Position Category: Live

March 24th, 2025

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

Re: LIVE Support for Assembly Bill 309 (Zbur)

Dear Chair, 

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) is pleased to support AB 309 (Zbur), legislation that would allow a physician or pharmacist to continue providing clean and safe hypodermic needles and syringes to individuals 18 years or older without a prescription or permit.

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 Addiction Center reports that 20 to 30% of the LGBTQ+ community struggles with substance misuse, a significantly higher rate than the 9% seen in the general population. Among the most misused substances is heroin, which ranks among the top five.[1] Recovering from a substance use disorder is a journey, often nonlinear, with progress and setbacks. Individuals who use substances requiring hypodermic needles face numerous challenges and should not be further harmed while working towards recovery. Access to clean syringes is a proven harm reduction strategy that prevents the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases, ultimately improving public health and safety.[2]  The distribution of safe and clean needles and syringes ensures that if individuals experience a setback in their recovery the harm done to them is minimized.

This bill is a critical step toward reducing preventable harm and protecting community health. It is for these reasons that LIVE supports AB 309 (Zbur) 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 

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[1] Pottle, Z. (2025, February 24). LGBTQ+ and addiction. Addiction Center.

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-b). Syringe Services Programs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

March 14^th, 2025

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

Re: Support for Assembly Bill 1084 (Zbur)

Dear Chair,

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) strongly supports Assembly Bill 1084 (Zbur), legislation that would streamline court proceedings so that individuals can petition for name change and gender markers to align with their gender identity.

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. The transgender community has a right to exist as they are, yet legal documents using their deadname and non-affirming gender markers, exposes them to potential discrimination.

Transgender individuals often face significant barriers when applying for essential services due to discrepancies between their gender identity and the name and gender marker on their identification documents.[1] Without proper documentation, they may experience discrimination, stigma, and harassment when seeking housing, employment, or education, as well as inadequate access to healthcare. The ability to present identification with a name and gender marker that align with one’s gender identity reduces the risk of discrimination and harassment while also allowing individuals to fully live as their authentic selves.

This bill establishes a streamlined process for updating name and gender markers on identification documents, making it more efficient for transgender individuals to obtain necessary documentation and access essential services and resources more quickly. It is for these reasons that LIVE supports Assembly Bill 1084 (Zbur) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if LIVE can provide assistance on this bill or any other LGBTQ+ legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at agaribaymena@mhac.org.

In Community,

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

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[1] Understanding the transgender community. Human Rights Campaign. (n.d.)

March 14, 2025

The Honorable Al Muratsuchi
Chair, Assembly Education Committee
California State Assembly
1020 N Street, Room 159
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Opposition to Assembly Bill 908 (Solache)

Dear Chair,

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 908 (Solache), a bill that would ensure school districts prioritize the education and well-being of LGBTQ+ pupils by requiring a state priority in their local control and accountability plans (LCAP) that describes the school district’s implementation of supportive policies and initiatives for LGBTQ+ pupils.

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.  

Schools are essential public institutions that support youth in their social and emotional learning. However, disparities in school connectedness pose a significant risk factor for developing mental health and substance use challenges. [1] A recent study by UCLA’s Williams Institiute also found that hat 10% of public middle and high school students identify as LGBTQ+ in California. These students reported lower levels of school connectedness compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.[2]  This bill provides a path forward to ensure school are held accountable in addressing the educational and health needs of LGBTQ youth.

It is for those reasons that LIVE supports AB 908 (Solache). 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

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[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Substance use among youth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[2] Choi, S.K. Baams, L., & Wilson, B.D.M.  (2017). LGBTQ Youth in California’s Public Schools: Differences across the State. Los Angeles: The Williams Institute

March 14^th, 2025

The Honorable Christopher M. Ward
Chair, Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, & Tourism
1020 N Street, Suite 152
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Opposition to Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez)

Dear Chair,

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) respectfully opposes Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez), a bill that would ban trans woman from competing in interscholastic sports team. This bill discriminates against and exposes the trans and cis-gendered community to inhumane and unfair treatment.

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.

Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez) poses an existential threat to the transgender community by denying their participation in sports. This bill not only prevents transgender individuals from participating but also deprives them of the benefits that come from sports involvement, such as developing leadership skills, team-building, improved academic outcomes, and a sense of community.

In addition, this bill poses many concerns around implementation. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)[1], a trans ban could potentially force the trans and cisgendered youth to undergo invasive, traumatic, expensive, and age-inappropriate testing to examine internal or external genitalia. This could include but is not limited to DNA testing, bloodwork for hormone levels, and other unscientific tests for gender. Anyone accused or stereotyped could also be subjected to testing and or be forced to relay sensitive and protected health information. Furthermore, testing alone would subject individuals to potential harassment or bullying regardless of the outcomes of testing.  

Participation in school sports offers numerous academic, social, physical, mental, and behavioral benefits. Transgender youth should not be excluded from these opportunities, which are critical for their development and well-being. It is for those reasons that LIVE must oppose Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez) 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

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[1] Human Rights Campaign (2025)

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

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[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.