California became the first U.S. state to designate a month to recognize transgender individuals after legislators there approved an authorizing resolution.
The state’s Assembly passed a resolution to recognize August as Transgender History Month, according to a report from Fox 40.
“I believe that as Californians our strongest defense against the anti-trans agenda is just to tell the truth,” said Assemblyman Matt Haney of San Francisco.
“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.”
The California move comes amid growing discussions about gender policies in California schools.
State Attorney General Rob Bonta recently sued Chino Valley Unified School District’s Board of Education, urging them to cease the enforcement of their gender identity disclosure policy.
A California judge has temporarily halted the district from implementing the mandatory gender identity policy.
Transgender History Month, which will be officially recognized starting next year, aims to highlight the contributions and history of the transgender community, the Fox 40 report noted.
“Many Californians remain unaware of the real lives and experiences of transgender people, even here in California,” remarked San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Honey Mahogany.
“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.”
Protect Kids California, a newly established activist group, launched a petition for three 2024 ballot initiatives, according to the report, that focus on transgender children in California.
The measures propose preventing minors from undergoing gender-affirming procedures, requiring schools to inform parents about their child’s gender identity selection and banning males from girls sports.
“This issue is affecting Democratic families and Republican families,” said PKC member Erin Friday. “Parents are losing their rights regardless of what party they’re from.”
California has been at the forefront of advancing LGBTQ+ policies.
In the previous year, the California Assembly passed a bill designating the state as a safe haven for transgender children and their families.
“California must stand with LGBTQ kids and their families, especially when they’re under attack across the country,” declared Democratic State Sen. Scott Weiner.
