Amid the smoldering aftermath of the Los Angeles Fires and growing fears over future funding losses, the Center’s Advocacy Day is shining a spotlight on the very real consequences of political inaction—from shuttered clinics to the silencing of queer and trans voices across the country.
Through legislative meetings, public rallies, and visible grassroots engagement, the Center is delivering a clear message to Sacramento: If the federal government won’t protect LGBTQ+ people, California must.
“These are not hypothetical threats. Our community is under attack, and lives are on the line,” said Terra Russell-Slavin, Chief Impact Officer at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “As federal support crumbles, California must lead with purpose, with compassion, and with the kind of fierce urgency this moment demands.”
These are not hypothetical threats. Our community is under attack, and lives are on the line.
Terra Russell-Slavin, Chief Impact Officer, Los Angeles LGBT Center
This year’s advocacy efforts focus on protecting access to gender-affirming care, ensuring sustainable funding for LGBTQ+ health and housing programs, and defending the rights of queer and trans youth under relentless national scrutiny.
With more than 500,000 visits to its facilities each year, the Los Angeles LGBT Center stands as the largest provider of direct services to LGBTQ+ people in the world. But its mission goes far beyond service—this Advocacy Day is proof that the Center remains a fierce political force, committed to justice and liberation for all.
The Center is advocating for the following urgent legislative and budget priorities. To learn more, visit our Take Action page.
Contingency Fund for Critical Health Services – $100 million (1 year)
To safeguard access to reproductive health, abortion care, and gender-affirming services that are now barred from receiving federal support. This fund is a lifeline—flexibly designed to allow frontline providers like the Center to adapt as the Trump Administration implements new restrictions. It ensures continuity of care for communities most at risk.
TGI Wellness Fund – $15 million (2 years)
To support the Transgender, Gender-Nonconforming, and Intersex (TGI) Wellness and Equity Fund, which would provide grants for cultural competency medical training, mental health services, workforce development, social Integration for TGI asylees and immigrants, and educational access for transitional age youth.
LBTQ Health Equity Initiative – $15 million (3 years)
To address ongoing health disparities and the invisibility of LBTQ communities in the healthcare system, allocate $15 million over three years in general funds to continue the LBTQ Health Equity Initiative within the California Department of Public Health. This would ensure sustained investment in culturally competent care for LBQ women, as well as trans and non-binary individuals across California.
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Backfill – $176 million annually (5 years)
To mitigate devastating federal VOCA shortfalls and sustain critical services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes—including LGBTQ+ survivors.
Homeless Youth Set-Aside – 25% Allocation
To dedicate a quarter of state homeless funds to meet the distinct needs of homeless youth, including emergency housing, wraparound services, and mental health care.
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
SB 41 (Wiener) – Pharmacy Benefits Manager Regulation
To protect patients from abusive PBM practices by requiring licensure, banning spread pricing, mandating transparency, and allowing patients to choose their pharmacies.
AB 554 (Gonzalez) – The PrEPARE Act
To expand access to long-acting injectable PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), offering more effective and accessible HIV prevention options through pharmacies and clinics.
AB 727 (Gonzalez) – LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health
To support mental health for queer youth by including the Trevor Project hotline on student IDs and ensuring inclusive, supportive resources in schools.
In the wake of the LA Fires, the Center also calls on the state to ensure that recovery resources reach LGBTQ+ people, many of whom were already housing insecure, living in poverty, or facing discrimination before disaster struck.
“From the flames of natural disaster to the firestorm of policy attacks, our communities have endured enough,” said Robert Gamboa, Associate Director of Public Policy at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “This Advocacy Day is our collective stand for justice, healing, and survival. California must lead where the federal government has failed.”
