The Local SEIU 1021 Lavender and Solidarity Committee joined the 14th Annual Oakland Pride on Sunday, Sept. 8. Our members marched proudly on the parade route and hosted a booth to welcome festival goers and share information on how they support LGBTQ+ values within the union and in our communities.

Oakland Pride is a time to come together and celebrate a life lived fully no matter who you love. The non-profit led event has been dedicated to promoting equality, social justice, and civic engagement which are also values that are shared by SEIU 1021. 

As the November election is quickly coming up, our members took the time to share their thoughts on one measure on the California ballot that has especially captured their attention: Proposition 3. Prop 3 would reaffirm the right of same-sex couples to marry. 

The CalMatters voter guide explains, “California State Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Evan Low, both Democrats in the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, introduced the constitutional amendment as a preemptive protection after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections in 2022. 

“Making sure that families are safe, you are protected to love who you want love, marry who you want marry, be who you were born to be,” said SEIU 1021 SF Cope Chair Nicole Christian, who is also an SFMTA employee. 

While San Joaquin County employee Monique Baca explained the importance of supporting Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris. “She has always supported our community since I’ve known her she has always been a vocal person backing us up so it’s important for us to back her up.”