation to better serve our community.

My administration also will require that throughout our public health system decisions about gender-affirming care are made between patients and their doctors to uphold the well-being and dignity of all.

Revitalizing the Castro Corridor and LGBTQ+ Nightlife

Public safety and cleanliness are critical to revitalizing our small business corridors. San Franciscans and our hardworking small businesses deserve safe and clean streets 365 days a year. As mayor, I will declare a fentanyl state of emergency and make it easier for those in crisis to get treatment.

I will also support small businesses by raising the business tax eligibility threshold to lower taxes on smaller-sized businesses. I will also eliminate unnecessary fees and streamline the permitting process to encourage the growth of vibrant, LGBTQ+-friendly nightlife and community events.

San Francisco’s cultural districts, including the Castro, Leather, and Trans districts, are integral to the City’s identity. As mayor, I will support LGBTQ+ arts organizations and cultural initiatives to boost economic recovery, attract tourists, and ensure these districts remain thriving, inclusive spaces celebrating diversity and creativity.

Addressing Homelessness Among LGBTQ+ Youth

It is heartbreaking that 38% of San Francisco’s homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+. This is unacceptable. My administration will prioritize housing for young people, especially trans youth. We will work with high-performing organizations like Larkin Street to increase access to housing, education, and employment resources. We will rapidly build a minimum of 1,500 shelter beds in my administration’s first six months, including specialized sites for populations with specific needs, so everyone feels safe and supported.

Supporting Senior LGBTQ+ Housing

Many older LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges, often aging alone. We will prioritize funding for culturally-competent mental health and housing support, so that those who paved the way during the AIDS epidemic and fought against prejudice have the support they deserve. My City Hall Accountability Plan will expedite housing permits and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring more housing is available for all, especially the most vulnerable in our community.

Supporting Trans Youth

Transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals are under attack nationwide, and San Francisco must remain a safe haven. We will increase access to mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring that they receive the support they need to thrive. I will ensure our city stands against discrimination in all forms, and provide safe spaces for trans students and individuals facing nationwide hostility.

Combating Hate Crimes

I will work closely with the LGBTQ+ community to implement policies that protect against violence and discrimination. As mayor, I will encourage our DA to vigorously prosecute hate crimes. I will also make sure that LGBTQ+ survivors receive the specific support they need by navigating them to community support or mental health services. We must also enhance protections for the transgender community, ensure victims of hate crimes feel supported in reporting to police, and reform our data systems to accurately capture and report the details of the crime.