FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25th, 2025
SACRAMENTO LEADERS UNITE TO DEFEND TRANSGENDER RIGHTS AMID FEDERAL ATTACKS: “WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK”
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center Holds Press Conference to Reaffirm Sacramento’s Commitment to the Transgender and Nonbinary Community
SACRAMENTO, CA – In response to the wave of anti-trans executive orders from the Trump Administration, Sacramento leaders are taking a stand. The Sacramento LGBT Community Center hosted a press conference today, March 25th, at 10:00 AM at its Lavender Heights headquarters (1015 20th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811) condemning these discriminatory policies and reaffirming Sacramento’s unwavering commitment to supporting, protecting, and uplifting transgender and non-binary individuals.
The federal executive orders include bans on transgender individuals serving in the military, restrictions on gender-affirming medical care, threats to transgender students and supportive teachers, restrictions on participation in sports, and enforcement of discriminatory restroom policies
“These executive orders are a direct attack on the dignity and rights of transgender people,” said David Heitstuman, CEO of the Sacramento LGBT Community Center. “They are designed to create fear, division, and unnecessary hardship for trans individuals and their families. However, Sacramento is a region that values every community member and believes every trans person should have equitable access to affirming healthcare, education, employment, and services that support a community where they can thrive. We want every trans person to know—we’ve got your back. We will continue to fight beside our trans community—our doors will always be open, and the Center will remain a safe and welcoming place where you belong.”
A United Front Against Discrimination
Transgender individuals contribute meaningfully to every sector of society—they serve in Congress, run businesses, work as first responders, and protect our nation in the military. These discriminatory policies do not reflect American values; rather, they create barriers to healthcare, housing, education, and employment that put lives at risk.
Medical experts and LGBTQ+ advocates have long emphasized that denying gender-affirming healthcare can have life-threatening consequences, increasing the risk of depression, social isolation, and suicide among transgender youth.
Schools have increasingly become political battlegrounds in the national conversation around transgender rights, with federal efforts attempting to limit trans students’ access to bathrooms, sports teams, and gender-affirming support in classrooms. Yet here in Sacramento, educators and school leaders are standing firmly in support of trans and nonbinary students.
“Access to healthcare is a human right, as is access to Gender Affirming Care,” said Michelle Monroe, CEO of One Community Health. “We demand that every person has access to the care they deserve”.
“Every parent should have the freedom to make the best medical decisions for their child in consultation with doctors, not politicians,” said Emily Burnes, mother to a transgender child.
“Our schools are — and will continue to be — a sanctuary for the trans and non-binary community. We stand with our students and staff in the face of any efforts to erase or marginalize who they are. Our commitment is not performative,” said Jackie Wong, Trustee, Washington Unified School Board.
Transgender individuals already face higher rates of bullying, harassment, and violence. Enforcing bathroom bans does not protect anyone—it strips trans people of their dignity and exposes them to further discrimination and harm.
Sacramento: A Sanctuary for the Trans Community
In 2024, the City of Sacramento took a historic step by becoming a Sanctuary City for the Transgender Community, ensuring that trans and non-binary individuals are protected, supported, and valued. California has also led the way, becoming the first trans-sanctuary state in 2022.
“This day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of transgender and gender non-binary individuals who walk among us. Each one of you here today plays a vital role in creating a world where every person can express their true selves without fear or shame,” said Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, Esq., City of Sacramento, District 1.
“I am proud to stand up in support of the trans community. The targeting of real human beings – who are our neighbors and fellow Americans – for cheap political gains is repugnant. We are stronger as a community and a nation when we seek to bridge divides and foster understanding rather than to marginalize and profit from division.” – Assemblywoman Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento)
Sacramento is not just speaking out—we are taking action to ensure that transgender individuals have the resources and support they need. While today’s event highlights local unity, efforts are also underway at the state level to proactively defend the rights of transgender and nonbinary Californians. The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus released the following statement in response to the federal policy threats:
“The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus fully condemns President Trump’s executive orders that arbitrarily and hatefully target our transgender, gender expansive, and intersex (TGI) community members,” said the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus in a joint statement. “Our Caucus has been working with organizations across our state and nation to prepare for a second Trump Administration. We here in California will continue to uphold an individual’s fundamental right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We have introduced robust priority and endorsed legislative packages to provide greater protections for all Californians from the Trump Administration—especially our TGI community members. This will be a long four years, but this Caucus is ready to stand up for those targeted and bullied for being simply who they are, just as we did during the last Trump Administration.”
As Sacramento and California lead with purpose and principle, the message is clear: trans and nonbinary people belong here—and we will never stop fighting to ensure they are protected, affirmed, and free to live as their authentic selves.
Resources and Support for the LGBTQ+ Community
Sacramento is home to a strong network of organizations working to ensure that transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ individuals have access to critical services and support. At the heart of this effort, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center provides comprehensive resources, including access to gender-affirming healthcare navigation, mental health counseling, housing and homelessness assistance, employment support, and legal advocacy. The Center is dedicated to ensuring that all LGBTQ+ individuals have access to lifesaving services, offering trauma-informed therapy, job placement programs, and guidance for legal name and gender marker changes. By fostering a supportive environment, the Center continues to be a pillar of strength for the community.
Another vital resource is the Gender Health Center (GHC), which offers free or low-cost, low-barrier services for transgender and non-binary individuals. GHC provides access to gender-affirming medical care tailored to the community’s needs. In addition to healthcare services, GHC offers legal assistance for name and gender marker changes, harm reduction services, and peer support groups to create spaces for healing and empowerment.
The services these organizations provide are lifesaving, and we will continue to expand them to meet the growing needs of our community.
Their work is strengthened by partnerships with statewide organizations such as Equality California, The Trevor Project, and Trans Lifeline, which provide additional advocacy, crisis support, and healthcare resources. For more information, visit saccenter.org or genderhealthcenter.org.
###
Press Contacts
Luis P. Cortes, Chief Development & External Affairs Officer: Luis.Cortes@saccenter.org
Priya Kumar, Communications & Marketing Manager: Priya.Kumar@saccenter.org