Tony Ortuño (2019)
Diverse Community Leader Award
Tony Ortuno (Santa Ana) has been part of the Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities, Education for All group, and has served in a lead role in the fight for LGBT-supportive programming to change policies in the Santa Ana Unified School District. Tony participated as a lead organizer for the Orange County Dream Team and was a founding member of DeColores Queer Orange County and La Familia, a grassroots queer, trans Latino organization that supports first-generation Mexican families and their LGBT children.
Under his leadership, Tony helped create Youth Empowered to Act (YETA), a coalition of Orange County LGBTQ and allied young leaders working to create safer, supportive and intersectional spaces where youth learn leadership skills and engage in social justice advocacy. Tony helps countless numbers of young people learn about their rights and how to advocate in their communities. He provides space and support for young people to develop their voices and tell their stories.
As the Youth Program Coordinator at LBGT Center of Orange County, helped to create and grow the youth advocacy program. He trains Orange County students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and elected officials on the rights and laws that have been established to protect LGBTQ and allied students and improve school climate for all students in California.
About the Award
Our annual Diverse Community Leaders Award honors individuals and groups who have made extraordinary contributions to Orange County in human or civil rights.
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