City and County of San Francisco HUMANRIGHTSCOMMISSION

Theresa Sparks Executive Director

COMMISSIONERS Edwin M. Lee Mayor Susan Belinda Christian APPROVED Chair

Mark Kelleher Vice Chair Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Advisory Committee February 17, 2015 Meeting Minutes Sheryl Evans Davis Michael Pappas Richard Pio Roda Michael Sweet

Committee Members Present: Commissioner Michael Pappas, Commissioner Mark Kelleher, Alex Lazar, Bonnie Miluso, Bruce Ito, Danielle Castro, Diane Alcalá, Fayaz Rajani, Frank Lester, Jaime Huling Delaye, Joseph Frislid, Joshua Jacobs, Megan Rohrer, Mitch Mayne, Monica Davis, Richard Whipple, Sarah Steer, and Shaun Haines.

Committee Members Absent:

Barbara Lin, Heather Healy, Mark Snyder, and Tracy Garza

Staff Present:

SFHRC Executive Director Theresa Sparks SFHRC Staff Bianca Polovina SFHRC Staff David Miree

Guest/Community Members Present:

John Savior (currently involved with human rights advocacy and interfaith work in the Reno, Nevada area)

Order of Business

1. Meeting was called to order at 5:32pm. Roll was called; a quorum was established accordingly

2. Public Comments for Items not on the Agenda

There was no public comment.

3. Approval of the November 18, 2014 Meeting Minutes ( No meeting was held in December 2014 and the 2015 LGBTAC Winter Retreat was convened in lieu of the regular January 2015 Meeting) – Action Item

The minutes were unanimously approved.

25 VAN NESS AVENUE, SUITE 800, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 • TELEPHONE 415.252.2500 • FAX 415.431.5764 WEBSITE: www.sf-hrc.org Regular Business

4. Guest Presentation- Bianca Polovina, Esq. Discrimination Investigator / Mediator with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission will brief the membership body on the Agency’s on-going efforts and advocacy related to addressing and adjudicating claims of discrimination impacting the quality of life of the LGBTQ community in San Francisco.

Commissioner Pappas addressed the AC body noting that in a recent HRC Retreat for the Commissioners that he and LGBTAC Co-Chair has experienced a very informative presentation by staff from the HRC’s Non-Discrimination Unit. Pappas went on to note that he and Commissioner Kelleher thought that the AC could benefit from a similar presentation on the work product of the Non-Discrimination Unit and its advocacy of “adjudicating” claims of discrimination brought to the Agency (in particular) by members of the LGBT Community in San Francisco.

*(As this was the first “regular” meeting of the LGBTAC, Commissioner Pappas asked that members “introduce or re-introduce” themselves to the body at large and as a courtesy to the guest speaker Polovina.)

Bianca Polovina, Esq. Discrimination Investigator / Mediator began the presentation noting that many people might have the perception that City of San Francisco is a “queer safe haven” and for many that may be the case. However, according Polovina based on the nature of the “cases” reviewed by the Non-Discrimination Unit, there still remains an alarming rate of claims being filed with the HRC that highlight the regular occurrence of discrimination in (a) Housing, (b) Employment and (C) Public Accommodations. Polovina noted that a large portion of these claims involve discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Polovina provided the membership with handouts that reflected the associated data on the nature of discrimination claims made with the SFHRC.

Polovina noted that this data reflects that LGBT people living, working and going out in San Francisco may be still subjected to discrimination at some pretty startlingly levels.

Before speaking to the nature of the data, Polovina provided an overview of how claims of discrimination or brought to the agency-“filing a claim” and the subsequent process which generally includes completing a “client intake” form, discussion on the facts surrounding the claim from the client’s point of view, a discussion of possible remedies that may be available to the claimant and any possible next step to effectuate those remedies including, advocacy on behalf of the claimant by HRC Non-Discrimination Staff , fact finding correspondence with the respondent and possible mediation where there might be a stalemate/impasse . Mediation is generally the last option toward attempting to identify a

25 VAN NESS AVENUE, SUITE 800, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 • TELEPHONE 415.252.2500 • FAX 415.431.5764 WEBSITE: www.sf-hrc.org mutually agreeable outcome. Included below is a breakdown of the data associated with the HRC’s Non-Discrimination work product. For a more in-depth analysis of this data please refer to the audio of the meeting located on the SF-HRC webpage at http://sf- hrc.org/lgbtac-meeting-agendas-minutes-and-audio-2013-present

25 VAN NESS AVENUE, SUITE 800, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 • TELEPHONE 415.252.2500 • FAX 415.431.5764 WEBSITE: www.sf-hrc.org For a more in-depth analysis of this data please refer to the audio of the meeting located on the SF-HRC webpage at http://sf-hrc.org/lgbtac-meeting-agendas-minutes-and-audio- 2013-present

Polovina concluded the presentation opening the floor for any questions. Polovina noted that the HRC and the Non-Discrimination Unit continue to be committed to advocating for the LGBT

25 VAN NESS AVENUE, SUITE 800, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 • TELEPHONE 415.252.2500 • FAX 415.431.5764 WEBSITE: www.sf-hrc.org community in investigating and addressing all claims of discrimination where possible toward improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities ( in this instance LGBT) living, working and existing in the City of San Francisco.

NOTE: At this point LGBTAC Co-Chair in his discretion “went off agenda” and ask that the HRC Executive Director Theresa Sparks in her presence to speak on the high rate of violence being perpetrated on the Trans community in San Francisco including recent tragedies involving the death of a member of the Trans community on February 1st 2015.

Director Sparks (along with LGBTAC member Danielle Castro) spoke to the heartfelt tragedy that had rocked the Trans community. Sparks and Castro (to the best of their knowledge) provided an update on the case noting that the alleged perpetrator took his own life. Castro noted that the victim/Taja Gabrielle de Jesus’ mother confirmed via police that the now deceased perpetrator was in fact the killer.

Sparks noted that data shows that the Trans community experiences death by violence at a rate of 1-2 persons per month per year. Although the data tends to reflect a rate up to 20 deaths of Trans people in a year. Sparks cautioned that the number is likely a lower statistic due to the fact that many Trans individuals are “mis-gendered.” The Director noted that there have been reportedly 6-7 deaths of Trans people by violence just at the six week mark of 2015. There question at this point is whether these incidents of violence resulting in death are on the rise are if they are just being reported more –including the possibility that police are more so correctly reporting gender identification.

Sparks went on to note that there are a number grass roots efforts happening in the Trans community right now tin an attempt to address these incidents and bring justice to the victims and their families. However Sparks noted that violence being perpetrated against the Trans community and the lack of redress (in some cases) remain a critical issue.

LGBTAC member Danielle Castro spoke to the loss of her “friend and sister” and spoke to the efforts, protests and rallies that had happen on behalf of TAJA including the 72 hour creation of the “TAJA Coalition”. For more information on TAJA Coalition please visit https://www.facebook.com/tajascoalition

Commissioner Pappas noted that the work of the LGBTAC was referenced at one of the protests on behalf of Taja which he believes speaks volume to the impact the LGBTAC has on the LGBT community at large in San Francisco.

HRC Director Sparks directed the LGBTAC membership to the recent Report on LGBT Violence as created by the HRC and LGBT Center. Sparks notes that this Report highlights the higher rate of violence against the Trans community as a priority matter of concern by participates of the associated survey.

Commissioners Pappas and Kelleher provided some background on the development of the LGBT Violence Prevention Study and informed the membership body that plans were in the works to have Rebecca Rolf, Executive Director of the SF LGBT Center to present on this Report and that the LGBTAC would convene for the March 17, 2015 meeting at the Center.

25 VAN NESS AVENUE, SUITE 800, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 • TELEPHONE 415.252.2500 • FAX 415.431.5764 WEBSITE: www.sf-hrc.org 5. 2015 LGBTAC Winter Retreat Follow-Up? Membership to “re-visit” any outstanding issues as generated at the 2015 Winter Retreat.

LGBTAC Co-Chair Mark Kelleher inquired of the body if they had any outstanding issues related to the January Winter Retreat that may be up for discussion? LGBTAC Member Bonnie Miluso recognized HRC Staff Miree for coordinating and facilitating such a well-organized Retreat. Miluso went on to note how much this year’s “icebreaker” portion as created by Miree was particularly fun and informative as it allowed LGBTAC members really good insight into the “personas” of their fellow members outside the confines of the regular “AC” meetings. Miluso noted that the 2015 Winter Retreat proved to be “one of the most organized and efficient LGBTAC Winter Retreat in some time.”

Commissioner Kelleher echoed Miluso’s sentiment regarding Miree’s work on the Retreat.

6. Work Group Report Back- Each group co-chair(s) or designee(s) will provide a brief overview (3-5 mins.) on the central focus of their respective group’s “POP” and update the membership on any progress made to date

LGBTAC Co-Chair Kelleher asked each leader of their respective working groups to provide a brief overview of their anticipated programming and work plans for the 2015 term-year. This effort would allow the membership body an opportunity to learn what each other is doing as well as provide any member who was absent at the Retreat to be caught up to speed and identify which working group for which they would want to join.

(A) Trans Health “Making it Happen” –To Increase the availability of Trans* medical care in San Francisco, especially for those reliant on public healthcare benefits, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Healthy SF.

(B) Adm. Accountability “Re-Form” – To updated forms City-Wide that address and are sensitive to our community’s diversity. To change the current admin forms to reflect sensitivity to the trans community, gender nonconformity community, same-sex/same-gender families, disability community, diverse families

(C) LGBT Housing & Homelessness- To look at the question "Why is the LGBT community disproportionately affected by homelessness in San Francisco?" And address the issue with two projects including establishing a database and working with a Stanford University research team currently involved in a similar project

After the respective updates, the AC membership splintered off into their working groups to further “hone” their work plans as well as finalize any other matters of business.

SCRIBER’S NOTE: Audio/recording was halted at this juncture (30 MINUTES) while the individuals groups met in various areas throughout the HRC Offices.

25 VAN NESS AVENUE, SUITE 800, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 • TELEPHONE 415.252.2500 • FAX 415.431.5764 WEBSITE: www.sf-hrc.org After reconvening, the LGBTAC Co-Chairs and membership discussed the potential “effectiveness and efficiency” for allowing this type of “in-service” as a part of the regular AC Meetings.

Commissioner Pappas credited HRC staff Miree for suggesting this new “component” of having breakout sessions for the work groups to meet during the regular meetings.

The consensus was that the AC working groups would convene in these “break-out” sessions in alternative months (where timing allowed.)

7. Commissioners and Staff Report

Commissioner Kelleher also spoke to an additional change in the LGBTAC meeting format particularly as it relates to duration as a result of guest speakers and/or 7X7presentations. LGBTAC Co-Chair Commissioner Kelleher suggested that moving forward timing/duration of these presentations should not run any longer than 20-30 minutes (max) inclusive of Q&A. The membership agreed citing in past years that the presentations (guest speakers) before the membership had become somewhat “overwhelming” and to a degree took up more time where the membership would benefit more from involvement in discussions surrounding pending programming and work project development. The AC Body remained supportive of member driven 7X7 presentations but they should not be done so in conjunction with another guest speaker presentation.

LGBTAC Co-Chair Commissioner Kelleher also spoke to his involvement and work surrounding important advocacy toward fostering greater Bisexual visibility, tolerance and acceptance. Kelleher noted that he is working with HRC Staff Nadia Babella on a number of efforts associated with this subject matter including a potential presentation before the LGBTAC.

LGBTAC Co-Chair Commissioner Pappas reminded AC members to please do their due diligence in submitting the requested one time “donation” of $20.00 toward the food that is provided at the meetings by HRC staff Miree as otherwise said cost is an “out-of- pocket” expense for staff (Miree).

An inquiry of the Co-Chairs was posed relative to the status of the petition to change the HRC By-Laws related to the LGBTAC recruitment process and membership eligibility and retention where membership forfeiture is based on conditions and circumstances beyond that of the impacted member’s control.

LGBTAC Co-Chairs Pappas and Kelleher noted that this matter was currently being discussed with the Commission Chair and HRC Director.

LGBTAC Co-Chair Pappas asked members who had not already done so to please submit their bios and pictures to HRC staff Miree ( w/in 72 hours where possible) to be included on the HRC’s Web page that features the Agency’s Community Advisory Committee members. Pappas noted that this was important as it provided the community greater awareness regarding the “caliber” and vital community associations of the LGBTAC membership.

25 VAN NESS AVENUE, SUITE 800, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 • TELEPHONE 415.252.2500 • FAX 415.431.5764 WEBSITE: www.sf-hrc.org 8. Member Activities in the Community/Announcements

NOTICE OF IMPORTANT CHANGE REGARDING THIS AGENDA ITEM AS REFLECTED IN THE LGBTAC MEETING MINUTES

Due to the fact that many of the announcements and events appearing in this section may have already occurred by the time meeting minutes are distributed, moving forward and in an effort to ensure timely notice, any event announcement happening in the concurrent month of the LGBTAC Meeting should be forwarded to HRC Staff Miree for immediate distribution via e-mail. Any other event announcements happening subsequent to the distribution of these meeting minutes and those still contemporary will continue to be reported in this section where appropriate.

April 17th & 18 is National Transgender Health Summit- Oakland City Center Marriott-for more information please visit http://transhealth.ucsf.edu/

9. Items for Future Agendas

 Speaker/Presentation on efforts to address violence prevention and creating “safe spaces” related to the Trans*Latina Community. And Trans* Women of Color (NOTE: This matter should be addressed as a part of the upcoming presentation on the LGBT Violence Prevention Assessment Report scheduled for the March 2015 Meeting.)  Preservation of LGBT-specific venues -14th Street House Project  Presentation related tor LGBT Veterans ( in the wake of “DADT” being abolished by Executive Order) (Swords to Plowshares)  Presentation on San Francisco Homeless Count outcomes relative to the LGBT community and LGBT Youth ( Bevan Dufty/H.O.P.E)

10. Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 7:26pm

25 VAN NESS AVENUE, SUITE 800, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 • TELEPHONE 415.252.2500 • FAX 415.431.5764 WEBSITE: www.sf-hrc.org