It is hard to believe that February 12, 2025, marks the 21-year anniversary of when then-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom sparked a ground-breaking civil rights movement by legalizing same-sex marriage. In doing so, he not only changed our nation’s views on life, love and marriage, but demonstrated the power of how a community can change discriminatory laws in its pursuit for equality. 

Join us for a timely anniversary celebration and special screening of the award-winning film "Pursuit of Equality." We will take a look back at the pivotal case as many members of the LGBTQ community enter 2025 questioning if their rights are protected under a new administration. Some are asking what it will take for to continue the fight for equality.

About the Speakers

As fifth-generation San Franciscan, Geoff Callan is an award-winning director, producer and accomplished actor, with a successful career that spans over three decades in film, television, advertising, and new media. Callan has not only directed and produced Super Bowl commercials and Olympic Bid films but also remains dedicated to collaborative efforts in shaping socially relevant, comedic, and dramatic films and content. Beyond his excellence behind the camera, Callan is also a published writer. In the realm of acting, he has starred in multiple feature films and television series, earning notable roles opposite luminaries such as Will Smith in Pursuit of Happyness, Nicole Kidman in Hemingway & Gellhorn, Chris Pine in Bottle Shock, Mark Ruffalo in Zodiac, Ashley Judd and Samuel Jackson in Twisted, and Jada Pinkett and Blair Underwood in Set It Off. Additionally, Callan has showcased his talent in guest-starring roles on acclaimed shows like "Frasier," NBC’s "Trauma," Amazon Studio’s "Betas," and many more.

Mike Shaw is a native San Franciscan and former professional body boarder whose journey took an unexpected turn, reshaping his life and career. Once riding the waves as a rising star on the pro tour, Shaw encountered a life-altering injury that shifted the course of his destiny. Unable to continue his passion for surfing competitively, Shaw discovered solace and a new avenue for his creativity through film. Driven by his love for storytelling, he delved into the world of action sports films, using the camera as a means to capture unique angles, garnering numerous awards and acclaim for his thought-provoking work. Through resilience and dedication, Shaw honed his skills, crafting award-winning documentaries. Despite the unforeseen detour in his life, Shaw's unwavering passion for storytelling transformed his setback into a triumph. His journey from the waves to the world of film and technology stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless possibilities of pursuing one's passions and dreams.

Public relations professional Mark Rhoades has more than a decade of experience in planning high-profile events, working with industry leaders such as AT&T, PG&E, Banana Republic, Wells Fargo, Bloomingdale's, Nespresso, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Samuel Goldwyn Studio, as well as with local merchants. He has partnered with and raised money for regional, national, and international charity groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, Victory Fund, Academy of Friends, Maitri, Dining Out for Life, GLAAD, Project Open Hand, New Leaf, NCLR, REAF, GLBT Historical Society, San Francisco Ballet, SF LGBT Center, San Francisco Opera, Dress For Success, amfAR, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD). Additionally, Mark has worked with VP Kamala Harris, Governor Gavin Newsom, Jennifer Newsom, RuPaul, Al Panico, Billie Jean King, Kathy Griffin, Dita Von Teese, Jean Paul Gaultier, Sandra Bernhard, fashion designer Naeem Khan, and Peter Goldwyn of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

For 22 years, Kate Kendell led the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. She stepped down from this role at the end on 2018. From August 2019 to May 2021 Kendell was the interim chief legal officer at the Southern Poverty Law Center. In June 2021 Kendell became the first ever chief of staff at The California Endowment.

Growing up Mormon in Utah, Kendell learned about the complexities of religion and politics from an early age. After receiving her J.D. from the University of Utah College of Law in 1988 and a few years practicing corporate law, she pursued her real love—civil rights advocacy—and became the first staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah. There she directly litigated many high-profile cases focusing on all aspects of civil liberties, including reproductive rights, prisoners’ rights, free speech, the rights of LGBTQ people, and the intersection of church and state. In 1994 she joined NCLR as legal director, and was named executive director two years later. Under her leadership, NCLR’s programs, budget and impact grew exponentially, and the issues facing the LGBTQ community have taken center stage in our nation’s discussion of civil rights and justice for the LGBTQ community. She continues her work building inclusive organizations and fighting for justice for multiple communities.

Mark Leno is an American politician who served consecutively in both houses of the California State Legislature from 2002 to 2016. A Democrat, he represented the 11th Senate district, which includes San Francisco and portions of San Mateo County, from 2012 to 2016. Until the 2010 redistricting came into effect, he represented the 3rd Senate district (2008–2012). Prior to being elected to the State Senate in 2008, Leno served in the California State Assembly, representing the 13th district. 

A member of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus, Leno was the first openly gay man elected to the State Senate. He was previously one of the first two openly gay men (along with John Laird) to serve in the California State Assembly. Before his time in the legislature, he served as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 1998 to 2002. Leno is the owner of Budget Signs Inc., a small business; following his departure from the legislature he was a candidate in the 2018 San Francisco mayoral special election, which he narrowly lost to London Breed.

Jeanne Rizo and Pali Cooper are featured in the short documentary film "Pursuit of Equality."