Transgender rights are under attack – California must lead the fight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following Trans Week and Day of Visibility, we recognize that visibility alone is not enough. We need action. We must hold our leaders accountable and demand a decisive response to the escalating attacks on trans rights.  

Earlier this week, two dangerous anti-trans bills – AB 89 and AB 844 – failed in committee. These bills were part of a nationwide coordinated effort to spread fear and misinformation about transgender people, particularly trans youth, and to erase them from public life. While the failure of these bills is a victory, the fight is far from over.  

Just last month, Governor Gavin Newsom stated that transgender athletes’ participation in sports was “deeply unfair,” a stark and troubling shift from his previous stance on trans rights. Meanwhile, across the country, extremist politicians continue their relentless assault – just last month, the Texas Attorney General declared court orders for gender marker changes invalid, an effort to strip trans people of basic legal recognition.  

“Transgender people deserve to be seen, valued, and supported – not targeted by harmful political stunts,” said Dannie Ceseña, Director of the CA LGBTQ HHS Network. “As federal attacks escalate, we must safeguard life-saving, affirming care and demand full protections for trans, gender-diverse, and intersex (TGI) people. Trans Californians deserve access to affirming healthcare—just like everyone else.” 

The defeat of these anti-trans bills proves our collective resistance is powerful – but we cannot be complacent. Attempts to erase TGI people must be met with unwavering solidarity from our communities and allies alike.  

Governor Newsom and state leaders must do more than reject anti-trans legislation; they must actively expand protections and ensure California remains the leader in LGBTQ+ rights. We urge you to contact the Governor’s Office and demand California uphold and expand protections for TGI healthcare. Together, we will fight to ensure transgender rights and access to healthcare are not just visible but safeguarded.