Steve Hansen

Steve Hansen is a community advocate, attorney and father, who made history in 2012 as Sacramento’s first openly LGBTQ+ city councilmember. During Steve’s time on the Council, he passed key initiatives, such as increased protections for LGBTQ+ employees and residents, opening homeless shelters and permanent supportive housing, securing protections for tenants against excessive rent increases and unfair evictions, investing in the city’s economic growth and revitalization, building new arts and educational facilities, and making the city’s streets safe for all. One of his proudest accomplishments on the Council was securing a $750K grant from the City for the Sacramento LGBTQ Center to purchase its first-ever permanent facility.

Prior to his election to the Sacramento City Council, Steve served as Legislative Director for Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. At Equality California, Steve oversaw the passage of 20 pieces of legislation over a three-year period. Although ultimately vetoed, this included the first-ever marriage equality bill to be passed by a state legislature. Additionally, Steve has previously been involved in a variety of different organizations, including Secretary of the board of directors for CARES, a primary care clinic for people with HIV/AIDS and a member of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund’s Campaign Board. His LGBTQ+ advocacy dates back to when he came out as a senior in his Catholic High School, where he helped form the school’s first LGBTQ+ student group.

Steve and his partner Michael live in Sacramento with their two sons.