Roots of Equality

Roots of Equality aims to organize grassroots efforts to combat discriminatory legislation, initiatives, and laws based on sexuality and protect existing rights. Our goal is to motivate like-minded individuals to join us and provide an outlet to express themselves through organized visibility and individual expression. We are based in and specialize in Downtown Los Angeles as an emerging center for GLBT activism.

Roots of Equality was founded by Tom DeSimone, Jason Wright, Kersu Dalal, Justin Emerick, Melissa Lopez, and Teresa Wang to fill the need for grassroots efforts in fighting for and protecting LGBT human rights.

We were founded before the 2008 election in response to Proposition 8 to our frustration with the community’s lack of visibility. We began with small rallies with just a few of us and then put together our efforts to organize a big pre-election rally in Pershing Square, Downtown Los Angeles.

In the post-prop 8 world, we plan on continuing our efforts to put together protests and events that encourage the visibility and self expression of our community as we fight to repeal 8, repeal DOMA, and eventually gain the rights and privileges that have for so long been denied to us.

We welcome any input, help, or just general support you can give.