Lines are being drawn for the once-a-decade mapping of US Congressional and states’ legislative districts and for county and city offices based on the prior year’s census. This time around in California, there are more LGBTQ members on the statewide citizens’ panel that draws those district lines than in 2011.

It’s important, because without them at the table, there’s a chance heavily queer districts could be split, lessening the likelihood of LGBTQ politicians being elected to represent the community in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, an effort to recall Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom – a long-time LGBTQ ally – seems to have a good chance of qualifying.

What do these developments mean for the state’s queer residents? Hear insightful analysis from Bay Area Reporter assistant editor and politics columnist Matthew S. Bajko, who has covered politics for the B.A.R. for two decades. He sat down (yes, virtually) with Out in the Bay to give our listeners some nuances not in his B.A.R. articles.

So listen in, and if you want more details, read Bajko’s articles too: California redistricting commission revs up its work (Feb. 15, 2021) and Newsom recall backers race to meet March deadline (Feb. 3, 2021)

Submit comments and your redistricting map suggestions and learn more about California’s 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission.

The Bay Area Reporter is America’s longest continuously-published and highest circulation LGBTQ newspaper. Since 1971, the B.A.R. has been dedicated to serving as the undisputed publication of record for the San Francisco Bay Area LGBTQ community.

Graphic: Central California detail of 2011 Final Congressional District Map of California, from California Citizens Redistricting Commission website. [WeDrawTheLines.CA.gov]