LGBTQ+ Healthcare Advocates Host First-Ever Advocacy Day for Transgender, Gender-Expansive, and Intersex Youth at California Capitol
SACRAMENTO – On June 23, Rainbow Families Action, the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, and Health Access hosted the very first TGI Youth Advocacy Day at the State Capitol, bringing together TGI youth, families, and healthcare advocates for a day of storytelling, action, and connection.
Too often, decisions about TGI youth are made without their voices at the table. TGI Youth Advocacy Day created a rare opportunity for young people to speak directly with lawmakers, share their lived experiences, and advocate for policies that impact their lives, health, and futures.
While youth met with legislators and government officials, parents, caregivers, and community partners participated in strategic planning discussions to strengthen a statewide coalition committed to protecting and supporting TGI youth across California.
At a time when TGI youth are facing escalating political attacks, misinformation, and attempts to erase their identities, the day served as a powerful reminder that transgender young people are not political talking points–they are experts in their own lives. Their stories, resilience, and leadership were at the center of every conversation.
The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus also recognized several outstanding transgender youth athletes and activists, including AB Hernandez, honoring their achievements and perseverance amid increasing anti-trans rhetoric and discrimination nationwide.
“For so long, conversations about TGI youth have happened without them, but today, our young people spoke for themselves. Their stories, courage, and vision for the future reminded us that the people most impacted by these policies deserve to be leading these conversations,” stated Dannie Cesena, Director of the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network.
“In a dark time for trans youth, opening doors for them to speak truth to power is good for the world, but also so good for them,” says Arne Johnson, Lead Advocate at Rainbow Families Action. “Our kids need to feel agency when so much is being taken away from them. They are our most powerful spokespeople, and as parents we love to see how that power puts the light in their eyes.”
TGI youth spoke directly with legislative staff about strengthening and clarifying protections for transgender inclusion in sports. In a political climate filled with misinformation about transgender young people, these conversations ensured lawmakers heard directly from youth about their lived experiences.
Advocates also highlighted the urgent need for California to invest $26 million to help protect and stabilize access to gender-affirming care statewide. As federal attacks continue to create uncertainty for providers, patients, and families, this funding represents a modest but critical investment in ensuring TGI Californians can access the care they need.
California has long positioned itself as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ communities. To uphold that promise, Governor Newsom and state leaders must continue investing in policies, programs, and healthcare protections that allow TGI youth to not only survive, but to thrive. The voices shared during TGI Youth Advocacy Day made one thing clear: TGI young people deserve to be heard, respected, and protected.
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