Sandra has been a vocal advocate to advance the rights of the LGBTQ community. Sandra co-founded a statewide coalition that successfully passed legislation ending discrimination against gay persons attempting to access family court services. Prior to the coalition’s work, the legislation had been stalled for twenty years despite numerous attempts to pass it. She also successfully worked with domestic violence shelters to revise their policies to ensure that gay victims of violence were admitted rather than being turned away.

Sandra has repeatedly spoken out for the rights of the trans community. She has advocated for passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, for fair treatment of same-sex immigrant couples, and has fought for numerous other pieces of legislation advancing gay rights.

Sandra has been endorsed by many LGBTQ equality leaders:
Pride PAC
Dustin Lance Black, Founding Board Member, American Foundation for Equal Rights
Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force*
Masen Davis, Executive Director, Transgender Law Center*
Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights*
Zach Wahls, LGBT Activist

Some of Sandra’s priorities include:

HIV/AIDS

The LGBTQ community has historically been one of the leaders in the fight against HIV/AIDS because so many of its community members have historically been impacted. 

As a result of implementation of the Affordable Care Act, many Californians living with HIV or AIDS are facing continuum of care concerns. Sandra will work to ensure benefits are aligned so no patients lose financial support, and all insurance providers and programs have adequate numbers of relevant specialist providers in network. The rate of HIV infection is also particularly high within specific populations, indicating that additional funding for education and outreach is required.

Transgender Folks

Sandra is especially concerned with decreasing discrimination against transgender Californians, especially as it impacts their economic stability. Contrary to popular stereotypes, the LGBTQ community is not universally financially privileged with excess disposable income. The trans community is particularly economically vulnerable. Sandra is committed to investing in support services and community education, which is needed to create the social understanding and integration the trans community seeks.

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