Vallejo-Benicia Indivisible No Kings rally on June 14 at Unity plaza had hundreds in attendance!
There are weekly protest starting this Saturday to replace the Tesla Takedowns it will be near the Home Depot on Admiral Callaghan at 11am. Hope you can join us!
The Prop 50 Save Our Democracy!
Prop 50 is going to be up for a vote on November 4th. It’s temporary redistricting and unlike Texas the citizens of California have to vote & pass the bill to level the playing field. We will be getting the message out to vote “yes” on Prop 50 to save our Democracy. Join us on Saturday, September 20th at 10:00 am – 11:30 am. We keep it Peaceful and powerful. NO stepping into the streets, sidewalks are our stage! Bring your friends, creative signs, and flags. For your comfort bring water, wear a hat, sunscreen and a camp chair if needed. Most importantly, bring that unstoppable energy and the joy of standing with people who get it.
Every single event we do is rooted in peaceful action. If tensions ever rise, we’re the ones who cool things down and keep the focus on our message. Do not engage in any negative language or gestures. Do NOT take the bait!
Remember this: Dictatorship DEPENDS on Silence. Democracy REQUIRES our Participation and Voices.
Other local and regional gatherings:
Wednesdays from 4:15 to 5:15 pm in front of the Vallejo Ferry building.
Thursdays at 5 pm in Benicia, Vallejo-Benicia Indivisible hosts flag waving by the Gazebo in City Park (Military & First Street, Benicia). https://www.facebook.com/events/1077820594478484/1077820677811809/?active_tab=about
Sundays at noon in Benicia, Vallejo-Benicia Indivisible hosts flag waving by the Gazebo in City Park (Military & First Street, Benicia). https://www.facebook.com/events/1077820594478484/1077820677811809/?active_tab=about
Stand Up for Democracy Vallejo: This a local Indivisible event! Stand Up For Democracy…..continue the momentum !! Benicia-Vallejo Indivisible will continue their weekly Saturday protest. Bring a friend, a sign, and your voices! Saturdays at 11 am at Vallejo Plaza, Admiral Callaghan Lane & Plaza Drive, Vallejo. Link to sign up.
Fight for Our Democracy and Constitution Vacaville: Link to sign up.
We have a real shot at making this one of the largest peaceful protests in modern American history.
Why I Say Yes on Prop 50!
by SPC Board Chair Stephan Clifford
Hey Solano Pride and California!
I wanted to take a moment to discuss why I have voted yes on Prop 50 (I mailed mine this week). I want to be completely transparent here, so bear with me. What we are seeing is a fascist billionaire takeover of our country, and the whittling away of our constitutional rights. We have long had a Congress in a deadlock that has created division and hardship throughout our country. The cost of living has continually gone up, while wages have not. Hate and anger have been stoked and manipulated to the point of creating voters that literally have voted to hurt other citizens of this country, and the Republican party has utilized that to make the rich richer and more powerful. In the last ten months we have seen absolute ridiculousness with layoffs, firings, re-hirings, kidnappings to prisons in other countries, immigration terrorism against our neighbors who work hard and wanted to be here for a better life, and erasure of things like how Transgender people were a huge part of Stonewall, and Matthew Shepard removed from White House website. We have seen assassinations of politicians, threats of funding removed for any Governor that doesn’t align with the White House Administration. We’ve seen the Supreme Court become partisan instead of Constitutional. Just this week special education for our children has been stripped.
At the end of the day, this brings me fear and helplessness. This is why I put effort into serving our community and our county as much as I can. It is also not enough, and Prop 50, a yes vote, gives us as the most populous and highest tax provider to the United States of America, California can say “NO” to the disenfranchisement of voters in this country. Texas has Democrats, and their voting redistricting was deliberately manipulated to keep Texas red for Trump. So, with a provision to be redone in 2031, we can play the same hardball to help flip Congress Blue in 2026 and finally have the numbers to Impeach Trump, and finally get the fight back in action to release the Epstein Files, strengthen our Constitutional Government, and begin to fix all that this administration has done since Trump was sworn in.
There is so much to do right now, and I know we are scared, angry, and unsure how or what to do. Vote Yes on Prop 50 to give California the legal right to counter Texas’ gerrymandering. This is how we save our state, our country and an opportunity for a better tomorrow than we are currently being provided.
Thank you,
Stephan
Why I Say Yes on Prop 50!
by SPC Board Member Jeannie White
VOTE YES ON PROP 50!
By now, you all should have received your ballot for the California’s special election on November 4th. This may very well be the most important vote you and I will ever take. The future of elections themselves may be determined by the outcome.
Trump and his Republican allies are rigging the Congressional maps so that they can keep control of Congress. Why are they doing this? I believe that they are looking at polls showing how wildly unpopular this administration’s policies are and that there would be a real possibility the midterm election results will reflect that. Trump has pressured Texas to illegally change their maps to gain five new seats, and California has responded.
California is fighting back by calling for this special election which would allow for temporarily redrawing the lines of our own Congressional districts to help more Democrats be elected. It’s unfortunate that Republicans aren’t playing fair, but we need to recognize this and stop playing with one hand tied behind our backs. The stakes are too high for us to sit back and hope for the best.
Getting out the message to families, friends, and neighbors is essential. This election is too important to sit out, and the outcome will affect all of us. You can vote from the comfort of your own home, use a drop box, or vote in person on Election Day. If you’d like more information about this special election, go to stopelectionrigging.com.
Jeanie White
Why I Say Yes on Prop 50!
by SPC Board Member Trish Abbatiello
As a board member and proud participant of our Rainbow Seniors group, I urge you to vote YES on prop 50. Early on some seniors expressed confusion between a yes or no vote. This became more so with the political ads shown on T.V.
Our board member Audra Orr eloquently stated in her post in the eblast her reasons for a YES on 50.
Our community, our democracy and our voting rights have been under attack and extremely threatened by this administration. We all need to fight back.
All our freedoms are at stake. Let’s stand together, be united and vote YES on 50!
Why I Say Yes on Prop 50! by SPC Board Member Audra Orr
On November 4, 2025, we’re being asked by the California Legislature to vote on Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, in a special election. Some of you may ask what is Prop 50 or you’ve seen lots of ads and gotten lots of mailers and don’t know who to believe. To keep it very simple, Prop 50 is an effort by Governor Newsom and the California Legislature to level the playing field after Trump demanded the Texas governor redraw their congressional districts and get him five more Republican seats because he was afraid of losing his very slim control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 mid-term election. Prop 50 wouldn’t even be a discussion if Trump and the Republicans weren’t unfairly taking away the voice of voters in Texas.
My reasons for supporting Prop 50 are very simple. One, I believe in fairness and that legislators should not be allowed to silence our votes, our voices, without our consent. The voters of Texas weren’t given a choice, and we have the ability to speak up for them and level the playing field for the mid-term election. I honestly think California could have gerrymandered our districts even further to try to gain even more Democrat seats, but our goal was just to stop the unfair advantage. Two, this bill re-affirms our commitment to independent re-districting and calls on all states to commit to fair and impartial maps. Three, Prop 50 puts the power and the choice to re-district into the voters’ hands not the legislators’. This and this alone disproves the Republican claim that this is a Democrat power grab as Republicans are the ones who refuse to give voters a choice. Four, these new maps are only temporary and will expire in 2030. The authority to re-draw maps will then revert to the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.
I always encourage people to research and read propositions for themselves and to especially look at who is funding both sides of the issue. You can find all of that information at the below link for ballotpedia. I’m sure you’ll notice that all of the No on Prop 50 people are Republicans, Republican PACs, billionaires, and corporations; whereas the Yes on Prop 50 people are Democrats as well as a wide variety of labor unions, non-profit organizations, governmental organizations, and other miscellaneous organizations.
The mail in ballots should be going out in the mail this week. You still have time to register to vote if you haven’t yet. The last day to register to vote is Monday, Oct 20. Here’s the link to register on line as well as get all kinds of election and ballot info.
https://www.solanocounty.gov/government/registrar-voters/voter-registration
Please join me in voting Yes on Prop 50. We can’t afford to lose this on this one. The future of our democracy depends on a fair election and level playing field in the mid-terms.
Greetings!
The federal civil rights regulation known as the Equal Access Rule (EAR) is under attack. This important protection guarantees access to many housing and homeless services funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status. It is vital for the trans community, which faces disproportionate levels of housing insecurity & violence. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration wants to destroy this critical protection, and is seeking yet to repeal it.
As part of our campaign to fight back we hope to elevate stories that highlight the importance of the EAR, and have created the Equal Access Rule Story Collection Portal. If you or someone you know has faced barriers accessing shelter and housing resources based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status, or has benefited from policies which protect equal access to housing services, please check out the portal. We encourage you to share the link or attached flyer with anyone you think might be interested.
Best,
Terri L. Wilder (She/Her), MSW
HIV/Aging Policy Advocate
California voters struck a blow against Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans’ attempts to rig the 2026 midterm elections. And across the country, pro-equality candidates overwhelmingly won their races — read more below!
To view previous news items from the Equality Brief, visit our website.
Week of Nov. 2-Nov. 8, 2025:
- Election Results Show Clear Rebuke of Donald Trump, and Anti-Trans Agenda:
On Tuesday, voters from coast to coast went to the polls and overwhelmingly voted for pro-equality candidates and issues, showing a clear disapproval of the Trump administration. California voters approved Proposition 50 to put a stop to Trump’s power grab. Voters across the country decisively rejected the hateful politics peddled by Donald Trump and his allies. Despite facing millions in anti-trans attack ads, pro-LGBTQ+ candidates Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill won the governorships in Virginia and New Jersey; voters in New York made Zohran Mamdani — who ran an unapologetically pro-trans campaign — their next mayor; and pro-equality justices retained their seats and their majority in key Pennsylvania judicial races. Read Equality California’s statement on the success of Prop 50 and larger takeaways from Tuesday’s results. - Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi Announces Retirement From Congress:
Pelosi, who was the leader of the Democratic Party in the House for 20 years and has served in Congress since 1987, announced this week that she would not seek reelection in the 2026 midterm election. The first woman ever elected to be Speaker of the House, Pelosi has been one of the most vocal LGBTQ+ allies in Congressional history, helping pass such consequential legislation as the Ryan White CARE Act, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and the Respect for Marriage Act. Read Equality California’s statement on Pelosi’s political legacy, and our decades of work alongside her. - Supreme Court Allows Reinstatement of Anti-Transgender Passport Policy:
In a “shadow docket” ruling on Thursday, the Court’s conservative majority sided with the Trump administration to reinstate restrictions preventing transgender people from having accurate gender markers on their passports. The ACLU posted a response to the ruling stating, “This fight isn’t over. Our case challenging President Trump’s executive order will still move forward. In the meantime anyone who applies for a new, corrected, or replacement passport, or for a passport renewal, is at risk of having their passport issued bearing the sex they were assigned at birth.” Read Equality California’s statement on Thursday’s ruling. - California Supreme Court Rules Intentional Misgendering at Long-Term Care Facilities Illegal:
In a reversal of a lower court’s decision, California’s highest court upheld a state law protecting LGBTQ+ residents in long-term care facilities from intentional misgendering, ruling that the law does not violate the First Amendment. Enacted under SB 219, California’s protections prohibit discrimination against residents of long-term care facilities “wholly or partially” on the basis of the resident’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status. - Trump Administration to Add More Personal Citizen Data to Federal System:
The Department of Homeland Security issued a Federal Register notice of its intention to add state drivers license data to the rapidly expanding federal database called the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE). The department’s stated intent is to “identify noncitizens on voter rolls,” but civil rights advocates warn of further crackdowns on immigrant communities.
Our hub also provides guidance and resources from our national and state partners, our official statements, and opportunities to take action and fight back. Learn more on our website.
Thank you,
— Tom
Tom Temprano
Managing Director
Pronouns: he/him/his
Week of Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2025:
- New Proposed Federal Rules Would Cut Off Federal Funding for Hospitals Providing Transgender Healthcare Nationwide:
Draft rules from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would prohibit federal Medicaid reibursement for hospitals providing medical care to transgender youth under 18, and potentially block all Medicare and Medicaid funding for hospitals that offer such care. The rules are expected to be publicly released in early November. Since reentering office in January, the Trump administration has waged an all-out attack on the transgender community, weaponizing the Department of Justice, HHS and CMS to go after patients and providers. Read Equality California’s statement on these latest developments. - California Attorney General Joins Coalition Suing Trump Administration For Suspending SNAP Benefits:
Marking the 45th lawsuit he has filed against the Trump administration, CA Attorney General Rob Bonta is co-leading a coalition of 23 attorneys general and three governors suing the federal government — specifically USDA and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins — for indefinitely suspending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits amidst the ongoing government shutdown. The suit contends that USDA has billions of dollars in contingency funds that could cover all or a large portion of November SNAP benefits, used largely by low-income workers, single parent families, and disproportionately by LGBTQ+ people and other minority groups. - Trump Agency Head Issues Anti-Transgender Directive:
Alex Adams, the director of HHS’ Administration for Children and Families, has ordered California and four other states to “review, and where necessary, amend” policies that that are designed to ensure LGBTQ+ foster youth are placed in affirming homes. Letters sent by Adams claim that such requirements violate caregivers’ First Amendment rights. - CA Attorney General Joins Amicus Brief Calling Subpoena of Transgender Youth Medical Records, “A Violation of Privacy”:
AG Bonta joined 15 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in a federal court in Pennsylvania urging the court to limit the Department of Justice’s attempts to subpoena private medical records — including patient records — related to transgender youth healthcare at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Healthcare decisions should be between patients, families, and doctors — not in the hands of the government,” said California’s top law enforcement officer. - Senate Committee Democrats Send Letter to Treasury Secretary Citing “IRS Weaponization”:
Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent this week criticizing the Trump administration’s “weaponization of the IRS” against his perceived political enemies. The letter states in part that current efforts are “an abuse of power, and a threat to our democratic institutions. [The IRS] cannot be the President’s political attack dog.”
Thank you,
— Craig
Craig Pulsipher
Legislative Director
Pronouns: he/him/his
We’re all-hands-on-deck in the lead up to California’s November 4 Special Election, where democracy itself is on the line with Proposition 50. Read below for more information on how you can get involved in these final crucial weeks of the YES on 50 campaign. As always, we’ve also gathered all the news affecting LGBTQ+ people across the country.
To view previous news items from the Equality Brief, visit our website.
Week of Oct. 19-Oct 25, 2025:
- California AG Rob Bonta Joins Multistate Coalition Opposing Federal Subpoenas of Transgender Healthcare Records:
Rob Bonta, along with 19 other state attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts opposing the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to subpoena patient records and provider information related to transgender youth healthcare. In their brief, the attorneys general argue that the federal government is clearly seeking to intimidate medical providers from offering critical and medically necessary care to transgender youth, even in states like California where such care is legal and protected. - Governor Newsom Announces Large Investment in Planned Parenthood Health Centers:
This week, the governor announced a $140 million investment to support Planned Parenthood health centers across the state, a direct response to the Trump administration’s efforts to defund reproductive health care services across the country. California’s 100+ clinics serve more than 1 million patients each year, and this commitment will ensure that patients can continue to access birth control, STI testing and treatment services, abortion care, and other critical services. - Supreme Court to Meet November 7 to Consider Challenge to Marriage Equality:
The Justices will meet privately to discuss a challenge to federal marriage equality brought by Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who refused to certify same-sex marriages following the Obergefell decision citing religious objections. The Court has considered similar petitions from Davis in conference over the past few terms and has rejected them each time. While it remains unlikely that the Court will agree to hear the case, advocates remain ready to defend the barely decade-old precedent. - Federal Judge Blocks Trump Directive Erasing LGBTQ+ Students From Sex Education:
U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken issued a ruling on Tuesday which blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to erase LGBTQ+ students from federally-funded sex education programs. The administration’s directive sought to force states to censor or rewrite sexual health curricula in order to receive Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) funds — programs that Congress designed to provide medically accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive education to young people. - HIV/AIDS Medication Access in Jeopardy for Low-Income, Uninsured Populations:
The AIDS Institute, one of the nation’s leading advocacy groups for those affected by HIV and AIDS, announced this week that unless Congress extends enhanced premium tax credits or makes them permanent, thousands of people with HIV could lose health insurance and state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs may be forced to scale back services and coverage — which could have a direct impact on new HIV diagnoses. - Mississippi Judge Strikes Down Biden-Era Nondiscrimination Protections
A federal judge struck down a rule extending federal healthcare nondiscrimination protections to transgender people on Wednesday. The rule, finalized in 2024, clarified that providers and insurers receiving federal funds could not deny services — including gender-affirming care — if they would offer the same treatment to others. Thankfully, the impact of the decision will be limited because the rule hasn’t yet gone into effect.
Thank you,
— Ash
Ash Anderson
Creative and Marketing Manager
Pronouns: he/him/his
We’re still riding high on the success of our 2025 Los Angeles Equality Awards last Saturday. Keep an eye out for an event recap and a link to the amazing photographs headed to your inbox soon! In other news, Governor Newsom has until Monday to sign our 2025 priority legislation — and we remain optimistic! Until then, we remain your trusted source for all the news affecting LGBTQ+ people across the country.
To view previous news items from the Equality Brief, visit our website.
Week of Oct. 5-Oct 11, 2025:
- Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Colorado Conversion Therapy Ban:
On Tuesday, Justices heard arguments in the case of Chiles v. Salazar, a case brought by a Colorado therapist who claims her First Amendment rights to “have full conversations exploring issues of identity and gender” are being trampled by that state’s ban on conversion therapy. The law, versions of which exist in more than 20 states, prohibits any practice that tries to “change a minor’s gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.” Read our statement. - Trump HHS Requirement for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Funding Blocked by Federal Judge:
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled this week that a new requirement from HHS regarding funding for teenage pregnancy prevention grant funding was “arbitrary and capricious.” The department had demanded organizations that receive such funding comply with an executive order against “indoctrinating” children about “radical gender ideology.” Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, Iowa, and New York filed the successful challenge to the directive. - Kansas Senator Introduces Anti-Transgender Passport Bill:
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the so-called ‘Passport Sanity Act’, which would prohibit the State Department from issuing passports or consular reports of birth abroad with an ‘X’ gender marker, and require applications to offer only Male or Female designations. - Attorneys Representing Transgender Americans Ask Supreme Court to Reject Trump Effort to Enforce Disciminatory Passport Policy:
Lawyers for the ACLU asked the Supreme Court this week to reject the Trump administration’s challenge to a preliminary injunction in the case of Orr v. Trump, which contests the administration’s policy that passports reflect only a person’s assigned sex at birth is discriminatory and unconstitutional. - Federal Government Could Start Taking New DACA Applications
Lawyers for the federal government and immigrant advocates have presented plans to a federal judge that would open the door to continue accepting new applications for the DACA program. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program created under the Obama administration, grants people without legal immigration status brought to the country by their parents two-year renewable permits to live and work in the U.S. legally. The application process has been blocked for nearly four years by a previous district court order. - Missouri Congressman Targets Nonprofits in IRS Letter:
Powerful Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) called on the IRS to revoke the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations and their funders that “fiscally sponsor projects that disrupt college campuses, incite violence and intimidation, and cause illegal riots.” Critics fear nonprofits focused on free speech, immigrant rights, civil rights, and restorative justice would face the most immediate threat.
Erin Arendse
Program Director
Pronouns: she/her/they/them
October is here — and this Halloween, there’s nothing scarier than how the federal government continues to go after the LGBTQ+ community. In better news, Governor Newsom is in the midst of signing bills, and we’re hopeful to be able to announce that our 2025 priority legislation has earned his signature soon. Until then, we remain your trusted source for all the news affecting LGBTQ+ people across the country.
To view previous news items from the Equality Brief, visit our website.
Week of Sept. 28-Oct 4, 2025:
- Republicans Officially Shut Down the Government:
Rather than negotiate to protect access to healthcare — including an extension on premium tax credits which make healthcare affordable for over 20 million Americans — Republicans have instead shut down the government. As it stands, premiums will skyrocket and nearly 5 million people will lose coverage entirely. Official government sites, meant to offer access to services and important information, have been co-opted as part of Donald Trump’s rant falsely blaming Democrats for the government shutdown. AIDS United is hosting an Action Alert for people to contact their Member of Congress and demand that healthcare access be preserved. - Multiple Unions File Suit Against Trump Administration’s “Reduction in Force” Shutdown Plans:
The American Federation of Government Employees, and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees filed suit in federal court this week challenging the administration’s threats of mass firings of federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown. - Justice Thomas Signals He Would Reverse Obergefell:
As the Supreme Court looks to potentially revisit the landmark Obergefell case, which enshrined marriage equality into law, Justice Clarence Thomas indicated his disdain for legal precedent in cases where he disagreed with previous rulings, stating, “…the precedent should be respectful of our legal tradition…not just something somebody dreamt up and others went along with.” - Governor Newsom Signs Bills Strengthening Reproductive Healthcare Access:
Last week, the governor signed a series of bills that will protect reproductive freedom and patient privacy in the face of ongoing attacks from the federal government. AB 260 allows providers to prescribe abortion medication anonymously, requires health plans cover mifepristone regardless of FDA approval status, and bolsters protections against criminal prosecution for administering abortion drugs. AB 1525 safeguards attorneys from disciplinary action when assisting individuals outside California seeking or providing abortion or transgender healthcare. - NEW RESOURCE: Medi-Cal Changes Coming for Adult Immigrants in California
The Western Center on Law & Poverty and National Health Law Program have released important consumer resources on 2026-2027 Medi-Cal Changes for adult immigrants. Importantly, undocumented adults must apply for Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026 to get Full Scope Medi-Cal; after this deadline, only Emergency Medi-Cal will be available for undocumented applicants. - Trump Administration Sends Letters to Nine Universities, Including USC, Demanding Compliance With Political Agenda:
The Trump administration is using the carrot of federal funding and research grant advantages to force academic institutions into abiding by a 10 Point Academic “Compact,” which bars transgender students from playing sports and using facilities aligned with their gender identity, and would change how race and gender are factored into admissions and hiring practices. - UPDATED: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS FAQ
View the latest update to our comprehensive fact sheet, Your Rights in California in Reponse to Federal Attacks, in collaboration with dozens of LGBTQ+ civil rights advocates and organizations.
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 📄 🏛️
All of Equality California’s sponsored bills are now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for signature. The governor has until October 13th to sign, veto, or not sign all legislation. Take action today — send a message to the governor and tell him it’s time to #SealTheDeal!
Our hub also provides guidance and resources from our national and state partners, our official statements, and opportunities to take action and fight back. Learn more on our website.
Thank you,
— Valerie
Valerie Ploumpis
National Policy Director
Pronouns: she/her/hers
This week certainly had no shortage of news. The biggest of thank yous for trusting us to keep you informed about the latest on what’s affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
To view previous news items from the Equality Brief, visit our website.
Week of Sept. 14-Sept 20, 2025:
- Multiple State Attorneys General Send a Supportive Message to Transgender Youth
Attorneys General from coast to coast, including California AG Rob Bonta, joined with the National Women’s Law Center to deliver words of encouragement, hope, and resilience to transgender youth headed back to school this year, all while hammering home the message: “We have your back.” - Bipartisan Legislation to Restore LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Services Introduced:
This week, a bipartisan pair of Senators — Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) — announced the introduction of legislation that would reinstate an LGBTQ+ youth crisis hotline option eliminated by the Trump administration in July. Recent polling from HRC shows that 90% of LGBTQ+ youth say increasing political rhetoric targeting the community has negatively affected their mental health. - Lawsuit Filed Against Trump Administration Efforts to Silence Speech in UC System:
A broad coalition of faculty, staff, students, and labor unions filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking to stop the Trump Admin’s attempt to unlawfully stifle free speech within the University of California system. - Trump HHS Department Sets Anti-Trans Priority for Health Resources and Services Administration:
The recently-released strategic plan for the HRSA says the agency’s priority is to protect children from “medical interventions, such as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries that attempt to transition minors away from their sex” and would not support the costs of such practices. Additional priorities are listed as “deprioritizing unlawful DEI initiatives” and “promoting biological truth.” - Federal Judge Rebukes Trump Administration for Firing Federal Employees:
A federal judge in the Northern District of California ruled in favor of a coalition of labor unions that sued the Trump administration for the mass terminations of federal probationary workers with no regard for employees’ job performance or public safety. In his sharply-worded ruling, Judge William H. Alsup found the terminations were conducted indiscriminately and condemned the Admin for presenting “sham” evidence and “fabricated context.” - U.S. Solicitor General Will Argue in Upcoming SCOTUS Case Regarding Free Speech, Conversion Therapy:
The motion of the U.S. Solicitor General to participate in the October 7 oral argument before the Supreme Court in Chiles v Salazar, a free speech case related to conversion therapy was granted.
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 📄 🏛️
All of Equality California’s sponsored bills are now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for signature. The governor has until October 13th to sign, veto, or not sign all legislation. Take action today — send a message to the governor and tell him it’s time to #SealTheDeal!
Thank you,
— Ash
Ash Anderson
Creative and Marketing Manager
Pronouns: he/him/his
Equality California Applauds Attorney General Bonta and Multistate Coalition for Suing Trump Administration Over Cruel Attack on Transgender Youth and Lifesaving Healthcare
LOS ANGELES — Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang released the following statement in response to California Attorney General Rob Bonta and a multistate coalition suing the Trump administration for its efforts to restrict access to medically necessary healthcare for transgender patients under 19:
“Equality California applauds Attorney General Rob Bonta and a diverse coalition of state leaders for standing up to the cruelty and lawlessness of the Trump administration. This lawsuit is a critical step toward protecting access to lifesaving healthcare for transgender youth — and pushing back against a coordinated political assault on our community.
No young person should be denied medically necessary care because of a hate-fueled political agenda. Donald Trump and his administration have no business interfering with personal healthcare decisions made between parents, doctors, and patients.
Transgender healthcare is essential, evidence-based medical care. But Donald Trump, his Department of Justice, and other federal agencies are bullying hospitals, threatening doctors, and trying to strip funding from healthcare providers simply for doing their job — caring for their patients. These attacks are not about fairness or safety — they are about fearmongering, erasure, and punishing transgender people for simply existing. The Trump administration’s actions are not just discriminatory — they are dangerous, and fly in the face of both medical standards and basic human decency.
In California, transgender healthcare is not only legal — it’s recognized as medically necessary healthcare and a fundamental right. The Trump administration’s attempt to criminalize this care and intimidate providers undermines these longstanding state protections, violates anti-discrimination laws, and places doctors and hospitals at risk of prosecution for delivering lawful care.
We are proud to stand with Attorney General Bonta as he takes action to block the Trump Administration’s attacks on families and medical providers, and hold them accountable for their violations of constitutional rights and state sovereignty.
Transgender youth deserve safety, dignity, and access to healthcare — not political persecution. We will never stop fighting to defend their rights and the rights of all LGBTQ+ people.”
###
Attorney General Rob Bonta recently released the 2024 State of Pride Report — and sadly, it confirms what we already feel in our communities: that LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender people, are being targeted at alarming rates.
Hate crimes targeting transgender people in California rose by over 12% in the last year; attacks motivated by anti-gay bias increased by nearly 9%. These are devastating figures — but unfortunately, they are not surprising.
We’re living in a time marked by fear and aggression, driven by extremist rhetoric and disinformation from those in power. In just one year, over 900 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced nationwide. This wave of cruelty isn’t random — it’s intentional. And it’s harming real people every day. Rising hate crimes reflect not just isolated violence, but a system empowered to dehumanize and divide.
At Equality California, we’re meeting this moment with strength and resolve — fighting for protective laws, inclusive education, and real hate crime resources. Through our Stop the Hate program, we support survivors by working with partners to prevent anti-LGBTQ+ violence and build safer, more affirming communities.
This work matters now more than ever.
In solidarity,
—Joel
Joel Gemino
Associate Program Director
Pronouns: he/him/his
July 2, 2025
| Attorney General Bonta Releases Third Annual State of Pride Report in Honor of Pride MonthState of Pride Report highlights DOJ’s actions to defend and expand the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community amid ongoing threats to justice and equalityOAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, in honor of Pride Month, issued a new “State of Pride Report” highlighting the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent actions to support, uplift, and defend the rights of LGBTQ+ communities across California and beyond. Pride Month is a time to celebrate the beautiful strength and diversity of LGBTQ+ communities, as well as reflect on the struggles, sacrifices, and historic accomplishments of the LBGTQ+ equality movement. Despite the immense progress that has been achieved, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face deeply rooted and emerging challenges across the nation. Amidst a rise in attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, DOJ remains steadfast in its commitment to fight alongside LGBTQ+ communities in pursuit of justice and equality.“As a proud ally and advocate, I stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month and every month,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Amidst a rise in attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, it is more important than ever that we recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equality, safety, and inclusion. Today’s report highlights our commitment to defending, expanding, and advancing LGBTQ+ rights. It also underscores the work that remains to be done to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals have access to all the rights and resources they deserve. As the People’s Attorney, I remain steadfast in my commitment to using every tool at my disposal to safeguard the rights, freedoms, and wellbeing of our LGBTQ+ community.”The State of Pride Report presents detailed insight into DOJ’s latest initiatives to confront hate crimes and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. The report emphasizes the importance of the Attorney General’s Hate Crime Rapid Response Protocol, which equips local law enforcement with essential resources to efficiently handle significant hate crimes and extremism. The report also focuses on DOJ’s work to cultivate safe and inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ+ students that are free from discrimination and harassment, enable transgender athletes to participate in sports aligned with their gender identity, and defend access to critical lifesaving care.The State of Pride Report also underscores the ongoing adversities LGBTQ+ individuals face in California and nationwide. Despite considerable progress, many LGBTQ+ individuals still experience discrimination, harassment, and violence in their daily lives. Transgender individuals are especially vulnerable, facing high rates of poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. These challenges demonstrate the need for ongoing protective efforts to uphold and expand LGBTQ+ individuals’ rights, enable all individuals to live free from discrimination and violence, and collaborate toward creating a more just and inclusive society.Key data points in the State of Pride Report depict the reality of hate crimes and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals: In 2024, 2.8 million people in this state identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender — the largest number of any state in the nation at 9.5%.Data reported to DOJ in 2024 shows that between 2023 and 2024, there were 172 reported hate crime events motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias (an increase of 13.9% from the previous year), 73 hate crime events motivated by anti-transgender bias (an increase of 12.3% from the previous year), 251 hate crime events motivated by anti-gay bias (an increase of 8.7% from the previous year), and 23 hate crime events motivated by anti-lesbian bias up from 17 the previous year. In 2024 alone, more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across the country – targeting healthcare, education, and public spaces.The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most recent annual crime report showed a nearly 16% increase in reports of hate crimes nationally based on gender identity and a nearly 23% increase in reports of hate crimes based on sexual orientation.The State of Pride Report can be accessed here. For additional information on hate crimes please visit here. |
Craig Pulsipher | Legislative Director
Equality California | Equality California Institute
www.eqca.org | @eqca
:: Pronouns: he/him/his
:: Work Cell: (916) 444-7807
:: Sacramento, CA
Trump admin forced to restore $6.2 million to LGBTQ+ and HIV groups
| Following Trump cut to LGBTQ youth suicide hotline, California steps up to fill the gap |
| What you need to know: On July 17, the LGBTQ support option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will end thanks to the Trump administration – but California is stepping up and doubling down on life-saving support for young gay people in crisis. |
| LOS ANGELES – Just weeks after the Trump administration announced that they would eliminate specialized suicide prevention support for LGBTQ youth callers through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, California is taking action to improve behavioral health services and provide even more affirming and inclusive care. Through a new partnership with The Trevor Project, Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) will provide the state’s 988 crisis counselors enhanced competency training from experts, ensuring better attunement to the needs of LGBTQ youth, on top of the specific training they already receive. This partnership builds on existing collaborations, like those under California’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health, and reflects a shared commitment to evidence-based, LGBTQ+ affirming crisis care. Callers to 988 will continue to be met with the highest level of understanding, respect, and affirmation when they reach out for help. |
| “While the Trump administration continues its attacks on LGBTQ kids, California has a message to the gay community: we see you and we’re here for you. We’re proud to work with the Trevor Project to ensure that every person in our state can get the support they need to live a happy, healthy life.” Governor Gavin Newsom |
| “To every young person who identifies as LGBTQ+: You matter. You are not alone. California will continue to show up for you with care, with compassion, and with action,” said Kim Johnson, Secretary of CalHHS. “Through this partnership, California will continue to lead, providing enhanced support for these young people.” “There could not be a more stark reminder of the moral bankruptcy of this Administration than cutting off suicide prevention resources for LGQBT youth. These are young people reaching out in their time of deepest crisis—andI’m proud of California’s work to partner with the Trevor Project to creatively address this need. No matter what this Administration throws at us, I know this state will always meet cruelty with kindness and stand up for what’s right,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. California’s crisis call centersAcross California, twelve 988 call centers remain staffed around the clock by trained crisis counselors, ready to support anyone in behavioral health crises, including LGBTQ youth. If you, a friend, or a loved one are in crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call, chat, or text 988 and be immediately connected to skilled counselors at all times. Specialized services for LGBTQ youth are also available via The Trevor Project hotline at 1‑866‑488‑7386, which continues as a state-endorsed access point. State supportsCalifornia’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a key component of Governor’ Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health, offers behavioral health services and supports for children, youth, and families. In addition to focused messaging for LGBTQ youth within three ongoing statewide youth mental health campaigns, CYBHI has funded more than a dozen community organizations to provide targeted services for LGBTQ youth by establishing or expanding LGBTQ community spaces, increasing workforce supports, reducing behavioral health stigma, and raising awareness about suicide prevention. Additional free continuum-of-care services are available to help address concerns before they become crises, including peer support through CalHOPE and virtual behavioral health services platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna. These resources are available for all California youth, young adults, and families, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Why this mattersLGBTQ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, and without affirming services, their risk increases dramatically. Since its launch in 2022, the 988 LGBTQ+ “Press 3” line connected more than 1.5 million in crisis. How to get help Call, text or chat 988 at any time to be connected with trained crisis counselors. Text PRIDE, or dial 1‑866‑488‑7386, to reach Trevor Project specialists. Visit CalHOPE for non-crisis peer and family support. |
Solano County Represents at the EQCA Lobby Day in Sacramento, March 26th!
Yesterday, we brought nearly 300 community members, partners, and local advocates together in Sacramento for LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day—a chance for people to meet with lawmakers and advocate for legislation that will positively impact the lives of LGBTQ+ Californians.
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Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating, and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org
Attached, please find an updated April 25 version of the Know Your Rights sheet, as it relates to the anti-transgender executive orders.
Friends,
The Trump administration is considering a plan to eliminate the CDC’s HIV prevention division — a move that would gut critical services like HIV testing, PrEP access, and condom distribution.
The consequences?
🔴 Higher HIV transmission rates
🔴 Increased healthcare costs — each HIV diagnosis costs $500,000 in lifetime treatment
🔴 Decades of progress erased in the fight to end the epidemic
Now is the time to act! Members of Congress need to hear from you.
📞 Call 202-224-3121 and demand your representatives protect HIV prevention funding.
We can’t let the Trump administration get away with this direct attack on public health and our most vulnerable communities. We must hold our elected officials accountable.
Make your voice heard today.
— Valerie
Valerie Ploumpis
National Policy Director
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Advocates for Transgender Equality Advocacy Invitation
Hey friends,
I’m reaching out to ask for your support in protecting health care access for trans people and DACA recipients. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed rule CMS-9884-P would eliminate federal protections requiring ACA marketplace plans to cover gender-affirming care, jeopardizing essential, life-saving treatments for trans individuals nationwide.
We’re launching the Protect Our Healthcare Campaign to drive comments opposing this harmful rule before the April 11, 2025 deadline. Your organization’s voice is critical in challenging this proposal.
How You Can Take Action:
- Submit an Organization Comment:
We’ve created a storytelling-focused comment template for organizations to highlight the real-world impact of this rule. This version is ideal for narrative-driven responses. A more technical template may be available soon if your organization prefers to wait. Organization Comment Template - Mobilize Your Community:You can direct your members to submit personal comments using our individual comment portal. Sharing personal stories is a powerful way to emphasize the harm this rule would cause. Individual Comment Portal
- Amplify on Social Media:
We’ve put together a Social Media Kit to help you spread the word, drive engagement, and rally support. Social Media Kit
Comments are due April 11th!!!!
If you have any questions or require additional resources, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at dojeda@transequality.org. We deeply appreciate your support in this critical effort to protect trans healthcare.
Thank you for standing with us!
In solidarity,
Devon Ojeda Ph.D. (they/he)
Senior National Organizer
Advocates for Transgender Equality
dojeda@transequality.org
Cell: 813.732.4821
transequality.org | @TransEquality | A4TE on Facebook
transformthevote.org
Attorney General Bonta and 12 Attorneys General Issue Joint Statement on Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Care
News Release
February 4, 2025
OAKLAND – Attorney General Bonta today joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general to reaffirm their commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming care in the face of the Trump Administration’s recent Executive Order. The coalition released the following statement:
“As state attorneys general, we stand firmly in support of healthcare policies that respect the dignity and rights of all people. Health care decisions should be made by patients, families, and doctors, not by a politician trying to use his power to restrict your freedoms. Gender-affirming care is essential, life-saving medical treatment that supports individuals in living as their authentic selves.
The Trump Administration’s recent Executive Order is wrong on the science and the law. Despite what the Trump Administration has suggested, there is no connection between “female genital mutilation” and gender-affirming care, and no federal law makes gender-affirming care unlawful. President Trump cannot change that by Executive Order.
Last week, attorneys general secured a critical win from a federal court that directed the federal government to resume funding that had been frozen by the Trump Administration. In response to the Court’s Order, the Department of Justice has sent a notice stating that “federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB memo, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.” This means that federal funding to institutions that provide gender-affirming care continues to be available, irrespective of President Trump’s recent Executive Order. If the federal administration takes additional action to impede this critical funding, we will not hesitate to take further legal action.
State attorneys general will continue to enforce state laws that provide access to gender-affirming care, in states where such enforcement authority exists, and we will challenge any unlawful effort by the Trump Administration to restrict access to it in our jurisdictions.”
Joining Attorney General Bonta in issuing this statement are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Rhode Island and Vermont.
You may view the full account of this posting, including possible attachments, in the News & Alerts section of our website at: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-12-attorneys-general-issue-joint-statement-protecting
Attorney General Bonta Reminds Hospitals and Clinics of Anti-Discrimination Laws Amid Executive Order on Gender Affirming Care
OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today reminded California hospitals and federally-funded healthcare providers of their ongoing obligation under California anti-discrimination law to provide gender affirming care amid confusion resulting from President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directive on freezing or pausing federal funding and his executive order on gender affirming care. Attorney General Bonta also issued a letter putting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on notice of its obligations under state anti-discrimination law, following reports that the hospital is pausing the initiation of hormonal therapies for all gender affirming care patients under the age of 19 and gender-affirming surgeries on minors.
“California supports the rights of transgender youth to live their lives as their authentic selves,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We will not let the President turn back the clock or deter us from upholding California values. I understand that the President’s executive order on gender affirming care has created some confusion. Let me be clear: California law has not changed, and hospitals and clinics have a legal obligation to provide equal access to healthcare services.”
The California Department of Justice is aware of concerns about gender-affirming care being impacted by recent federal government actions attempting to restrict federal funds to recipients of federal grants, including the availability of federal financial assistance regarding the provision of gender affirming care to minors.
On January 28, 2025, Attorney General Bonta, along with 22 other state attorneys general, filed suit in federal district court to halt the federal government’s illegal efforts to freeze such federal funding. The court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on January 31, 2025, prohibiting federal agencies from taking any action that would “pause, freeze, block, cancel or terminate” such funding. As a result of the TRO won by Attorney General Bonta and 22 other state attorneys general, federal agencies must continue to comply with existing grants, awards, and obligations, except as authorized by law.
In a notice sent to federal agencies and filed with the court on Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ) indicated its intent to comply with the court order and affirmed that the TRO blocking the illegal funding freeze applied to all federal funding awards or obligations, including those made to recipients such as hospitals, and federally funded healthcare providers. The U.S. DOJ stated that federal agencies “cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB memo, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.” As such, the recent executive order pertaining to gender-affirming care for minors does not provide federal agencies with any basis to threaten or revoke federal funding from hospitals and federally funded healthcare providers.
Furthermore, California law, including the Unruh Civil Rights Act, Civil Code section 51 and Government Code section 11135, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Electing to refuse services to a class of individuals based on their protected status, such as withholding services from transgender individuals based on their gender identity or their diagnosis of gender dysphoria, while offering such services to cisgender individuals, is discrimination. California families seeking gender-affirming care, and the doctors and staff who provide it, are protected under state laws.
RESOURCES
California has a number of resources for transgender youth and the broader LGBTQ+ community:
- California Department of Justice’s Health Equity and Civil Rights webpage
- California Department of Justice’s LGBTQ+ Discrimination Rights webpage
- Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex (TGI) Inclusive Care Act
- California Department of Health Care Services’ Medi-Cal State Inmate Program and Medi-Cal County Inmate Program webpage
- California Civil Rights Department’s The Rights of Employees Who Are Transgender or Gender Nonconforming fact sheet
- California Department of Insurance’s Equal Access to Health Insurance: Coverage for Transgender Californians webpage
- California Department of Managed Health Care’s TGI Care webpage
If you believe your rights are being violated as part of the enforcement of the President’s executive order, you can file a complaint with the California Attorney General’s Office here or with the California Civil Rights Department here.
A copy of the letter to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is available here.