I am honored to have received the endorsement of the Stonewall Democrats of Ventura County and to become the first transgender woman ever to appear on a Ventura County ballot.
What the Flag Represents
During the endorsement process, the club emphasized the significance of the Pride flag as a symbol of visibility, belonging, and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people. For the last two years in June, and every June hereafter, the Pride flag has flown proudly over Ventura City Hall because of the policy I authored to push back against government overreach and ensure our symbol of visibility creates a welcoming environment for all in our city.
It is of utmost importance that we, as a community, create environments where students, educators, families, and staff feel seen and respected. I look forward to the day that I can help bring that same sense of belonging and inclusion to the Ventura Unified School District.
Symbols and Substance
I appreciated the opportunity to discuss my experience working on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community in my endorsement questionnaire and the role that symbols can play in reflecting an organization’s commitment to inclusion alongside meaningful action. And while I was not able to attend in person due to medical reasons, I appreciate the thought and care that went into considering my candidacy.
Thank you to the Stonewall Democrats of Ventura County for a thoughtful endorsement process and for the time and dedication their members devoted to hearing from every candidate. I am grateful for their endorsement and for the opportunity to continue engaging with our community on these important issues.