Mission & Vision
Solano Pride Center builds community and provides services for Solano County’s LGBTQIA2S+ people and our allies. Solano Pride Center envisions a community where all LGBTQIA2S+ people live freely and authentically.
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Statement on our Agency’s commitment to confidentiality in our care:
We don’t ask questions of our clients around citizenship or documentation. We never have and never will. We also do not disclose any personal or contact information about our clients without their written permission. If any public agency comes seeking such information, they will be turned away and referred to our legal representation. We are contractually obligated by the County and other funders to keep HIPAA privacy laws and protect the privacy and confidentiality of all of our clients. See our “Notice of Privacy Practices” in our Center, and on the paperwork shared during intake of all counseling and case management services.
SPC is hosting an Art Contest to create some ideas we’d like to put on t-shirts and other products!
Share this opportunity with your creative friends, and let’s share some ideas for how we can expand the welcome! We are extending the contest to Feb. 1st, so please send us your ideas. We will find an artist to make them real!
https://tinyurl.com/solanoprideform
Now is the time for strategic action and self care – together!
Letter from the Executive Director:
Wednesday, Feb. 5th, 2025
Dear friends,
As we watch so many parts of what it means to be American being challenged or overturned by fiat decisions made without the checks and balances of our constitutional order, it is too easy to just hide and not use our voices in protest and support for those most affected.
Our partner Mario Saucedo from the Solano AIDS Coalition has organized a rally and march in downtown Vallejo where we can be in solidarity while speaking up for those losing family members to deportation, their jobs, or those questioning whether the funding promised to them will be faithfully restored.
Elon Musk’s infiltration of the Treasury gives us all pause, as an unelected person has taken over the most private of information our government was supposed to protect. When such illegality occurs, it is incumbent upon us all to take to the streets to speak up for our rights, or the leaders of the coup believe they are given permission to take even more of our liberties.
As Erin in the Morning has noted, our Government is attempting to rewrite science, history and our own humanity by attempting to erase the Trans, Intersex and Gender Non-Conforming people from services, including getting passports, attempting to limit the travel of TIG people. Erin notes,
“The systematic erasure of transgender people from legal recognition, government websites, and federal data is not without historical precedent. In the early 1930s, one of the first acts of Nazi power was the looting of the Magnus Hirschfeld Institute of Sexology, where 30,000 pioneering books on transgender and queer identities were burned—images that now serve as stark reminders in history books across the United States. Today, the U.S. government is orchestrating a modern-day purge, not with fire, but through the wholesale deletion of transgender existence from federal records and public policy. History has shown where such actions lead, and the public must recognize the warning signs before it is too late.”
We know our history, and we won’t stand for such erasure.
See you this afternoon – in body or spirit – so we may remain one humane family.
See the two letters from our CA Attorney General Bonta at the bottom of the website about how California is standing up for Trans, Intersex and GNC rights!
“Let’s build the Queer world we all need, together”
Will McGarvey
| Jan 29th, 2025 US administration’s cruelty towards Trans, Intersex and Gender Non-Conforming people is part of a religious takeover of the country. Dear friends, It’s a dark day in the United States as we see the blatant discrimination the new administration seeks to create. With headlines like this, we are seeing a systemic attack on our rights. “Trump signs executive order banning federal support of gender-affirming care for anyone under 19.” This article from the Advocate, like those from other outlets, exhibits an organized platform of misinformation against our community, and a misuse of Presidential power. Another executive order signed today, seeks to “targets the schools, teachers, counselors, and staff who support them.” The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is nothing less than an attempt to give one faith tradition’s (conservative christianity) the privilege of making rules and laws – which is called Theocracy. Fortunately, the ACLU and American’s United For Separation of Church and State have created ongoing legal staff to address these many attempts to blur the lines. Even mainline christians are calling such actions out, as we saw with the sermon offered by Bishop Budde during the Inaugural prayer service at the National Cathedral. Fortunately for us, we live in a state where many of our rights are preserved here, but it is little comfort to watch our siblings in the movement be put at such risk. Still, as the ACLU points out, creating a firewall at the state level can help the most right now. What can we do? Not everyone can just pick up and move to a “blue state.” I also want to remind you that we take your confidentiality serious at SPC. We added this to our website today: Statement on our Agency’s commitment to confidentiality in our care: We don’t ask questions of our clients around citizenship or documentation. We never have and never will. We also do not disclose any personal or contact information about our clients without their written permission. If any public agency comes seeking such information, they will be turned away and referred to our legal representation. We are contractually obligated by the County and other funders to keep HIPAA privacy laws and protect the privacy and confidentiality of all of our clients. See our “Notice of Privacy Practices” in our Center, and on the paperwork shared during intake of all counseling and case management services. LGBTQ+ youth flee hateful states: 266,000 young people have moved to more inclusive states. Link. “But the report had good news, as well. LGBTQ+ young people living in states with a higher LGBTQ+ policy index reported that recent politics were less likely to negatively impact their well-being. That relationship highlights the critical role of state-level policy in shaping the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ young people, the authors said.” Fortunately, our country knows deep down that the separation of church and state is a necessary part of our constitutional protections. In your sharing, this is an important point we should be making more often, and with greater sophistication. See this article entitled “Hit Trump on Theocracy, Not Hypocrisy” from the Nation. Why are Democrats so weak in the face of Donald Trump’s attack on democracy? “In one of the worst weeks for the country, Democrats took a breather instead of pushing back against Trump.” Sadly, many of our own Democratic leaders haven’t found the framing necessary to protect us. Hell, even our own two congressmen have resisted meeting with members of our community: Congressman Garamendi for the last 4 months, and Congressman Mike Thompson for the last 5 months. Neither have scheduled a meeting with us despite multiple requests to discuss the 500+ anti-Trans bills that were being offered last year. The answer is more, not less, solidarity. But we also need to be smart and look for the times when our voices will be most heard. Demi Lovato, a non-binary person, recently spoke out in support of our Trans community. Selena Gomez broke down in tears, feeling helpless watching the ongoing immigration raids tear apart her community. And, we need to join their fights for immigration reform, protection of anti-racism laws and other fights important to all of us. As Imra Jones shared at the Creating Change Conference I attended last week, “That modern Republican Party is one that is Christian Nationalist in nature [and its project] is white, heterosexual patriarchy, which is what they believe they are reasserting through everything that they’re doing.” If you would like an action to accomplish today, please write to your congressman and ask him why he won’t meet with members of our community! Ask them when they will start speaking out to protect us, as they have promised. |
If you would like an action to accomplish today, please write to your congressman and ask him why he won’t meet with members of our community! Ask them when they will start speaking out to protect us, as they have promised.
Here is some suggested text for a phone or message through his website if Rep. Garamendi is your representative. https://garamendi.house.gov/contact, or at his Fairfield office: (707) 438-1822, Vallejo office: (707) 645-1888
Dear Congressman John Garamendi,
I’m calling today to thank you for voting against the bill last year that stripped health care from military families with Trans kids. What can you do to restore that funding?
Our Solano Pride Center has been attempting to schedule a time to talk about the 600+ anti-Trans bills since October 2nd, 2024. When will you schedule a meeting with representatives of our community? We need you to stand up more for us against the discrimination from our own government. Please be outspoken! We need to see you raising your voice on our behalf!
Sincerely,
[your name, address and phone]
Here is some suggested text for a phone or message through his website if Rep. Thompson is your representative. https://mikethompsonforms.house.gov/contact/ or at his Woodland office: (530) 753-5301 or Napa office: (707) 226-9898.
Dear Congressman Mike Thompson,
I’m calling today wondering why you voted for a bill last year that stripped health care from military families with Trans kids? What can you do to restore that funding?
Our Solano Pride Center has been attempting to schedule a time to talk about the 600+ anti-Trans bills since October 20, 2024. When will you schedule a meeting with representatives of our community? We need you to stand up for us against the discrimination from our own government. Please be outspoken! We need to see you raising your voice on our behalf!
Sincerely,
[your name, address and phone]
Upcoming Events:
Our friend Michael LaFreniere, aka DJ Pocket, is bringing Drag to the Marina Lounge in Suisun City on Wednesday, February 12th beginning at 8 pm!
He writes,
“After nearly 7 years of producing these shows in Vacaville, I’m excited to be starting this new chapter at Marina Lounge in Suisun. I have a feeling we’re going to reach even more people with this move, and that’s what it’s really all about – the community.”
See you there! Will McGarvey, Terry Murray and others are going early, around 7 pm, to enjoy dinner beforehand.
Save the dates for these upcoming events:
Thursday, March 13th from 5-7 pm will be a Supper Club at a Fairfield area Winery. We will share a brief presentation on our work! Contact brigid@solanopride.org for more info.
Friday, March 28th from 6-8 pm, special event in celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrating the creativity of TIGNC people from around the county! See above. Contact cristina@solanopride.org for more info.
Saturday, April 26th from 6-10 pm, a Prom for Adults 18+ of all identities & Allies hosted at The Saturday Club of Vacaville, 125 West Kendal Street, Vacaville! Name and particulars to be determined by the planning team. Email will@solanopride.org to join the planning team.
How are you? Really?
Help us know better how to create programs for our new post-election world.
Here is the link to our Solano County LGBTQIA2S+ Community Needs Assessment. We need to hear from you what you feel are the biggest needs you have given our new post election political and legal reality. Please take the 3-6 minutes to share your voice!
We have prepared a new Parent’s Survey here to help us know when works best to be able to gather parents of LGBTQ+ children for social and support needs. Please fill it out, or share it with those you know who have queer children.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lg9sg1yXYRLshPRFgbP-ODXHYQcaT2VCOT_1dR6Voxs/edit?ts=673e3e2c
Want to help us raise funds for the Center?
| If you are giving to our General Fund to support all of our programming, you can give through our portal on Zeffy at https://tinyurl.com/Give2SolanoPride. |
We have found a way to raise money for the Center that doesn’t involved you sending a check or buying a thing!
HundredX Causes is an online agency that provides feedback to companies or brands. They say, “we believe in “listening to the crowd” – that is, real customers who share unprompted feedback with HundredX – to inform the outlook for businesses and industries. Every time your supporters submit feedback on a brand they’ve interacted with over the last 6 months, they are providing insight into their customer experience with the leaders of those companies.” Here is a link to their FAQ for supporters!
Contribute without cash! Can you opt in? It’s all online, and we need 125 people from among our supporters, volunteers, allies and program members to see what brands are being reviewed, and share your honest opinions about the products online. This will help raise funds for our General fund that helps us pay for all of the things our county contracts don’t cover, such as Pride, our social programs, and hard costs like rent, insurance and more!
Here’s a video introduction to how it works!
Our campaign goes from Feb 3rd to March 4th, and you can go online anytime you desire to share your thoughts. You don’t have to go to any shops, just share based on past experience.
This process works best for us if we can get 125 people all giving 75 responses, so please invite your friends and family to join you inside the website. You can get started at this link: https://hundredx.com/impactwithfeedback
They are looking for quality feedback for their brand and product clients, so be as thorough as possible on up to 75 products. They even give feedback on the website! We will even share some of the new swag we are creating for our best performers!
“HundredX will only pay for feedback that it can use; and HundredX can only use feedback that helps its clients make informed, thoughtful decisions. HundredX is only able to provide $ to your organization in exchange for “Eligible Feedback” as further defined in our terms.”
Attend the informational meeting on Monday, Feb. 3rd at 7 pm at this link!
Every year BAQWA produces an anthology of members’ writing as a benefit for a Bay Area Queer charity
This year proceeds from sales of TOGETHER, the 2024-25 benefit anthology, go to the Solano County Pride Center, which provides support for LGBTQ+ people in the county, offers free HIV testing, and creates Queer Pride events in cities across the county. We hope BAQWA members will come read from the anthology at future SPC events, including the Holiday Dinner. If you’d like to order the book online, the proceeds also help fund our important work here. Thanks to Richard May who had them available at the Holiday Dinner to sell copies!
Social and Support Groups for many sub groups within our community.
| We are also adding another Social opportunity for our whole Intergenerational community this spring! Arts & Crafts Nights will be the first Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Conference Room in even numbered months, and Gayme Nights will be on the same nights in the odd months. Our first gathering will be Thursday, February. 6th at 7:00 pm! If you’d like to share an art project, please contact us. Just bring any games you’d like to play or share. These will be go through May, and we will take the summer off. |
| The Gender Expansive Circle will meet again on Friday, February 7th at 5:30 pm, in the Conference Room. GEC meets on the first and third Friday’s of each month unless noted. First Fridays in person in the Conference Room, and third Fridays on zoon. This group is for Trans, Intersex, Non-binary, Gender non-conforming and those questioning their gender identity or expression. The group will be led by Kacen Cosmos and Cristina Zaldana! Questions can be directed to Kacen Cosmos at kacen@solanopride.org. |
| Military/Veterans LGBTQ+ Social & Support Group: Changes to 2nd Tuesdays: Next meets Tuesday, Feb. 11th at the Heretic Brewery and Distillery (1052 Horizon Drive, Fairfield) from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. We hope this group becomes a great social and support group for all active duty military or retired veterans in the queer community. Contact the facilitators by email by following these links: Will McGarvey & Jim Dailey. |
| Grief Support Group will will next meet at an in-person gathering on Friday, February 14th & 28th from 10-11:30 am in the conference room at the Center’s building. Rachel Wilson and Timothy Meyer will be the facilitators for the group that will meet in person on the 2nd and 4th Fridays, and will find another time in the early evening on another day of the week for zoom meetings. Rachel can be contacted at rachel@solanopride.org or by phone or text at 707.681.1887. |
| The QR code: Queer Recovery The QR Code is a 12-step LGBTQ+ group for those in recovery for any addictions. The first meeting will be Sunday, February 16th at 7 pm. The group will meet in person at the Solano Pride Center’s Lobby on the 1st and 3rd Sunday evenings at 7 pm. Come to the south doors near our offices and knock to be let in. Hosted by Christopher Cortes (christopher@solanopride.org) with shared leadership from other members of the group. Anonymity will be protected. |
| LGBTQ2S+ Men’s & Masc Social & Support Group (3rd Wednesdays – February 19th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm – at the Center’s Lobby – come to the south doors and knock to be let in). We will be watching Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin and discussing it. This group is for all those who identify as male/masc, and is trans inclusive, led by Will McGarvey & Milton Heath Solórzano. Contact us by email for more info at will@solanopride.org or miltonheath@solanopride.org. |
| Pan-Pagan/Magickal Support Group is normally the 4th Wednesdays from 7-8:30 pm, and will meet in our Lobby on Wed, Feb 26th. For those with any form of neo-pagan, polytheistic, or non-abrahamic practice, to explore the intersections of queerness and pagan spirituality. Led by members of SPC Staff. Bring something from your altar to share about. |
| The HIV Positive Support Group will continue as a zoom group on the 3rd Thursdays of the month, but now from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. The next group meeting is this Thursday, February 20th. Contact cristina@solanopride.org for more information. This is the first meeting, so plan on attending to share what you’d like to see in future meetings! Facilitated by Cristina Zaldana and Jim Jones. Future dates below. |
| Drop in Parent’s group has been discontinued for now. We have prepared a new Parent’s Survey here to help us know when works best to be able to gather parents of LGBTQ+ children for social and support needs. Please fill it out, or share it with those you know who have queer children. If you know you’d like to attend a Parent’s Support Group, please email our Clinical Director, Colin Amato, at colin@solanopride.org, we may be able to start in mid January in the closest town to the participants. Colin and board member Stephan Clifford have created a beautiful 8-week program for the families and friends of those transitioning. |
We have prepared a new Parent’s Survey here to help us know when works best to be able to gather parents of LGBTQ+ children for social and support needs. Please fill it out, or share it with those you know who have queer children.
| A supportive gathering for those who experience Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain. Next group will be announced as soon as new leadership is announced. Contact Colin for more info, and know that you are not alone. Colin can be contacted at colin@solanopride.org or by phone or text at 707.408.2458. |
Other groups are being prepared, including: Women’s Group and a Bi/Pan/Omni support group. Contact will@solanopride.org if you are interested in helping facilitate any of these groups.
HIV Prevention Awareness
| HIV Prevention Awareness Did you know you can get STI testing mailed to your home? Did you know that PreP and PeP can help you remain HIV negative? Contact me for more info! Thank you. Cristina Zaldana Cristina Zaldana |
Senior Programs!
Our next Senior Lunch will be Friday, February 7th in the Conference Room at the Center. Contact cristina@solanopride.org for more info.
We will be having our next Senior Zoom meeting on February 14th. Contact marlette@solanopride.org to get the link to join the fun!
Solano Pride Center offers counseling and psychotherapy to the LGBTQ+ community of Solano County.
There are openings available for those who wish to be seen for counseling services right now! We are able to see clients for up to six months at no cost to clients, helping you make sense of life as a queer person, get support coming out, or deepening your self confidence by talking about your past. Please call our confidential line to make an appointment at: 707-389-4520.
In addition Solano Pride Center is accepting application from Associate Clinicians (AMFT and ACSW) in addition to trainees needing practicum sites who are interested in providing therapy to the LGBTQ community. Please contact our Clinical Director Colin Amato at colin@solanopride.org for more information.
Youth Programming! Now, All Over the County!
No Queerios at the Kyle Hyland Foundation until January, as the Teen Center is closed all next week (Nov 26th), and will be closed on Christmas Eve as well.
Future Youth Groups in cities around the county!
Wed, Feb 5th from 4-6 pm – Asterisks (for 18-24 tay) Paris is Burning film to watch and discuss for Black History Month. Come learn the history of where the Ballroom Scene and Voguing came from! For more info, call or text 707.200.1228 or email trystan@solanopride.org.
Parent and Teen night at the Center! Come learn about our programs for young people, and get a tour of the Center. Come to suite 1560 or knock on the South Doors by our Lobby!
Tues, Feb 18th from 3:30-5:30 pm – Vacaville (for 12-18 teens) 300 West Street, Vacaville! We will be creating valentines for Seniors in our community.
Friday, Feb 21st from 4-6 pm at the Fairfield Center for teens and transitional aged youth (12-24). We will be watching the “Paris is Burning” film to watch and discuss for Black History Month. Come learn the history of where the Ballroom Scene and Voguing came from!
Tues, Feb 25th from 3:45-5:30 pm – Queerios (for 13-17 year olds) at the Kyle Hyland Foundation, 1135 Church St. Benicia.
We will be creating valentines for Seniors in our community.
After school, come and decorate free Valentine’s Day Cookies with your favorite toppings to make them even tastier!
Friday, Feb 14th from 2-3 pm at the Dixon Library.
Rio Vista Teen Pride meets Friday, February 28th! (on the 4th Fridays) from 3:30-5:30 pm at Rio Vista Cares in Rio Vista! There’s always Pizza!
Led by Judy Serafini and Zaida Mungaray.
Calling All Volunteers!
Calling all volunteers! If you want to be a volunteer at Solano Pride Center, please let us know!
Our next Volunteer Training is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 22nd at 6 pm on Zoom. If you are interested in volunteering, just for special events or on a more regular basis at the Center, please email cristina@solanopride.org with the best times that work for you to be trained. These trainings are necessary for anyone who wishes to volunteer at the Center, in one of our Programs, or even for short term events like our Pride celebrations being planned now! Don’t miss this informative background on how to help, knowing our best practices and Community Agreements!
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
There is a volunteer opportunity in the HIV Prevention dept. It involves going out to off site locations where we can table and provide free testing.
The County will do the testing and we will table at these locations such as a club (like the Townhouse in Vallejo) or youth drop in spaces. I have been looking for someone that can help me with this.
In the same department of HIV Prevention, we have the Safe Sex Packets that are put together. They involve 2 condoms, 1 lube packet & a slip of paper with info on SPC. These packets are put together at home. Pick up supplies at the center & bring back completed packets 4 days later or can depend when needed. We generally need 100 to 200 to 300. You can do 100 or 200 or 300. It is up to you. This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity.
For the Youth Dept Volunteers:
We need Team Leaders for youth with With Q-Scouts (a special after school program for LGBTQIA2S+ middle schoolers, beginning in Vallejo/Benicia). We need 2-4 adult volunteers to help with youth ages 8-12, helping with activities as team leaders. Training provided.
After 3 pm, Weekdays the Q-Scout meetings are planned and the weekends as that allows for kiddos to participate after school.
Volunteers needed for the Senior Luncheons:
Senior luncheons are every 1st & 3rd Fridays of the Month at 12 noon.
Volunteers would come in at 11 am and help with setting up the food as it comes in, making sure everyone has what they need, helping with the presenter doing presentations, closing up making sure we leave the conference room as we found it.
Gathering the utensils needed: Forks, napkins, plates, etc
You will have help with all this so you won’t be doing everything yourself.
Admin Tasks & Holding Space: There are also some admin jobs which include organizing the office a little. Consolidating some items so we have more space, etc. Welcoming folx when multiple groups are meeting at the Center.
Our next Volunteer Orientation will be on Thursday, Feb 20th from 6pm-7pm at the SOLANO PRIDE CENTER, 1234 Empire Street, suite 1560, Fairfield, CA. Library Lounge Room (come to the south doors and knock to be let in.).
I will be covering all these volunteer opportunities. If you have already attended an orientation, there is no need to attend again.
Let me know if you need more specifics! Contact: cristina@solanopride.org
Equality California is thrilled to announce the official date of our annual LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day. Please save the date and be prepared to join us at the State Capitol in Sacramento on Wednesday, March 26, 2025!
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day is a critical opportunity for community leaders, activists, and allies from across the state to come together to raise awareness about the growing threats facing the LGBTQ+ community — especially transgender youth and their families — and build collective power to advance change. Next year’s event will be more important as the incoming Trump administration will attempt to undermine protections for LGBTQ+ people across education, employment, health care, housing, immigration, and more.
The event will kick-off at 9:00 AM with advocacy training on LGBTQ+ legislative and budget priorities followed by a press conference at the State Capitol with the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. Participants will then have the opportunity to meet with legislators and their staff to advocate for priority bills to safeguard our rights and ensure that California remains a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community. There will be a closing reception at 5:00 PM for participants to celebrate our successes and recharge for the work ahead.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day is a critical opportunity for community leaders, activists, and allies from across the state to come together to raise awareness about the growing threats facing the LGBTQ+ community — especially transgender youth and their families — and build collective power to advance change.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet with legislators and their staff to advocate for priority bills to safeguard our rights and ensure that California remains a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community.
We will share more details about LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day soon — including our policy priorities and logistics. Make sure you sign up before the February 28 deadline! https://go.eqca.org/a/advocacy-day-2025
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.
Need to contact one of our staff? Would you like to drop by to check out a book from our Queer Library? Contact us this way.
If you find yourself in crisis during this time, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or our partners at these crisis numbers!
• Trevor Project Crisis Line: 1-866-488-7386
• Trans Lifeline Crisis Number: 1-877-565-8860
• Solano County Mobile Crisis Number: 707-806-0866
• Solano County Crisis Stabilization Service Number: 707-428-1131
Please also welcome Christopher Cortes, our new MSW Intern working with us this Semester. His contact info is christopher@solanopride.organd can be texted or called at 707.408.3136.
Hello Everyone,
My name is Christopher Cortes (He/Him/His) I am an Intern here at Solano Pride Center working towards gaining my Masters Degree in Social Work. Currently I have my Bachelors Degree in Social Work and am a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC III ICADC). I am looking forward to working with the center to support the LGBTQ+ population in our community.
Let me know if you need me to include more information, thank you.
See all of our staff and Interns at our newly updated page on our website here:
| Vallejo Gay Network Events! |
| More to be announced… See Movie Night below in cooperation with the Benicia LGBTQ+ Network. #VGNForAll #VGN #LGBTQNetworking #GayVallejo #CommunityPride Save the Dates: If you want to host, please email tom@vallejogaynetwork.com February 15th VGN Valentines Potluck @ 6 pm – Hosted by Jimmy and Steve May 2025 Michael Harris June – Pride Weekend 2nd Weekend July – Wendell & Manny October – Peter and Adam November – Tom & Chris (Food Bank) |
| Benicia LGBTQ+ Network Events! |
| HI Everyone, On February 8th at 9am we are going to be going on a hike/walk on the Carquinez Strait Trail. This goes from Glen Cove to Benicia in a nice 3.1 mile that is flat with a great view and is appropriate for electric scooters and other mobility aids. Its going to be more chill and relaxed than our last hike and I will be bringing some coffee and donuts. For those of you wanting a more strenuos hike we will be going March 1st to Table Rock in Napa. Message me if you plan on coming. Thanks! To see more, visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3251983318281379/?checkpoint_src=any Movie night details are UP! Hosted by Benicia Lgbtqia Network and co-hosted by Vallejo Gay Network ! To Wong Fu, Thanks for Everything! Friday, February 28 from 7:30 – 9:30pm PST Contra Costa Stadium Cinemas 555 Center Avenue Martinez, CA 94553 $17.85 per ticket on EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benicia-lgbtqia-network-movie-night-tickets-1226756284069?aff=ebemoffollowpublishemail&ref=eemail&utm_campaign=following_published_event&utm_content=follow_notification&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite |
Weekly Eblasts – Links below:
Do you get our weekly eBlasts on Wednesday afternoons? If not, or if you need to update your email, follow this link to register for our weekly eBlasts.
Wednesday, January 29th: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Responding-to-the-longet-week-of-Presidential-actions–Last-days-of-Valentine-s-Chocolates–Confidentiality–Social—support-gr.html?soid=1141190051998&aid=a5yRhfyIGQE
Wednesday, January 15th: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/New-Year—New-You–update-on-our-social—support-groups–St–Patrick-s-Day-event—.html?soid=1141190051998&aid=p_WRXsm0wH4
Wednesday, January 8th: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/New-Year—New-You–update-on-our-social—support-groups–St–Patrick-s-Day-event—.html?soid=1141190051998&aid=p_WRXsm0wH4
Tuesday, Dec. 10th: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/RSVP-today-for-the-Multicultural-Holiday-Dinner-Wednesday-night–New-social—support-groups—-.html?soid=1141190051998&aid=yryUheWpGi4
Thanks to all of our Donors for the Silent Auction at the Poetry Slam and beyond! Please do shop at these Gay owned businesses, and our supportive Allies!
Another Survey for Trans Folx centered around Gender Affirming Vocal Therapy
My name is Andi Reuda (they/them) and I am a transgender undergraduate student at California State University Long Beach in their Speech-Language Pathology department. I am conducting a research survey around gender affirming vocal therapy (GAVT) that’s aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the disconnect between getting clients in need of GAVT to competent providers. The reason I am reaching out is to see if you are able to post the recruitment flyer attached on your community bulletin board or forward it to those who may fit the criteria. If you have anyone in your community who is interested in receiving GAVT either now or in the future, I invite them to take our voluntary anonymous online “GAVT Client Interest Survey” focused on further understanding the barriers to access and complexities of picking a goal in GAVT from a client’s perspective. This anonymous survey will take 5-10 minutes and participants will rate their level of agreement to statements provided, answer multiple choice as well as free response questions. Participants may take the survey through scanning the QR code provided on the flyer or typing in the link attached to their browser. This is only intended for those 18+ years of age interested in receiving GAVT, whether now or in the future. No compensation is offered but participation is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and if you have any questions or want to opt out of future communication, please feel free to email me at the address provided: Andi.Reuda01@student.csulb.edu
Survey link: https://csulb.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4ZafwdcGs80aOwK
Warmly,
Andi Reuda, They/Them
Undergrad Student @ CSULB
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
PRIDEnet (https://pridenet.org), based at Stanford University and the University of California at San Francisco, conducts LGBTQIA+ health research and engages LGBTQIA+ community in creating health research that meets our needs. PRIDEnet is conducting online Community Listening Sessions, akin to focus groups, this month with Black and African American transgender and gender nonbinary community members. The goal is to learn more about the current healthcare concerns and solutions, barriers to research participation, and needs of this community. Participants get a $50 gift card. Learn more and sign up at https://tinyurl.com/CLSBAATGNC.
Solano Pride Center
The Board of the Solano Pride Center shares our sadness that the Mayor of the City of Vacaville continues to use his position to give cover for the discrimination many in our community experience there. Like we did for every city, our Executive Director sent proposed language to use in a proclamation that actually gives an account of our history of discrimination and need for civil rights protections from our elected leaders.
This year we sent the request early, and attempted to hear back when the proclamation would be shared, and have not had that time confirmed. In preparing the so-called “Proclamation,” the Mayor’s office produced a document to be signed by the Vice Mayor that was similar to those of previous years, but with no proclamation that June 2024 would be Pride Month in the City of Vacaville. We also noticed a change to the text, including the deletion of the phrase “celebrate and build”, which was changed to “while building,” without an actual declaration of Pride Month. The language is so vague that it could apply to any other community, without addressing the violence members of our community experiences every day. Every other city we have received Proclamations from have adapted the language we have offered, but has still included the historical portions because that was the point. The language the Mayor used further white washes the history of America as if our country wasn’t created with the legality of slave states and the second class citizenship of women.
Furthermore, our biggest frustrations have centered around the lack of notification of when the flag was to be raised, as we experienced in almost every other city of the county today. Because we were not notified of the time of the flag raising, our community was denied the opportunity to be in attendance and participate to mark the moment. We understand that the Pride Flag has been raised on the School Street site, and will remain except for a day to honor the Army on June 14th (veterans comprise a significant portion of our community). Though we sent our request to the whole City Council on April 17th, we have had to ask for responses rather than a friendly sharing of events. The lack of communication feels intentional.
The erasure of our community happens on a daily basis, and the policies coming out of the Mayor’s office continues to discriminate against our civil rights and treats us like second class citizens. We call upon the good people of Vacaville to remind their Mayor that his oath of office is to serve all of the city, and not just those of his particular religious tradition. Leading Vacaville together means including your LGBTQ+ family and protecting their civil rights.
Will McGarvey
Executive Director
On behalf of the Solano Pride Center’s Board of Directors, June 2024