FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The TransLatin@ Coalition Condemns Lack of Support for TGI Community by Gov. Newsom
Los Angeles, CA — The TransLatin@ Coalition as a founding member of the California Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex Policy Alliance (CTPA), a leading advocate for the specific and often overlooked issues that transgender, gender-nonconforming, and intersex (TGI) individuals face, expresses its vehement condemnation of Governor Newson's lack of support for our TGI community. Despite California's reputation for promoting freedom and equality, and passing many pro “LGBTQ” bills, we demand that the Governor stops leaving the TGI community last.
Currently, two crucial bills that CTPA is sponsoring are awaiting Governor Newson's signature, and the bill CTPA was co-sponsoring has already been unjustly vetoed (AB 957). These bills represent vital steps toward addressing TGI individuals' pressing issues in California.
1. AB 1487: The TGI Wellness Reentry Fund
Under the State Department of Public Health's Office of Health Equity, this legislation aims to establish a fund to support grants for existing and new TGI-specific reentry programs. These programs provide essential services such as housing, employment support, and other critical assistance, all administered by TGI-serving organizations. By vetoing this bill, Governor Newson denies TGI individuals the opportunity to access the crucial resources they need for successful reintegration into society. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), reported that 1,129 people in custody or just over 1% of the state’s prison population have identified themselves as TGI. Advocates anticipate those numbers are higher and at least 60% of these individuals will be released in the next three years.
2. AB 1163: LGBT+ Disparities Reduction Act
AB 1163 seeks to address disparities within the LGBTQ+ community by requiring state entities to collect data on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression (SOGIE) and intersex status while collecting demographic data. This legislation is a critical step toward acknowledging the unique needs of TGI individuals and eliminating the disparities they face. Governor Newson's failure to support this bill perpetuates the invisibility of TGI individuals and hinders efforts to combat discrimination and inequality.
The TransLatin@ Coalition calls upon Governor Newsom to prioritize TGI-led bills that have received overwhelming support by the Legislature. California can embody the principles of freedom and equality for all, but this can only be achieved by recognizing and addressing the specific challenges TGI individuals face.
For further information, please contact: jimenas@translatinacoalition.org
9/27/2023