As part of the celebration of June's Pride Month, the Chargers organization is highlighting the impact of game changers across the Southern California community. Tony Hoang is up next.
What is your name and what is your title/organization you work for?
My name is Tony Hoang and I am the Executive Director of Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. Equality California fights for full LGBTQ+ equality by electing pro-equality leaders up and down the ballot, passing pro-equality legislation in Sacramento and Washington, DC, fighting for LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice in the courtroom, and changing hearts and minds through public education.
How has your identity shaped the person you are today?
Growing up as a closeted gay Asian kid in Texas, I personally understand how the intersection of sexuality, gender and race can affect your outlook and treatment by others in life. Drawing upon that lived experience has allowed me to continue working toward a world that is fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people.
What inspired you to work in your field?
I've had the honor to work in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement for my entire professional career — over 15 years. The reason why I started in this work and continue to do so is that I can see how the policies and programs that Equality California passes and runs improve the lives of LGBTQ+ Californians.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity and history of the LGBTQ+ community. As part of that, it is also imperative that folks understand that Pride started a protest and to remind folks to recommit to fight ahead for a more just and equitable future.
How do you celebrate Pride?
I celebrate Pride by being in community and being my true authentic self. In my job, I have the honor of traveling throughout the state to participate in pride celebrations — big and small — and to spread queer joy.
What message would you tell the next generation of LGBTQ+ community to help guide their efforts?
I would say continue being who you are and sharing your stories. In the work that I do, seeing how LGBTQ+ youth are organizing in their communities and speaking out is so inspiring. Although there may be bumps in the road, it does truly get better.
Tell us about a moment in history that shaped your career or life?
The fight for marriage equality was instrumental in forming my professional career. I started interning with Equality California as a college student when Proposition 8 passed in California which was a ballot measure that banned same-sex couples from marrying. Seeing that your civil rights could be taken away by your fellow neighbors on the ballot inspired me to make a career fighting for social justice. Fast forward to November 2024 when we led the campaign to pass Proposition 3 which enshrined the right to marry for both same-sex and interracial couples. Being able to right that wrong as a leader of the organization I interned at 15 years ago — particularly as someone who now is in a same-sex, interracial marriage — was a full circle moment for me.
