This presentation shares early findings from ANA\California’s LGBTQIA+ Equity in Nursing initiative, led by Advocacy Institute Fellows Dr. Bri DuBose (2024) and Misty Mandeville (2025). The taskforce—formed in January 2024 and composed of nursing leaders, clinicians, and subject-matter experts—designed a structured assessment to benchmark organizational culture, knowledge, reporting comfort, DEIB infrastructure, and hiring practices related to LGBTQIA+ equity. To date, 624 anonymized responses (predominantly from California) reveal moderate familiarity with core DEI concepts alongside notable gaps in applied understanding, particularly around “gender diverse,” “microaggressions,” and “marginalized.” Respondents report frequent exposure to microaggressive statements (e.g., heteronormative assumptions and intrusive personal questions), underscoring the need for inclusive communication training. Organizational mechanisms for reporting and escalation are widely present, yet awareness of dedicated DEIB roles varies, indicating opportunities to enhance visibility and engagement. Bright spots include increasing leadership commitment, staff interest in LGBTQIA+ education, and growing visibility of inclusive practices. Opportunities center on embedding inclusivity into onboarding, performance, and leadership development; strengthening hiring strategies; and expanding practical training. The initiative’s benchmarking approach aims to guide sustained leadership, education, and transparency—advancing health equity for LGBTQIA+ nurses and patients across settings.