California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus

We haven’t been spewing hyperbole when we’ve warned that attacks on transgender people are the opening salvo in a broader effort to roll back LGBTQ+ rights. Time and again, we have seen how efforts to marginalize and dehumanize transgender people are used to test the waters – laying the groundwork for wider attacks on the entire LGBTQ+ community. What is happening in Tennessee is exactly that escalation: starting with transgender people, and now advancing policies that threaten the fundamental rights of all LGBTQ+ people, including the freedom to marry.

Full statement: https://lgbtqcaucus.legislature.ca.gov/node/222

Forced outing isn’t a theoretical concern— it has and will lead to rejection, discrimination, homelessness, and violence. Educators should not be turned into agents of compulsory disclosure.

This ruling revives a dangerous decision and creates real fear for students and families across California.

Our commitment is unwavering: schools must remain safe, inclusive spaces for every student.

See our full statement ⬆️

We cannot adopt the language of MAGA extremists who in the last year are actively seeking to roll back the rights of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized communities on the basis of what they assert is ‘culturally normal.’

See the LGBTQ Caucus statement: https://lgbtqcaucus.legislature.ca.gov/node/218

DEI is about who belongs, who gets opportunity, who gets to thrive.

Today, our LGBTQ Caucus Chair Chris Ward and Caucus Member Caroline Menjivar spoke in support of SCR 89 to affirm that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not optional add-ons, but essential foundations of the American Dream.

Thank you to Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas for leading SCR 89. In California, we’ll continue choosing inclusion over exclusion, and opportunity for all. 🌈

Our LGBTQ Caucus Members were hard at work this Monday standing up for Californians by defending access to health care when Planned Parenthood clinics saw national Republicans defund them, and calling out Donald Trump’s racism.

We will never stay silent in the face of racist attacks on our communities, our humanity, or our right to care.

Our Members rang in the new year United for Diversity with the Women’s Caucus and joined by the Capitol community 🌈💜

Thank you to PT Limón for making this her first event with two of our Caucuses as Senate President Pro Tem!

ICYMI — The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus released the following statement in response to the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis yesterday:

California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Condemns Fatal ICE Shooting, Demand Accountability and End to Secret Police | California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus released the following statement in response to the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis during an escalation of federal immigration interference tactic that especially was targeting communities of color:

The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus issued the following statement after the release of two long-awaited proposed rules by the federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that aim to limit life-saving, medically necessary health care for transgender youth across the nation.

https://lgbtqcaucus.legislature.ca.gov/node/215

October is Filipino American History Month! That is why we’re proud to highlight Senator Christopher Cabaldon – one of our newest LGBTQ Caucus Members and the first openly LGBTQ+ Filipino elected to the California State Senate.

In addition to serving in our Caucus, he is the Chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration and General Government.

Thank you for your leadership!

We want to thank Governor Newsom for signing 12 of our priority bills into law!

These bills affirm dignity, protect safety, and address the everyday challenges Californians face — from health care and housing to supporting families and beyond.

We will continue fighting to ensure California remains a beacon of hope and safety for all. 🌈