Tonya Martin
Tonya Martin (She/Her) a forever Out & Proud lesbian, is indeed a remarkable figure! As the President of Long Beach Pride, she has been instrumental in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity in the community. Her dedication to public service and advocacy is truly inspiring. With over 25 years of service, she is currently a representative for California’s first statewide LGBTQ+ elected official, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. Tonya has volunteered and worked throughout Los Angeles County and the California civic sector, as well as nationwide and globally in areas inclusive to the empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community, youth, racial, and equality advocacy.
Her continued fight for equality includes her experience as a former Legislative Analyst for the City of Long Beach in which she advocated and wrote many policies. The most current item, Gender Inclusive Language, passed unanimously. It requires all future Municipal Code amendments, and amendments to Council Policies, regulatory legislation, and ballot proposals for City Charter amendments be drafted with gender inclusive language that includes Long Beach Transgender and Non-Binary residents. In 2024, she worked with the City of Long Beach to create a resolution to raise the Transgender Flag each year on November 20th in honor of Transgender Remembrance Day.
Mrs. Martin’s diverse accolades include the NAACP as “Woman of the Year” Honoree, depicting someone who has helped shape the City of Long Beach, as they regard honorees as well respected, devoted women who interact in a positive manner on a family, spiritual, community and civic basis; Community Grand Marshal- Female for the 2011 Long Beach Gay Pride Parade, for her continued outreach and service to the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, she was honored for her work and support of the Long Beach community’s exclusivity by selected as the Annual Lambda Human Rights Jean Harris Woman of the Year Award. Furthermore, in 2022, she was inducted into the Harvey Milk Promenade Park Equality Plaza for her advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights and issues. Recently, she received the Community Icon Award from the Imperial Court of Long Beach.
Whenever anyone asks Mrs. Martin, “how do you do all that you do?” She always replies, “It’s not what I do, it’s what is being done through me”.
Tonya was appointed by Supervisor Hahn and represents the Fourth District.