rights
California budgets $26 million to protect access to gender-affirming care from federal attacks
By Faefyx Collington at LGBTQ Nation
· July 9, 2026
· 4 min read
In a win for trans people, their families, and healthcare providers in the state, California has passed a new budget that includes funds to protect gender-affirming and reproductive healthcare from federal funding interference. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed the budget, which was the result of extensi
Key takeaway “This historic investment will help keep care accessible, support the providers doing this lifesaving work, and remind trans young people that California will not abandon them,” said Kathy Moehlig, director of TransFamily Support Services.
Why this matters
California's allocation of $26 million to protect access to gender-affirming care signals a significant commitment to safeguarding the well-being of trans individuals, particularly youth, in the face of federal funding threats. This move is crucial as hospital systems, such as Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Rady Children's Hospital, have already suspended their gender-affirming care programs due to uncertainty over federal funding. By providing grants to healthcare providers, California aims to ensure the continuation and expansion of these lifesaving services. The state's actions also underscore the importance of state-level protections, as federal policies and funding decisions can have far-reaching consequences for marginalized communities. As other states, like New Jersey, pass similar health care shield laws, California's efforts may serve as a model for national advocacy, highlighting the need for comprehensive and coordinated support for trans individuals and their healthcare providers across the US.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LGBTQ Nation . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: rights ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more LGBTQ News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering rights and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? In a win for trans people, their families, and healthcare providers in the state, California has passed a new budget that includes funds to protect gender-affirming and reproductive healthcare from federal funding interference. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed the budget, which was the result of extensi
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Faefyx Collington at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .