Position Category: Live

AB 1540 (M. GONZALEZ) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: LGBTQ+ Youth – Support

February 23rd, 2026

The Honorable Assemblymember Mia Bonta
Chair of Assembly Health Committee
Legislative Office Building
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: Support for AB 1540 (M. Gonzalez): 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: LGBTQ+ Youth

Dear Chair, 

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) is pleased to support AB 1540 (Gonzalez), legislation that would restore the 988 Press 3 option for suicide and crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth.

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 communities. LIVE is committed to advocating for the health, wellness, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to their livelihood.   

In California, the LGBTQ+ youth line received 73,000 calls from July 2024 to June 2025, representing 9% of all 988 calls to the “Press 3” subnetwork. Additionally, from May 2024 to April 2025, the LGBTQ+ line received 680,127 calls, representing approximately 14% of the 5,153,905 calls that 988 received during that period, reflecting the critical need for this specialized resource.

On July 17th, 2025, by order of President Trump, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ended all contracts with 988 subnetwork providers, leaving no specialized care services for queer and trans youth. LGBTQ+ youth experience heightened risk of verbal, physical, and online harassment, which negatively affects their mental health and increases rates of suicidal ideation or death by suicide. 

AB 1540 ensures that all LGBTQ+ youth in California, once again, have access to critical and lifesaving suicide and crisis intervention. It is for these reasons that LIVE supports AB 1540 (Gonzalez) and asks for your “Aye” 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 

LIVE Letter Re: LGBTQ+ and Rural Behavioral Health Challenges

November 24th, 2025

Matthew Sauls
Office of Assemblymember James Gallagher
O Street, Room 4740
Sacramento, CA 94249

Re: LGBTQ+ and Rural Behavioral Health Challenges

Dear Mr. Sauls,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) and the Stonewall Alliance Center of Chico. We deeply appreciate your willingness to learn about the behavioral health challenges facing LGBTQ+ residents in the Superior Region.

LIVE is the LGBTQ+ advocacy program of Mental Health America of California and is contracted with the state’s Commission for Behavioral Health to advocate on the mental health issues facing LGBTQ+ communities across the state through community-focused engagement and strategic initiatives.

The Stonewall Alliance Center of Chico serves as the primary LGBTQ+ resource hub for Butte, Tehama, Glenn, Plumas, Lassen, Trinity, and surrounding rural counties. They are often the first point of contact for youth, adults, caregivers, schools, clinics, and county departments when seeking support regarding behavioral health. However, many residents avoid care due to the lack of access to available providers. For LGBTQ+ residents, finding affirming providers compound these challenges.

LIVE and Stonewall are working together to addresses these barriers in the following ways:

  1. Develop a virtual network of competent behavioral health providers to improve the referral process/warm handoffs.
  2. Publish a community resource directory to help residents identify appropriate providers near them.
  3. Build a community of support for providers to reduce burnout and expand capacity.

As Assemblymember Gallagher considers upcoming legislation and the next state budget, we hope the member considers the importance of continued investments that address the behavioral health workforce shortage, expand cultural competence training for providers, and support local community-based organizations that serve rural California.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. If you have any questions, or if LIVE can provide any assistance, 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

LIVE WET Plan Recommendations

August 20th, 2025

Marisa Root (she/her/hers)
Project Manager, PMP
California Department of Health Care Access and Information
2020 West El Camino Avenue Suite 800,
Sacramento, CA 95833

Re: WET Plan Recommendations

Dear Manager Root, 

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) appreciates the opportunity to engage with the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), regarding the development of the 5-year Workforce, Education, and Training Plan, at the recent stakeholder engagement listening session on August 5th. LIVE has compiled additional recommendations and feedback for your use below.

Workforce Development & Career Pathways

  • Concerns surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals entering the workforce without incurring significant debt, particularly for master’s degree programs
  • Enhanced outreach is needed to better connect LGBTQ+ community members with available scholarships, particularly in rural communities. Additionally the community recommends integrating outreach with existing programs and community based LGBTQ+ organizations
  • Rural Placement Incentives: Recommendation for sign-on bonuses and financial incentives for LGBTQ+ affirming professionals willing to work in underserved zip codes

Education & Training Improvements

  • Curriculum Updates: Colleges and universities need modernized LGBTQ+ care curriculum to reflect current best practices
  • Immersion Experiences: Opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in LGBTQ+ environments, particularly for those who don’t identify as part of the community
  • Case Management Training: Behavioral health specialists need training on local resources and effective case management techniques for LGBTQ+ individuals

Support Systems & Infrastructure

  • Comprehensive Support Models: Recommendation for funding that includes peer mentors or school navigator support built into programs
  • Transportation & Relocation: Scholarships should support relocation efforts to employment opportunities in high need areas (particularly relevant in areas like Modoc County)
  • Safe Referral Networks: Build meaningful professional networks that provide safe spaces for client referrals

Service Access & Delivery

  • Mental Health Access During Education: Need for LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health services for students currently in educational programs
  • Long Waitlists: Current mental health organizations have extensive waitlists, causing people to “slip through the cracks”
  • Case Management vs. Therapy: Case management can be more effective than traditional therapy alone in connecting community members to resources

Funding & Sustainability

  • Current Funding Landscape: Described as “hellish” for LGBTQ+ CBOs that provide services, with constant changes and funding reductions
  • Gap Analysis Needed: Quick scan required to identify what funding exists and what’s missing, particularly for LGBTQ+ affirming housing and substance use services
  • Partnership Opportunities: Organizations should partner to make grants and funding more accessible to the community, providing security for clinicians while connecting community to opportunities

Cross-Cutting Considerations

  • Intersectionality: Recognition that support needs extend beyond just LGBTQ+ identity
  • Billing Transitions: Ongoing concerns about transition to Medi-Cal billing processes and spending structures

If you have any questions, or if LIVE can provide any assistance on matters concerning the LGBTQ+ community, 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 

SB 59 (WIENER) Change of Gender and Sex – Support

September 25th, 2025

The Honorable Gavin Newsom   
California State Governor   
1021 O Street, Suite 9000   
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: LIVE Request for Signature of SB 59 (Wiener)

Dear Governor Newsom,

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) is pleased to support Senate Bill 59 (Wiener), legislation that would expand confidentiality protections for all individuals petitioning for a change of gender and sex identifier.

LIVE is a program that celebrates LGBTQ+ diversity and advocates for an inclusive world where all individuals can live authentically and safely. LIVE empowers individuals to amplify their voices in policy, reduce stigma, and strengthen community unity. As anti-transgender legislation continues to be introduced, LIVE is committed to advocating for their existence and rights to vital services.

SB 59 (Wiener) protects individuals who are petitioning to change their gender or sex identifier on official documents. It ensures that these petitions are sealed to protect the privacy and identity of transgender individuals. By sealing the petition and related documents, this bill prevents members of the public from accessing sensitive and private information. This protection is critical for safeguarding individuals from potential discrimination or harassment.

Transgender individuals consistently struggle to access housing and healthcare services due to the mismatch of their gender identity and the gender indicated on identification documents. This mismatch exposes them to potential discrimination and denial of vital services. Although transgender individuals can petition the court to correct their documents, the petition and related filings may still expose sensitive information. This bill takes the first step to ensure gender identity is not a barrier to services and supports that affirm gender identity.  

It is for these reasons that LIVE supports SB 59 (Wiener) and asks for your signature. 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 

AB 1487 (ADDIS) The Two-Spirit, Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, and Intersex Wellness and Equity Fund – Support

September 16th, 2025

The Honorable Gavin Newsom
California State Governor
1021 O Street, Suite 9000

Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: LIVE Request for Signature of AB 1487 (Addis)

Dear Governor Newsom, 

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) requests your signature for AB 1487 (Addis), legislation that would rename the Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, and Intersex (TGI) Wellness and Equity Fund to include Two-Spirit peoples and incorporates grants specific to Indigenous and Two-Spirit community members.

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 communities. LIVE is committed to advocating for the health, wellness, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to their livelihood.   

The TGI Wellness and Equity Fund exists to increase the capacity of health care professionals, providing gender affirming care, facilitating therapeutic arts programs, and assisting, identifying, and referring TGI people to access supportive housing. This bill expands these opportunities and supports to Two-Spirit individuals and the Indigenous community. Additionally, it would provide Workforce development training for Two-Spirit, Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, and Intersex (2TGI) individuals, resettlement and social integration programs for 2TGI asylees and immigrants, and diversion programs and outreach to transitional age 2TGI youth.

Given the attacks on the 2TGI community from the federal administration, California cannot become complacent. Data from the US Transgender Population Health Survey indicates that transgender individuals experience more poor mental and physical health days[KV1]  per month than cisgender individuals. In addition, according to the Advocates for Trans Equality, 1 in 5 transgender people have experienced homelessness.

This bill makes significant investments in resources, services, and programs for 2TGI individuals and youth at a time when the LGBTQ+ community faces consistent threats to their livelihood and access to essential supports and services. It is for these reasons that LIVE supports AB 1487 (Addis) and asks for your signature. 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 

SB 622 (GROVE) Sex-segregated school programs and activities – Oppose

April 15th, 2025

The Honorable Sasha Renée Pérez
Chair, Senate Education Committee
1021 O Street, Room 6740
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: LIVE Opposition of Senate Bill 622 (Grove)

Dear Chair Pérez, 

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) strongly opposes Senate Bill 622 (Grove), which would remove protections that currently allow transgender youth to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities consistent with their gender identity and instead mandate that they participate based on their sex assigned at birth.

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, wellness, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to their livelihood. 

Senate Bill 622 (Grove) poses an existential threat to transgender youth by denying their participation in school programs and activities that support their gender identity. This bill not only prevents transgender individuals from participating but forces them to participate in an environment that requires them to deny who they are. According to a 2023 report from The Trevor Project, there has been a 72% increase in suicide attempts among transgender youth due to the rise in anti-transgender laws.[1] These laws attempt to erase the existence of the transgender community and further jeopardizes the health and safety of transgender youth.

It is for these reasons that LIVE opposes SB 622 (Grove) and asks 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. (2025a, February 11). Anti-transgender laws cause up to 72% increase in suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth, study shows. The Trevor Project.

SB 338 (BECKER) Mobile Health for Rural Communities Pilot Program – Support

September 17th, 2025

The Honorable Gavin Newsom
California State Governor
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Request for Signature of Senate Bill 338 (Becker)

Dear Governor Newsom,   

Mental Health America of California (MHAC), the California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) and LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) are pleased to support Senate Bill 338 (Becker), legislation that would establish the Mobile Health for Rural Communities Pilot Program with the goal of increasing access to health services, including mental health, for rural communities.

MHAC, CAYEN, and LIVE are dedicated to advancing mental health, wellness, and equity through community-led advocacy, education, and empowerment. By centering the voices of those with lived experience, including youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people living with mental health and substance use challenges, we aim to reduce stigma, influence public policy, and create inclusive environments where everyone has access to vital community-based culturally responsive mental health and substance use supports and services.

Access to these services can be extremely challenging for individuals in the rural communities, especially youth and the LGBTQ+ community. People often travel for hours for in-person services. Additionally, rural communities lack the appropriate internet infrastructure to support telehealth or virtual services. Senate Bill 338 (Becker) invests in mobile health, bringing services directly to communities in need, reducing barriers to access in-person and virtual health services.

It is for these reasons MHAC, CAYEN, and LIVE support SB 338 (Becker) and ask for your signature. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact MHAC’s Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org, CAYEN’s Public Policy Coordinator Danny Thirakul at dthirakul@mhac.org, or LIVE’s Project Manager Anthony Garibay-Mena at agaribaymena@mhac.org.

In Community,   

Karen Vicari
Director of Public Policy
Mental Health America of California


Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

Anthony Garibay-Mena 
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment 
Project Manager 

AB 678 (LEE) LGBTQ+ Safe and Inclusive Housing – Support

September 17th, 2025 

The Honorable Gavin Newsom   
California State Governor   
1021 O Street, Suite 9000   
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: LIVE Request for Signature of AB 678 (Lee)

Dear Governor Newsom, 

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) is pleased to support AB 678 (Lee), legislation that would require the California Interagency Council on Homelessness to coordinate with LGBTQ+ housing providers, nonprofits, advocates, and researchers to recommend policies and best practices for improving services for LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness.

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 raise their voices in policymaking, stigma reduction, and unifying community. LIVE is committed to advocating for the health, wellness, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to their livelihood.   

Affordability and discrimination are some of the primary challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces when attempting to secure stable and safe housing. LGBTQ+ individuals are twice as likely as non-LGBTQ people to be unhoused.[1] To better support the LGBTQ+ community and address these challenges, California must center the voices of those with lived experience in the delivery of education, training, and resources and collect data to prevent discrimination, harassment, and violence.

This bill will include LGBTQ+ serving organizations, individuals, and advocates in the creation of best practices and culturally competent services. It is for these reasons that LIVE supports AB 678 (Lee) and asks for your signature. 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] thisisloyal.com, L. |. (2024, October 31). Housing is an LGBTQ issue. Williams Institute.

AB 554 (GONZALEZ) HIV Prevention – Support

April 22, 2025

The Honorable Mia Bonta
Chair, Assembly health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: LIVE Support for Assembly Bill 554 (González)

Dear Chair Bonta, 

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) is pleased to support AB 554 (González), legislation that would prohibit health plans from requiring prior authorization, step therapy, or any other protocol designed to delay treatment for HIV/AIDS prevention drugs, devices, and products.

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, wellness, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to their livelihood.   

The California Department of Public Health recorded in their 2022 HIV Surveillance Report that 142,772 people were living with HIV.[1] Men who have sex with men (MSM) were identified as a category of people at high risk of transmission of HIV. Access to HIV prevention drugs, devices, and other products is essential to reducing transmission and improving public health and safety for all. This bill ensures health plans cannot delay access to these vital prevention services and supports.

By reducing barriers to timely access, people living with HIV will be able to receive care in a timely manner. It is for these reasons that LIVE supports AB 554 (González) and asks for your “Aye” 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] California HIV Surveillance Report – 2022. California Department of Public Health . (n.d.).

SB 497 (WEINER) Protecting Gender Affirming Care – Support

September 23rd, 2025

The Honorable Gavin Newsom   
California State Governor   
1021 O Street, Suite 9000   
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: LIVE Request for Signature of SB 497 (Weiner)

Dear Governor Newsom, 

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) is pleased to support SB 497 (Weiner), legislation that protects an individual’s rights to gender-affirming care by:

1) prohibiting the disclosure of information related to an individual’s gender-affirming care to out-of-state entities, and

2) limiting the sharing of data from the Controlled Substances Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES), as it may be used to identify individuals receiving gender-affirming care.

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, wellness, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to their livelihood.   

Anti-transgender laws continue to rise across the nation, prohibiting the utilization of essential services, facilities, and healthcare aligned with people’s gender identity. These laws are aimed at erasing the transgender community, denying their entire existence. California is a sanctuary state for the LGBTQ+ community, protecting them from discriminatory policies and ensuring access to care. This bill further strengthens California as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community by protecting people who come from out of state to seek gender-affirming care. By ceasing coordination with out of state entities and prohibiting data sharing related to gender affirming care, this bill ensures individuals can seek care without fear of civil or criminal prosecution.

It is for these reasons that LIVE supports SB 497 (Weiner) and asks for your signature. 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