March 14, 2025
The Honorable Ash Kalra
Chair, Assembly Judiciary Committee
1020 N Street, Room 104
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Opposition to Assembly Bill 579 (Castillo)
Dear Chair,
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) respectfully opposes Assembly Bill 579 (Castillo), puts transgender youth at greater risk of potential child abuse and neglect by changing statute to explicitly state that misgendering a child or denying them gender-affirming medical care are not forms of child abuse or neglect.
LIVE is a program of changemakers, that celebrates LGBTQ+ diversity and creates a more inclusive world where LGBTQ+ community members can live authentically. LIVE creates positive change by uplifting and empowering individuals to bolster their voices in policy, stigma reduction and unifying community. LIVE is committed to advocating for the health, well-being, and rights of the transgender community, especially youth, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to essential services.
Suicide among transgender youth increased by 72% between 2018 and 2022, according to a Trevor Project report. This alarming rise is linked to the enactment of anti-transgender laws in 19 states, which have restricted access to gender-affirming medical care, bathroom use, and participation in school activities.[1] Denying gender-affirming medical care and disregarding a child’s identity is a form of abuse and neglect. However, AB 579 would strip these protections, refusing to recognize these actions as abuse or neglect. As a result, transgender youth will suffer serious harm, facing a significant risk of experiencing a mental health crises and suicide.
It is for those reasons that LIVE must oppose Assembly Bill 579 (Castillo) and ask for your “no” vote. If you have any questions, or if LIVE can provide assistance on this bill or any other legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at agaribaymena@mhac.org or our Public Policy Coordinator, Danny Thirakul, at dthirakul@mhac.org.
In Community,
Anthony Garibay-Mena
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment
Program Manager
[1] News, T. (2025, February 11). Anti-transgender laws cause up to 72% increase in suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth, study shows. The Trevor Project.