02/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/03/2026 11:06
LOS ANGELES -Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization announced the launch of its 2026 organizational message: Rise Up.
The 2026 message reflects the moment LGBTQ+ communities are facing - one marked by coordinated attacks on transgender health care, student safety, and basic civil rights through legislatures, the courts, and federal action. Rise Upis designed to connect Equality California's work across elections, legislation, public health, and community engagement, while inviting people to take part in the fight for equality in ways that are sustainable and grounded in community.
"Rise Upis a reminder that progress comes from people showing up in different ways, at different moments, but always with a shared purpose," said Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California."That's how Equality California has made progress for more than 26 years, and that's how we'll keep moving forward."
In 2026, Equality California is leading efforts across California to block harmful policies, advance protections for LGBTQ+ people, mobilize voters, support pro-equality candidates, and build people power at the local, state, and national levels. The Rise Upframework provides a consistent throughline for this work - reinforcing clarity, unity, and action throughout the year.
"Rise Upis how we're inviting people to show up with us in 2026," said Jorge Reyes Salinas, Communications Director at Equality California."It's about participation that's real and sustainable - whether that's voting, organizing, learning your rights, or donating in whatever way makes sense for you."
Equality California's 2026 messaging will be reflected across the organization's advocacy, electoral, fundraising, and programmatic efforts, including voter engagement, legislative campaigns, public health initiatives, and community education.
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Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. https://www.eqca.org