LGBTQ+ Health Organization Convene California State Health Agencies For TGI Community Listening Session
LOS ANGELES, CA – On March 20, the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, along with TransFamily Support Services, the Trans Latin@ Coalition, and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, convened a listening session for key California health agencies to elevate the urgent needs and lived experiences of transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex (TGI) community members seeking gender-affirming care.
Representatives from the Department of Health Care Services, the Department of Managed Health Care, California Health and Human Services, and the California Department of Public Health joined the discussion to hear directly from advocates and community members about the growing barriers to accessing care.
While gender-affirming care remains protected under California law, ongoing federal actions—including proposed rules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and executive orders—have created a chilling effect across the healthcare system. Providers and institutions are making preemptive decisions to scale back or discontinue services out of fear and uncertainty.
These decisions are already impacting access. The closure of vital services and gender-affirming care clinics at hospitals is a huge concern. Yet many of the most harmful consequences remain less visible—delays in care, inconsistent guidance and communication between providers and pharmacies, and increased difficulty navigating already complex systems.
At the same time, harmful misinformation and escalating anti-trans rhetoric are contributing to a broader cultural shift that threatens the safety and well-being of TGI individuals— even in progressive states like California. This climate of fear and stigma disproportionately impacts young people and those already facing systemic barriers to care.
“It pains me to see this generation facing many of the same struggles I experienced growing up,” stated Dannie Cesena, Director of the CA LGBTQ HHS Network. “We have fought hard to advance and protect these rights, and now we are being called to defend them once again. I’m grateful to our state partners for coming to the table so we can work collectively on concrete strategies to ensure equitable access to care for all.”
During the session, community members shared firsthand accounts of being failed by the healthcare system—from prescription delays and denials at pharmacies to a lack of coordination between providers—forcing many to navigate life-saving care on their own.
At a time when TGI individuals are already experiencing heightened levels of discrimination, stigma, and targeted political attacks, these barriers can have devastating consequences.
Everyone’s health benefits when the health and rights of Transgender, Gender-diverse, and intersex individuals are respected, treated equitably, and prioritized. Ensuring access to gender-affirming care is not a political issue. Health care is a human right.
“Our state health departments heard barely a fraction of the challenges TGI families and youth are navigating every day,” stated Kathie Moehlig of TransFamily Support Services. “These agencies have the power and responsibility to uphold California law. We look forward to continuing this work together and developing solutions that meet the urgency of this moment.”
The organizations plan to host a follow-up discussion with state partners to identify actionable strategies and strengthen accountability in addressing these barriers.
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The California LGBTQ+ Health & Human Services Network advances and protects the health of 2SLGBTQ+ Californians by mobilizing a statewide coalition of community organizations, providers, researchers, and advocates to shape equitable public policy, strengthen implementation, and drive community-centered systems change.