LavenderDemsOC

@lavenderdemsoc.bsky.social

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We're the Lavender Democrats of Orange County, California https://linktr.ee/lavenderdemsoc

Samuel Penrod, Vice Chair of the Lavender Democrats Just as the gay rights and AIDS activism movements relied on courageous allies, so too do our transgender brothers and sisters today. We have seen this pattern before—when equality advances, backlash follows. Again, transgender people are being targeted and used as a political wedge, just like gay and lesbian communities were in earlier decades. And, as before, some voices choose to distance themselves, compromise, or “throw others under the bus” for the illusion of safety.   But history has shown us: division weakens us. Now is the time to unite, stand together, and defend the full dignity and rights of the entire LGBTQIA+ community. Because when one of us is targeted, all of us are at risk—and when we unite, we are unstoppable.
Tonight! With an additional speaker! Taryn Palumbo is running for Huntington Beach City Council (a MAGA stronghold). We need to support her. ¡Esta noche! ¡Con un ponente más! Taryn Palumbo está en la contienda para el Concejo Municipal de Huntington Beach (un bastión MAGA). Hay que apoyarla. General Meeting! Join us for our Feb Virtual Meeting When: Wednesday, 2/25 at 7 p.m. Where: Via Zoom Note: Club members automatically receive the Zoom link via email, non-members can request the link at: http://www.tinyurl.com/LavDemsFeb Guest Speaker: Byron Salvatierra, Candidate for Irvine City Council, D-5 ¡Reunión general! Acompáñanos a nuestra Reunión Virtual de febrero Cuándo: Miércoles 25 de febrero a las 7 p.m. Dónde: Por Zoom Nota: Los miembros del club reciben automáticamente el enlace de Zoom por correo electrónico; los no miembros pueden solicitar el enlace en: http:// www.tinyurl.com/LavDemsFeb Orador Invitado: Byron Salvatierra, Candidato para el Concejo Municipal de Irvine, Distrito 5
Aliso Viejo united: build our future together — community event. 1:00pm Saturday, February 21st, RSVP for location. Meet your neighbors. Restore safety, affordability, and accountability to our elected offices. Time: Saturday, February 21, 1 – 2pm pacific time. Location: (Location will be confirmed 1 – 2 days before the event); Enterprise & Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 Aliso Viejo united: construyamos juntos nuestro futuro — evento comunitario. 1:00pm sábado 21 de febrero, responde para confirmar asistencia y recibir la ubicación. Conoce a tus vecinos. Recuperemos la seguridad, que sea más accesible vivir aquí, y que nuestros funcionarios electos rindan cuentas. Cuándo: Sábado 21 de febrero, 1 – 2pm hora del Pacífico. Dónde: (Te confirmaremos la ubicación 1 – 2 días antes del evento); Enterprise & Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
"We applaud that California Attorney General's office has filed a lawsuit to uphold the law. However, it's critical to note that over 1,400 patients and their families still stand to lose access to essential healthcare services on February 6th. We urge the community to continue to speak out against the Rady leadership's decision to violate California anti-discrimination laws by abruptly ending care for transgender youth." –Brit Cervantes, OCGAPNet
Photo of a votive candle. Headline: Victims of ICE. Monday Night, State College Blvd. and Imperial Highway in Brea, 5 – 6:30 a.m. Sponsored by Indivisible CA 45
Brit Cervantes, of OC Gap Net, in front of CHOC protesting that they've stopped providing of gender-affirming care. Brit Cervantes, de OC Gap Net, protestando frente a CHOC porque ya no dan atención de afirmación de género.
Patience Before Politics Protest January 24th, noon to 3 p.m. at S. Main Street and W. La Veta Ave., Orange. Join us for a peaceful protest at CHOC to demand they stand with us and reverse their decision on banning gender-affirming care. CHOC is ending gender-affirming care after political pressure from the Trump administration. Healthcare decisions should be made by doctors and families — not politicians. Organizers are OC Indivisible Coalition, Pride at the Pier, and OC Gap Net
Photo of Jennifer Engle. Our Teasurer, Jennifer Engle on news that the Democrats were able to strip all of the anti-Trans riders from the final appropriations bills I am happy that the fear mongering anti-trans hanger-ons were removed. But no we cannot "breathe again". The GOP & Trump are still applying pressure to the trans community and our Healthcare providers continue to capitulate to their threats. In the words of MLK "You don't stick a knife in a man's back 9 inches, pull it out 6 and call it progress." Additionally the latest version provides ICE with even more funding, so while it won't hurt Trans people directly, it will certainly hurt our brothers and sisters. Dem electeds need to do more or get out.
At Rainbow In Black, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of services to support and empower Black and Afro-Latino families of transgender and gender-diverse youth. Our organization is committed to being a lifeline for parents, caregivers, and families navigating the unique challenges and joys of supporting a transgender or gender-diverse child. https://www.rainbowinblack.org/
Mel Curth, OU grad student The Lavender Democrats condemn — in the strongest terms — the actions of Oklahoma University, which has participated in a blatantly transphobic, white Christian-Nationalist attack against graduate-teaching assistant Mel Curth. Bypassing its own established policies, the university is punishing Curth because she’s transgender and fairly graded an undergraduate’s paper for failing to address the assignment, provide supporting evidence, or adhere to basic principles of academic argument. In doing so, OU has not only violated Curth’s fundamental civil rights, it has destroyed the academic integrity of the institution and replaced it with little more than hate. Please sign, and if you can, financially support the petition if you agree. The petition is in our Linktree in our profile.
I am a proud dues-paying member of the Lavender Democrats of Orange County because representation matters. At a moment when the LGBTQ+ community is under unprecedented assault—here and around the world—Lavender Democrats are doing the essential work of democracy: vetting candidates, organizing voters, canvassing, phone-banking, and turning out the vote. These efforts defend equality, protect trans lives, and safeguard marriage rights. Brighter days are possible, but only if we stand up, get involved, and support organizations like the Lavender Democrats of Orange County. —Joe Baechtold, LavDemsOC member
Why's it important for allies to be members of the Lavender Democrats? I'm a parent of two children who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and loving them means living with a constant mix of pride and fear. Pride in who they are-and fear for their safety and their future. In today's political climate, it's becoming harder and riskier for LGBTQ+ people to be the only ones standing up for their own rights. That's why allies matter so deeply. We need straight parents, friends, neighbors, and community members to stand with us, speak up, and help carry this fight. The Lavender Democrats of OC is for everyone who believes our kids deserve dignity, protection, and a future free from fear. -Juli Stowers, Secretary for the Lavender Democrats
What do you like about being a member of the Lavender Democrats? I love being a member of the Lavender Democratic club for many reasons. At this moment in time, I feel it is very important to band together in support of each other. I love the level of ally support and engagement. The club also creates fun and inspirational events where we can meet like-minded members. The club has also been very supportive of me and my work as a playwright in service to LGBTQ+ rights. We have fun, we support each other and we make a difference in our community. —Roz Esposito
Why are we asking for your help? Huntington Beach City Councilmember Butch Twining is suing our ally, Ocean View School District President Gina Clayton-Tarvin for defamation at the tune of $25M — for something well-documented online. Butch attended a "vigil" for Charlie Kirk that includes white nationalists chanting. As you can see from the videos, the white nationalists walk down Main Street to the rally and the sky is dusky. The video of Butch is taken as the white nationalists continue to chant and the sky has darkened significantly. Things that make you go hmmmm. ¿Por qué estamos pidiendo tu ayuda? El concejal de Huntington Beach, Butch Twining, está demandando a nuestra aliada, la presidenta del Distrito Escolar de Ocean View, Gina Clayton-Tarvin, por difamación por la suma de $25 millones — por algo bien documentado en línea. Butch asistió a una "vigilia" para Charlie Kirk que incluye a nacionalistas blancos coreando. Como pueden ver en los videos, los nacionalistas blancos caminan por Main Street hacia el mitin y el cielo está al atardecer. El video de Butch fue tomado mientras los nacionalistas blancos continúan coreando y el cielo se ha oscurecido significativamente. Cosas que te hacen decir hmmmm.
Come celebrate the holidays with the Lavender Democrats! When: Wednesday, December 17th 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Where: Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church (OCUUC), 2845 Mesa Verde Drive East, Costa Mesa Cost: FREE! Please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/LavenderDemsOCHolidayParty25 We’ll provide soft drinks, a mocktail holiday punch, some sweets, and tamales. We’ll welcome any food items you’d like to share with everyone. But no pressure! The most important thing to bring is you.
The Lavender Democrats are supporting three high priority candidates for early endorsement at the California Democratic Party Convention: * Rick Foster, Senate District-36 * Chris Kluwe, Assembly District-72 * Sergio Ferias, Assembly District-74 Strong progressives and stalwart allies! (There is a rainbow bullet point next to Rick Foster’s name, indicating that he’s a member of the LGBTQ+ community.)
Come celebrate the holidays with the Lavender Democrats! When: Wednesday, December 17th 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Where: Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church (OCUUC), 2845 Mesa Verde Drive East, Costa Mesa Cost: FREE! Please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/LavenderDemsOCHolidayParty25 We’ll provide soft drinks, a mocktail holiday punch, some sweets, and tamales. We’ll welcome any food items you’d like to share with everyone. But no pressure! The most important thing to bring is you.
A statement from our Vice Chair on the State Department's direction to all employees and agencies to "refrain from publicly promoting World AIDS Day through any communication channels.”
Una declaración de nuestro Vice sobre la orden del Departamento de Estado a todos los empleados y agencias de 'no promover públicamente el Día Mundial del SIDA por ningún canal de comunicación.'
Boycott Amazon. This holiday season, get your books from small businesses and/or the public library. *Bookshop.org supports independent book sellers. Books ship from the closest store to the destination of your choosing. Plus they now offer eBooks. *Allstora.com is RuPaul's online book seller that supports diverse storytellers and their livelihoods — doubling their profits compared to Amazon. Allstora's book clubs feature curated lists for LGBTQ+ communities. The Rainbow Book Bus, their philanthropic arm, provides books to underserved communities and those affected by books bans. *The Los Angeles Public Library allows any Californian to get a library card. They have a robust digital library of traditional and audio books. Bonus: They also offer learning and movie-streaming platforms. Free is good! Apply online at lapl.org.
After the My Lai massacre, a US Military tribunal ruled unequivocally what the Nuremberg tribunals what had already made clear: all U.S. service members have a positive responsibility to disobey “orders they know or ought to know to be unlawful.” If you love our country and care for those who serve, join us — in what President Trump calls a death penalty offense — and sign the petition on our Linktree lobbying our governor to implement supplemental training to our National Guard. The FIVE articles of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice stipulate that they have a DUTY TO DISOBEY UNLAWFUL ORDERS. If you don’t live in California, use our petition as a guide to lobbying your own governor. Don’t give up the ship! -Stephanie Wade, Chair of the Lavender Democrats
Trans Day of Remembrance Join the Lavender Democrats, Roz Esposito, and the Frida Cinema for 2025's Trans Day of Remembrance. Our program will feature a vigil of lights, singing, and a video of the Broadway-bound show “Living Over the Rainbow” by Roz Esposito — which is a tribute to our departed 15-year-old trans angel, Letisha King. When: Thursday, November 20th 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Where: The Frida Cinema 305 E 4th St #100, Santa Ana Tickets: $10, proceeds go to LGBTQ Center OC Purchase in person or online at our Linktree. LED candles will be provided for the vigil.
Trans Day of Remembrance Join the Lavender Democrats, Roz Esposito, and the Frida Cinema for 2025's Trans Day of Remembrance. Our program will feature a vigil of lights, singing, and a video of the Broadway-bound show “Living Over the Rainbow” by Roz Esposito — which is a tribute to our departed 15-year-old trans angel, Letisha King. When: Thursday, November 20th 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Where: The Frida Cinema 305 E 4th St #100, Santa Ana Tickets: $10, proceeds go to LGBTQ Center OC Purchase in person or online at our Linktree. LED candles will be provided for the vigil.
UC Irvine professor wins top criminology prize for debunking immigration-crime myth
Trans Day of Remembrance Join the Lavender Democrats, Roz Esposito, and the Frida Cinema for 2025's Trans Day of Remembrance. Our program will feature a vigil of lights, singing, and a video of the Broadway-bound show “Living Over the Rainbow” by Roz Esposito — which is a tribute to our departed 15-year-old trans angel, Letisha King. When: Thursday, November 20th 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Where: The Frida Cinema 305 E 4th St #100, Santa Ana Tickets: $10, proceeds go to LGBTQ Center OC Purchase in person or online at our Linktree. LED candles will be provided for the vigil.
Día de la Remembranza Trans Únete a los Lavender Democrats, Roz Esposito, y el Frida Cinema para el Día de la Remembranza Trans 2025. Nuestro programa incluirá una vigilia de luces, canto, y un video del show con destino a Broadway "Living Over the Rainbow" por Roz Esposito — que es un tributo a nuestro ángel trans de 15 años que partió, Letisha King. Cuándo: Jueves, 20 de noviembre 7:30 a 9:30 p.m. Dónde: The Frida Cinema 305 E 4th St #100, Santa Ana Boletos: $10, los boletos cuestan $10 y lo recaudado va para el LGBTQ Center OC Se van a proporcionar velas LED para la vigilia.
Part 1 of 3. Reflections on the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps, Veterans Day, and my time in the service. Yesterday was the Marine Corps' 250th Birthday. I've been celebrating it every year since 1984. That was the year the 17 year old me, 'celebrated' at Boot Camp with a piece of birthday cake, the Marine Corps Hymn and a lot of "incentive physical training." Some years I got to live it up, like the year in 1997 when my unit held our birthday ball at the Rio Yacht Club on Ipanema Beach. Other years, I was aboard ship or shivering on the side of a Mountain.
Foto 1 de 3. Reflexiones sobre los 250 años del Cuerpo de Marines, el Día de los Veteranos, y mi tiempo en el servicio. Ayer la Marina cumplió 250 años. Lo vengo celebrando desde 1984. Ese año, cuando tenía 17, 'celebré' en el entrenamiento básico con un pedazo de pastel, el himno de la Marina y un montón de ejercicio físico como castigo. Unos años celebré a lo grande, como en 1997 cuando mi unidad hizo el baile en el Rio Yacht Club en Ipanema. Otros años estaba en un barco o muriéndome de frío en una montaña.
Stephanie Wade, Chair of the Lavender Democrats OC on SCOTUS' Trump v. Orr ruling that passports must reflect a person's sex as found on their original birth certificate. “Once again the MAGA-6 have overridden unanimous lower court rulings on Trumps request for ‘emergency relief.’ Apparently the emergency is that trans and gender non-conforming people have been traveling for 30 years with documents that correctly identify them as who they are and how they appear." quote continues on second slide
Find a polling place: 1. Visit our Linktree 2. Click the 1st link Things to know: You can vote at any polling place. It doesn't have to be near home. Play it safe. Don't vote by mail. If you can't go yourself, legally someone can drop off your ballot for you. Follow the instructions on the back of your mail-in ballot. Take your mail-in ballot with you when you vote in person. If you don't have one, no worries! You can still vote provisionally. The 2002 HAVA Act allows any California resident to vote. Any photo ID type is accepted or documents like bills with your address. For more info, visit sos.ca.gov/elections/hava-id-standards.
Californians! Today is the day! Please vote YES on Prop 50. Only 28% of registered voters have voted. ¡Californianos! ¡Hoy es el día! Por favor vota SÍ en la Prop 50. Nomás el 28% de los votantes registrados han votado.
Donations needed Dry Goods: Rice Beans Lentils Pasta/Noodles Pasta sauce Cereal Oatmeal Pancake mix Granola bars Peanut Butter Jam/Jelly Tortillas Spices: Sugar Bouillon Salt Pepper Garlic powder Other spices Marinades Oil Mayonnaise Canned Items: Vienna Sausages Canned meat Tuna Spam Tomato sauce Tomato paste Soups Beverages: Coffee Tea Water bottles/jugs Juice pouches/boxes Snacks: Chips Crackers Cookies Oat bites Fig bars Raisins Individual kid’s snacks Fruit cups Thanksgiving: Canned Ham Stuffing mix Instant potatos Mac n Cheese Canned yams Canned okra Whole black olives Marshmallows Cream of mushroom soup Canned corn Canned green beans French-fried onions Cranberry sauce Gravy Cornbread Jello Mix Brownie Mix Cake Mix Pudding Mix
Californians, Stop Trump from rigging elections. Vote YES on Prop 50, November 4th. Learn more at stopelectionrigging.com Californios, Detengan a Trump para que no manipule las elecciones. Vota SÍ a la proposición 50 el 4 de Noviembre. Apprende más en stopelectionrigging.com/es
Slide 1 of 4: Equality California Condemns Proposed Federal Rules Banning Critical Federal Funding for Hospitals Providing Transgender Healthcare WASHINGTON - Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang released the following statement in response to reports that the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are proposing two rules to cut off critical federal funding to hospitals and clinics that provide medically necessary healthcare for transgender patients under 19 and their families: Equality California Condena las Reglas Federales Propuestas que Prohíben Fondos Federales Críticos para Hospitales que Brindan Atención Médica Transgénero/Transgénera WASHINGTON - El Director Ejecutivo de Equality California, Tony Hoang, emitió la siguiente declaración en respuesta a reportes de que el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos y los Centros de Servicios de Medicare y Medicaid están proponiendo dos reglas para cortar fondos federales críticos a hospitales y clínicas que brindan atención médica médicamente necesaria para pacientes transgénero/transgénera menores de 19 años y sus familias:
Voter Protection Team VOTER PROTECTION HOTLINE: 1-877-321-VOTE (8683) This November 4th, Californians will vote on Proposition 50 — the Election Rigging Response Act. Prop 50 is our chance to stop Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans from rigging next year's midterm elections before voting even begins. With so much at stake, voter protection has never been more important. Equipo de Protección del Votante LÍNEA DIRECTA PARA PROTECCIÓN DEL VOTANTE: 1-877-321-VOTE (8683) Este 4 de noviembre, los californianos van a votar sobre la Proposición 50 — la Ley de Respuesta al Fraude Electoral. La Prop 50 es nuestra chance de parar a Donald Trump y a los republicanos MAGA de amañar las elecciones de medio término del año que viene antes de que empiece a votar la gente. Con tanto en juego, proteger al votante nunca ha sido más importante. Si hablas dos o más idiomas, tu apoyo es súper importante mientras trabajamos para que todos los californianos se sientan seguros de votar el 4 de noviembre.
Lavender Democrats General Meeting Join us for our October General Meeting When: Wednesday, 10/22 at 7 p.m. Where: Chapter One Tavern 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana Our speakers will be: 2026 Assembly Candidates Chris Kluwe (AD-72) & Sergio Farias (AD-74)
Photo of Stephanie Wade, the Lavender Democrats Chair, Equity California Board Member, and speaker at the No Kings rally October 18, 2 to 5 pm, at Centennial Park in Santa Ana. The event is hosted and supported by @OCindivisible, @50501OC and @Wave4All
¡Ven con nosotros a la protesta No Kings! Va a ser el sábado dieciocho de dos a cinco de la tarde en Centennial Park en Santa Ana. Dona comida y cosas en alguno de los lugares donde puedes llegar caminando — o en carro — haz tu pancarta en la estación para hacer pancartas…., y escucha a los oradores…que van a estar bien buenos en el escenario. Además puedes pasar a vernos en el stand de Lavender Democrats, y llevarte uno de nuestros stickers que están _súper demandados_, y un botón de "no to ice, yes to nice". Ahí nos vemos.
Come join us for the No Kings protest! It’ll be on Saturday, the eighteenth, from two to five at Centennial Park in Santa Ana. Donate food and goods at one of the walk-up and drive-up locations,,, make a sign at the sign-making station,,, and listen to the great line-up of speakers on the stage. Plus you can come see us at the Lavender Democrats booth and grab one of our in-high-demand club stickers and a "no to ice, yes to nice" button. See you there!
Join us on Saturday at the No Kings rally! Stop by our table at Centennial Park in Santa Ana. We'll have prop 50 info, plus Lavender Democrats stickers and “no to ice/yes to nice” buttons. ¡Ven con nosotros el sábado al rally No Kings! Pásate a nuestra mesa en Centennial Park en Santa Ana. Vamos a tener info de la Prop 50, y también stickers de Lavender Democrats y botones que dicen "no to ice/yes to nice".
A November 4, 2025 California special election voting guide is displayed with two sealed mail-in ballots
Trump's latest power grab is trying to rig election maps in his favor. Stop his assault on democracy. Vote Yes on Prop 50 on November 4th. La última toma de poder de Trump es manipular los mapas electorales a su favor. ¡Detengan su ataque a la democracia! Vota SÍ a la Propuesta 50 el 4 de noviembre.