lgbtq

A group of people participate in a demonstration outdoors, holding signs in support of transgender rights. One sign reads "Protect Trans Kids," while another states "Trans People Have Always Been Here!" A person with red hair, wearing a denim jacket and a face mask, raises an arm while holding a sign that says "Let All Kids Play." Others in the crowd wear pink bandanas and buttons, standing among trees with autumn-colored leaves. The late afternoon sunlight casts a warm glow on the scene.

Commentary

Newsom tacks right to oppose transgender athletes in women’s sports

Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to run for president, so he's going to drift rightward on some issues. But he jolted LGBTQ supporters recently with comments about transgender athletes.

By

Dan Walters

• March 11, 2025

A diverse group of people gathers outdoors, holding and waving various LGBTQ+ pride flags, including the progress pride flag, rainbow flag, and bisexual pride flag. Many attendees are clapping, smiling, and recording the event on their phones. Some individuals are draped in flags, while others hold them high. The background features trees, lampposts, and a grassy area, suggesting a public park or school campus setting.

Politics

Gavin Newsom shocks LGBTQ allies with criticism of transgender athletes

In the first episode of his new podcast, the governor said it was “deeply unfair” for transgender athletes to participate in girls' sports, breaking with the Democratic Party. Republican lawmakers called on him to support a ban on transgender athletes in California.

By

Alexei Koseff

• March 6, 2025

Two people wearing blue surgical masks hold signs in front of a giant letter block sculpture outside a hospital during a recent evening. One sign reads "I am Human" and the other reads "Gender Affirming Care is Hard Reduction" and includes two drawings of the transgender flag.

Mental Health

‘Will I be safe’? Transgender California youth feel threatened by Trump’s executive orders

Calls to LGBTQ crisis lines spiked after President Donald Trump's election. His policies target health care for young transgender people, creating uncertainty for a vulnerable community.

By

Jocelyn Wiener

and

Kristen Hwang

• March 5, 2025

Health

LA clinics lose funding for transgender health care as Trump executive orders take hold

A Los Angeles community health clinic is considering a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a rescinded grant that was meant to support services for transgender patients.

By

Kristen Hwang

• February 4, 2025

Two lawmakers, one wearing a blue suit and the other wearing a white and black dress, stand with their arms crossed in front of them, stand during a press conference at the state Capitol in Sacramento.

Education

New California bill would block trans females from playing in girls’ sports

A new bill would remove the right of California's female transgender athletes in to participate in high school sports teams that match their gender identity.

By

Deborah Brennan

• January 15, 2025

Supporters of transgender rights gathered at the Capitol during a press conference by Senator Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, where he announced legislation to provide refuge to out-of-state transgender kids and their parents. March 17, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

K-12 Education

California bans schools from forcing teachers to ‘out’ LGBTQ students

New California law prevents schools from requiring staff to notify parents if a student identifies as LGBTQ. It's in response to some districts requiring staff to notify parents when students identify as a gender other than what's in their official files.

By

Carolyn Jones

• December 23, 2024

Commentary

California’s Constitution doesn’t recognize marriage equality. Prop. 3 would fix that

While Proposition 3 will not necessarily change anything for LGBTQ+ Californians, it will end a decades-long struggle for marriage equality, and demonstrate the state's broader support amid a recent backlash.

By

Kate McQuarrie

• September 16, 2024

A view of the Assembly floor as lawmakers chat and work at their desks.

Capitol

California Democrats strike back against local conservative rebellions on LGBTQ rights, abortion

Some California communities are resisting progressive policies from Sacramento. Democrats in the Legislature say they are going too far and are responding with bills to shut them down.

By

Alexei Koseff

• September 3, 2024

A person using a computer. Photo by Yui Mok, PA via AP Images

Capitol

Doxxing victims in California may gain right to sue to ‘bring some power back’

A state bill would allow doxxing victims to sue those responsible in civil court for as much as $30,000, plus attorneys’ fees and court costs. Supporters say it’s needed to stem online harassment against LGBTQ residents and others.

By

Jenna Peterson

• June 27, 2024

Buttons with different pronouns at the We Care Health Fair in San Diego on May 18, 2024. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

Politics

‘It’s frustrating’: Why a gay California senator is annoyed by his own LGBTQ health info bill

Sen. Scott Wiener is irked that he had to introduce a bill that would require health officials to ask LGBTQ people for demographic info on state health forms. He says they should have been doing it anyway.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• June 21, 2024

Lgbtq