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Jacque Larrainzar
"My goal is to create systems that are fair, just, and benefit all of us living, working, and playing in our city."
I experienced persecution for being queer in Mexico and became the first Mexican Lesbian to win political asylum in the United States.
My case changed the system and created an opportunity for thousands of people like me to find their path to a life free of persecution and a chance to find happiness. Because of this, I wanted to live my life in the service of justice and work to change government institutions.
Today, I work in the City of Oakland’s Department of Race and Equity. We are responsible for supporting City departments, including their Equity Teams and staff, so racial equity is centered in our operations, programs and services. My goal in Oakland is to create systems that are fair, just, and benefit all of us living, working, and playing in our city.
I have been doing this work for 20 years at different levels of government and I always strive to remove barriers to government programs and services for communities impacted by racial disparities and the legacy of institutional racism. I was involved in creating the first Racial Equity Initiative in Seattle, Washington and then used what I learned there to create better access to voting services and behavioral health for LGBTQ immigrants and refugees in King County, Washington. I’ve learned that when we work together to address racial disparities in the service of those most vulnerable, we can make amazing changes that benefit all of us.
