Assemblyman Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) and members of the transgender community recently applauded $15 million included in the state budget for the Transgender Wellness and Equity Fund.

Santiago and sponsors of the fund highlighted the importance of supporting health and wellness for the transgender, gender-non confirming and intersex communities.

Established in 2020 under Assembly Bill 2218, authored by Santiago, the Transgender Wellness and Equity Fund will provide critical medical and direct supportive services for transgender, gender non-conforming and intersex individuals.

“Everyone should have equal access to health care regardless of gender identity,” Santiago said. “California’s TGI community is facing obstacles in receiving safe, non-discriminatory, comprehensive care, and COVID-19 has exacerbated this. This fund will help create programs where the TGI community can receive safe, competent and inclusive mental healthcare, medical care and other social services.”

“Having AB 2218 becoming a reality sends a sign that there is now hope for TGI people through the services that we are going to be able to improve the health conditions of our community,” said Bamby Salcedo, president and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition. “We are building healthy TGI people. I am hopeful for the future of our peoples.”

Approximately 218,400 individuals in California identify as transgender. To address inequities and discrimination, the Transgender Wellness and Equity Fund will be the first state program in the country to provide medical and mental health services and housing for TGI individuals.