Mission

Cultivating San Mateo County as a welcoming, affirming, and safe environment where its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and gender expansive community members can thrive.

Vision

The LGBTQIA+ Commission envisions San Mateo County leading in addressing its LGBTQIA+ community’s diverse needs. The term LGBTQIA+ refers to individuals, including, but not limited to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, two-spirited, and others (+). The Commission’s use of the terms LGBTQIA+ or in the alternative, sexual and gender minorities, recognizes individual differences in self-identification, attraction and expression.

  • Dignity and Respect
    • The LGBTQIA+ community is treated fairly, with dignity and respect, in all settings – the public sector and the private sector (business, cultural, educational, faith-based, recreational, and all community settings.)
  • Culturally Competent Services
    • LGBTQIA+ community members have access to, can fully avail themselves of, and are fully participating in the county’s wide-ranging and culturally competent services, such as career, educational, financial, gainful employment, healthcare, housing, and other wellness services.
  • Welcoming, Respectful and Responsive
    • Services and settings are welcoming, respectful, and responsive to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Values

The San Mateo County LGBTQIA+ Commission is motivated by:

  • promoting justice and equity,
  • ending oppression and current and historical inequities, and
  • ensuring that all voices in the community are represented.

The Commission:

  • is committed to engendering mutual respect,
  • intends to conduct ongoing outreach, engagement and education and,
  • advocates for a County coordinated response to community needs.

The Commission plans to recommend reforms that are informed by data, have measurable outcomes, and are lasting and sustainable.