California Makes History by Recognizing August as Transgender History Month

Sacramento, California - In a groundbreaking move, the California Assembly has passed a resolution to recognize August as Transgender History Month, making the Golden State the first in the nation to take this progressive step. The resolution, authored by Assembly member Matt Haney, a San Francisco Democrat, aims to shed light on the contributions and history of the transgender community, while also raising awareness about their lived experiences.

"I believe that as Californians our strongest defense against the anti-trans agenda is just to tell the truth. Let's tell the truth about transgender people's lives, and let's lift up the history of the transgender Californians who left their mark on our great state," said Haney.

The decision to establish Transgender History Month comes at a time when the state is grappling with controversy surrounding school gender policies. State Attorney General Rob Bonta recently filed a lawsuit against the Chino Valley Unified School District [CVUSD] Board of Education, seeking to halt the enforcement of its mandatory gender identity disclosure policy. However, a judge has temporarily blocked the district from implementing the policy.

The recognition of Transgender History Month is seen by some as a way to combat the ignorance and lack of understanding that still exists about transgender people. Honey Mahogany, San Francisco's Democratic Party Chair, highlighted the need for awareness, education, and outreach to address this issue.

"Many Californians remain unaware of the real lives and experiences of transgender people, even here in California. We can change that through awareness, education, and outreach, and I believe that establishing a Transgender History Month in California is one way we can do just that," said Mahogany.

However, the passage of this resolution also comes amidst a pushback from a newly formed activist group called Protect Kids California. The group has initiated a petition for three 2024 ballot initiatives aimed at addressing transgender children in the state. These initiatives include preventing minors from receiving gender-affirming procedures or puberty blockers, requiring schools to disclose a child's gender identity selection to parents, and banning biological males from competing in girls' sports.

"This issue is affecting Democratic families and Republican families. Parents are losing their rights regardless of what party they're from," said Erin Friday, a Democrat and member of Protect Kids California.

California has long been a progressive haven for LGBTQ+ policies. Last year, the state passed a bill establishing itself as a “refuge” for transgender kids and their families. Democratic state Sen. Scott Weiner emphasized the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ youth and their families in the face of attacks across the country.

"California must stand with LGBTQ kids and their families, especially when they're under attack across the country," said Weiner.

If the resolution is passed, California will become the first state in the nation to officially recognize and honor Transgender History Month.