On September 16, City Council held a workshop to review and provide input on the draft Alameda LGBTQ Action Plan developed in response to a referral by Councilmember Tony Daysog. The plan outlines current initiatives, partnerships, and programs that support the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community and identifies new opportunities for further support, such as expanding gender-neutral restrooms, enhancing inclusivity in city surveys and resources, and exploring collaborations and anti-bullying policies. Council expressed strong support and provided input.
Current LGBTQ programs
The City’s draft LGBTQ Action Plan (link downloads document) is the result of a May 2025 referral from Councilmember Tony Daysog. Staff worked with all City departments, boards, and commissions to draft the plan. Its goal is to ensure Alameda is welcoming and supportive of LGBTQ residents.
Assistant City Manager Amy Wooldridge noted that the plan begins by detailing current initiatives, partnerships, and programs. For instance, the Recreation and Park Department works with the Alameda Pride Foundation to coordinate the annual Pride in the Park event each October and runs the weekly QTAC (Queer Teen Alameda Center). This queer teen drop-in center operates at the Veterans Memorial Building every Friday night.
Wooldridge highlighted policy advocacy efforts, such as updating pronouns in City documents to be gender-neutral and providing LGBTQ+ sensitivity training for City employees, including the police department. She noted that the Council’s legislative agenda includes a specific legislative focus area which supports “protection from discrimination for people who identify as LGBTQ+.”
Wooldridge identified opportunities for inclusivity in order of the level of resources required:
LGBQT Action Plan Opportunities by Level of Resources Needed
| Level of Resources Needed | Opportunity | Description/Actions |
| Minimal | Domestic Partner Registry | Add a registry to the city clerk’s office to complement inclusive civil marriages. |
| Minimal | International Transgender Day of Visibility | Celebrate in March through proclamations or city-sponsored activities. |
| Minimal | Expand LGBTQ Website Resources | Include and highlight resources for LGBTQ individuals and families, especially for the transgender community, on the city website; improve searchability. |
| Minimal | Consistent Demographic Data Collection | Ensure all city surveys consistently collect sexual orientation and gender data. |
| Minimal | Promote Pronoun Usage | Encourage pronouns in city signatures and request preferred names/pronouns during hiring. |
| Minimal | Regional Collaboration | Identify opportunities to partner with other East Bay cities for regional impact. |
| Minimal | Highlight Local LGBTQ Stories | Lift up local stories and individuals during Pride Month and on city banners. |
| Minimal | School District Collaboration | Work with the Alameda Unified School District’s LGBTQ coordinator and round table to support students and families. |
| Moderate | Gender-Neutral Restrooms (New Installations) | Install single-stall, gender-neutral restrooms in new city facilities and parks (e.g., Aquatic Center, Estuary Park). |
| Moderate to Significant | Gender-Neutral Restroom Conversion | Convert existing multi-stall restrooms to gender-neutral where feasible; assess privacy and cost-effective options. |
| Significant | Support for LGBTQ-Owned Businesses | Provide targeted economic development programs for LGBTQ-owned businesses. |
| Significant | Expanded Staff/Volunteer Training | Ensure comprehensive LGBTQ sensitivity and anti-bullying training for all staff and volunteers, especially in community-facing programs. |
| Unknown/To Be Assessed | Legal Advocacy Participation | Join lawsuits to support LGBTQ community rights when appropriate. |
| Unknown/To Be Assessed | Consortiums with Other At-Risk Communities | Develop partnerships with immigrant and other vulnerable communities to strengthen mutual support. |
| Unknown/To Be Assessed | Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements for Partners | Assess the feasibility of requiring organizations or businesses that use city facilities to adopt anti-bullying policies. |
Public comment
Five of six public commenters supported the plan. Planning Boardmember Andy Wang said, “Sometimes it’s necessary to explicitly invite in order not to implicitly exclude, and to make sure everyone in our community feels seen, heard, and valued.”
Katie said, “As the parent of a queer child, my family has witnessed the positive impact of inclusive policies.” David added, “At a time when the federal government and our own state leadership are willing to sacrifice trans people for their electoral prospects, it is heartening to have the support of local government officials.”
Travis said, “By explicitly affirming and supporting our LGBTQ+ neighbors, friends, and family, we are strengthening the fabric of our community.” Megan opined that the plan was “an acknowledgement that true equity requires more than just tolerance—it demands intentional action to dismantle barriers and provide tangible support.”
Bruce disagreed, saying, “I do not agree with city government spending any money or time making an accommodation for LGBTQ people any more than you make accommodation for Caucasian or Black or Hispanic people. Males belong in men’s rooms and sports. Women belong in women’s rooms and sports. Simple as that.”
Council comment
Councilmember Daysog said he felt compelled to advance this issue because he believes that “the transgender youth community, and transgenders in general, have been under attack, and it’s important for a City like Alameda to take a stand in an affirmative manner.” Specifically, he requested that plaques noting that the City welcomes people of all races, cultures, and genders, including transgender individuals, be installed in parks. He wanted to receive an annual report to track progress on the issue.
Vice Mayor Michele Pryor said, “I think it’s great that the City is taking deliberate actions to support our LGBTQ+ community, especially at a time when civil rights are being eroded. I believe we must be vigilant in our commitment to see the humanity in one another and take the time to celebrate being our most authentic self.” She supported sensitivity training and tracking progress, particularly regarding youth mental health issues and suicide rates.
Councilmember Tracy Jensen added that she felt that Alameda should support all residents, inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender expressions, a commitment she said she demonstrated in 2009 when as a school board member, she led the Alameda Unified School District “to establish the nation’s first elementary school curriculum to teach students about gay families and reduce the bullying of gay students, teachers, parents, and allies.”
Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft said she liked what the Vice Mayor said about allowing people “to fully express who they are.” She noted that she, too, was concerned with statistics showing “the high rate of suicide and suicidal ideation among young people who are transgender and LGBTQ+.”
Councilmember Greg Boller recommended having a specific liaison in the City for this type of concern in line with best practices.
Staff will now incorporate Council comments to finalize the LGBTQ Action Plan.
U.S. Navy lease amendment
In other business, Council unanimously approved a third amendment to its lease with the United States Navy for office space at City Hall West, Alameda Point. The amendment reduces the Navy’s leased area by one room.
Contributing writer Karin K. Jensen covers boards and commissions for the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at https://linktr.ee/karinkjensen and https://alamedapost.com/Karin-K-Jensen.
