Honoring Expansive Visibility: A Journey of Self-Discovery As a Trans* Man

By Lu Lukah Orona March 29th, 2024 In recent years, the visibility within the transgender community has blossomed into a vibrant tapestry of diversity and inclusivity. It’s a beautiful spectrum where identities flourish, transcending conventional boundaries and challenging societal norms. For many, myself included, this visibility has been more than just a recognition—it’s been a…

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Honoring Nex Benedict

The tragedy of Nex Benedict is alltoo familiar for many of us. However, we must continue to honor Nex and the life Nex lived. Nex, a nonbinary 16-year-old from Owasso, Oklahoma, enjoyed rock music, gaming, animals and nature, was Choctaw and a 4.0 student. Our hearts ache for the Oklahoma 2SLGBTQIA+ community and for the…

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Embracing Queer Self-Love: A Journey to Authenticity and Empowerment

By Ariela Cuellar (she/her), Senior Communications Specialist 2-14-2024  In a world that often imposes narrow definitions of love and relationships, the journey LGBTQ+ people have in navigating platonic and romantic relationships becomes a tapestry woven with threads of self-discovery, connection, and authenticity. My journey has been one of defiance against societal norms, exploration of my…

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Why “Just Say No” to Tobacco Fails LGBTQ+ Communities

By: Ryan Oda (he/him/his), We Breathe Program Coordinator with the CA LGBTQ HHS Network Yellowing teeth. Wrinkling skin. A dry as hell cough. We’ve all seen the ads showing the dangers of smoking cigarettes. In middle school, our teachers would pass out red ribbons and “D.A.R.E.” us to be drug-free. “Just Say NO” still lingers…

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Celebrate Your Pride, 365 Days a Year!

Dear Network Members, First and foremost, HAPPY PRIDE! These last few weeks we have seen how corporations ‘rainbow’ themselves during Pride Month to capitalize on our liberties and identities. We have also seen how these same corporations backtrack when anti-LGBTQ folx cause a ruckus and force the hand of these businesses such as the LA…

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California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network Recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion for Supporting the Initiative’s Vision

The California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network is pleased to be recognized by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a Healthy People 2030 Champion. As a Healthy People 2030 Champion, The CA LGBTQ HHS Network has demonstrated a commitment to…

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California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network Strengthens Leadership with Key Staff Promotion to Support Growth 

The California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, a statewide coalition working to advance LGBTQ health equity, is excited to announce the promotion of Isaias Guzman as the Network’s Manager of Programs. Isaias was formerly the Network’s Organizer and LGBTQ Program Coordinator and has been integral to the work of the organization for over 4 years.…

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Creating Better Mental Health Options for Bi+ People

Written by Nicole Kristal for Bi+ Health Awareness Month “Get a new f**king career.” It wasn’t the phrase I expected to hear from our lesbian psychotherapist, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected either. My girlfriend and I had seen *Susan for two years to help improve our communication skills and address unresolved trauma from past relationships.…

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World AIDS Day 2022

Positively Me – The Mallery Jenna Robinson Story  As an Afra Caribbean trans woman, I have learned to live in my power and truth for 16 years, with 11 of those years living with HIV. This World AIDs Day I have been asked to share my story about my journey and tenacity to get to…

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