Mission

The CalEPA Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) Affinity Group works to create a CalEPA where LGBTQIA2S+ people thrive. We support the health and wellness of the CalEPA LGBTQIA2S+ community, advocate for equity and justice through an intersectional lens, and work to build a culturally rich LGBTQIA2S+ community with allies in our workspace.

We aim to improve the recruitment and retention of LGBTQIA2S+ identifying employees at CalEPA by identifying opportunities to recruit LGBTQIA2S+ employees (e.g., LGBTQIA2S+ recruiting fairs, working with LGBTQIA2S+ groups at local universities and strategic philanthropy to LGBTQIA2S+ organizations) and supporting professional development for current LGBTQIA2S+ employees.

Any employee of CalEPA who supports the CalEPA LGBTQIA2S+ Affinity Group’s mission is welcome to join.

Vision

To foster a CalEPA where LGBTQIA2S+ people thrive and to further the goal of CalEPA’s values and core mission. We work to recruit LGBTQIA2S+ identifying CalEPA staff, provide for their retention, and offer professional mentorship and development. We educate other CalEPA community members on issues affecting or related to the LGBTQIA2S+ community. We also provide networking opportunities for LGBTQIA2S+ CalEPA staff, in coordination with expressed support from CalEPA allies.

Contact Information

We have a new Affinity Group email address: LGBTQIA2S@affinitygroups.calepa.ca.gov. If you have previously signed up for our listserv, then you should have received the new meeting invitation for the Community Hour from this address. If not, please contact us! If you are interested in joining for the first time, please also cc the New Member Coordinator (Amber Camarena, amber.camarena@waterboards.ca.gov).

Program News

March 2026: We are highlighting a small-scale pop-up pantry in one of our member’s cubicles at the CalEPA HQ! These shelf-stable foods and other items will be accessible to the people who need it, no questions asked. The pantry is located in cubicle 25-33B, for those interested in donating or selecting available items.

March 2026: For the monthly community hours moving forward, the Affinity Group is inviting volunteers to host a discussion, educate the group, bring a relevant presenter from outside of our group, or something else! We still have a few open spots for 2026, so if you’re interested, please email the co-program managers at LGBTQIA2S@affinitygroups.calepa.ca.gov.

March 2026: Please note that the only gender-neutral bathroom at CalEPA headquarters building (1001 I Street) is located on the eastern side of the second (2^nd) floor, past the conference rooms (see map below). Access to gender-neutral bathrooms is more important than ever, and the LGBTQIA2S+ Executive Committee strongly supports safe, convenient, and respectful bathroom options for CalEPA employees of all identities. The Executive Committee is developing recommendations on ways to increase the number of gender-neutral bathrooms across all CalEPA buildings and worksites. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the co-program managers at LGBTQIA2S@affinitygroups.calepa.ca.gov.

November 2025: If you are able, please consider donating to Transanta this holiday season! Transanta is an organization that facilitates the delivery of gifts to trans youth in need, safely and anonymously. Last year, the LGBTQIA2S+ Affinity Group raised over $1000 for their annual holiday campaign! With the donations, the Executive Committee selected wish list gifts for 9 trans youth in need.

September 2025: Please email us if you are interested in taking on a leadership role within the LGBTQIA2S+ Affinity Group, and thank you to those who have volunteered so far! (If you have already shown interested, leadership will contact you soon. If not, please ping us again.)

1. 1. The Secretary will organize and own Microsoft forms, meeting notes, and other documents for the group.
   2. The Meeting Coordinator will schedule and own calendar events and invitations for the group. 
   3. The Event Planner/Planning Committee Lead will take the lead on event planning for the group.

July 2025: Thank you for a fantastic Pride Month!!! The CalEPA LGBTQIA2S+ Affinity Group hosted 4 (four) events, as well as marched in the Sacramento Pride Parade, in coordination with California Natural Resources Agency. Our theme this year was the power of pride, joy, and community. We’re glad you came to celebrate with us!

November 2024: In the CalEPA building, we are working to get “nursing mother’s” sign changed to “lactation station, chest feeding parent’s room, lactation lounge” or similar. Our Affinity Group leadership are actively working with building management to make these changes happen and update the CalEPA intranet site that has information about lactation resources in the HQ building. If you’d like to help, contact Kelly Rodman (kelly.rodman@waterboards.ca.gov).

Co-Program Managers:

Michael Chan (he/they), Michael.Chan@Waterboards.ca.gov

Jazzy Graham-Davis (they/them), Jazzy.Graham-Davis@Waterboards.ca.gov

Kelly Rodman (she/her), Kelly.Rodman@Waterboards.ca.gov

New Member Coordinator (email to join group or ask questions):

Amber Camarena (she/her), amber.camarena@waterboards.ca.gov

Executive Champion: Joaquin Esquivel (he/him), Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board