Advancing Pride Justice

The County of Los Angeles (County) is committed to providing the care and resources needed to support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQ+) residents.  Over the past few years, the County has acted urgently to address the many challenges our LGBTQ+ communities face, particularly at a time when their fundamental rights are under attack.  Examples of these County initiatives include:

  • Initiating an LGBTQ+ Community Safety Plan;
  • Creating the County’s first ever LGBTQ+ Commission;
  • Addressing the inequities faced by Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex (TGI) communities; and
  • Continuing to affirm the County’s commitment to providing gender-affirming and inclusive care and resources for everyone in LA County. 

Below are a few highlights of the work currently underway and County resources that provide culturally appropriate and knowledgeable services for LGBTQ+ communities.

Addressing the Inequities Facing Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex (TGI) People

On November 22, 2022, the LA County Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted a motion entitled, Addressing the Inequities Facing Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Intersex People. The motion highlights the severe disparities experienced by TGI communities in life outcomes related to health, housing, wealth, employment, and safety and affirms the County’s commitment to providing equitable services that meet the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.  To ensure a more strategic and coordinated effort to support the health and well-being of transgender, gender non-confirmed, and intersex (TGI) communities, the Board directed the Chief Executive Officer, through the Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative, to meet several directives in partnership with relevant County departments and initiatives.  These include:

  • Develop recommendations on data gathering, standard metrics, reporting, policy, and program changes that enable the County to better serve TGI communities. The assessment should identify the reach and outcomes of existing services and programs to date;
  • Improve data collection on the equitable distribution of American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funds and services to underserved, geographically isolated, and excluded TGI-serving groups and explore methods to gather information more effectively on how funds and services are reaching and impacting related groups, in consultation with LGBTQ+ and TGI-serving community-based organizations;
  • Improve, as needed, the County’s COVID-19 Vulnerability and Recovery Index Dashboard and Equity Explorer Mapping Tool to incorporate data on LGBTQ+ and TGI communities;
  • Conduct an initial assessment on the critical gaps in services and recommendations on priority strategies for improving and expanding programs and services for TGI individuals across all relevant departments;
  • Provide initial recommendations on how the County can develop a permanent, integrated TGI population strategy, including structural ways to better coordinate County services for TGI individuals; and
  • Conduct an analysis of potential funding streams to increase County resources for TGI individuals, including opportunities for state and federal funding.

Care with Pride: Ensuring Appropriate LGBTQ+ And Gender-Affirming Care in Los Angeles County

On June 22, 2021, the Board adopted a motion entitled, Care with Pride: Ensuring Appropriate LGBTQ+ And Gender-Affirming Care in Los Angeles County. It sought to address significant barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals to culturally appropriate and affirming healthcare, particularly for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. These unique barriers include experiences with stigma, discrimination, lack of knowledgeable providers, limited or no insurance coverage for specific LGBTQ+ health needs, and institutional or government policies that prohibit LGBTQ+ care.  Since then, the Board has adopted annual “Care with Pride” motions to improve access to quality, holistic health care for all LGBTQ+ patients and ensure Los Angeles County continues to be a safe space for all residents seeking gender affirming care. Efforts throughout the years included:

  • Expanding competent, affirming LGBTQ+ healthcare models;
  • Creating the Gender Health Program within the Department of Health Services (DHS) to standardize and strengthen LGBTQ+ services for DHS-empaneled patients, involve Departments of Children and Family Services and Mental Health in care delivery, and ensure the program was consistent with national standards of LGBTQ+ care; and
  • Improving coordination between the County departments.

Most recently, the Care with Pride: Affirming and Expanding the Gender Health Program motion was adopted on June 4, 2024, which calls for: a care team of medical experts from relevant departments to ensure seamless transition of – and coordinated care for – County LGBTQ+-identified patients; the creation of a task force to ensure the County’s services follow the top standards of gender affirming care offered by other institutions in the County; and the creation of an LGBTQ+ care landing page regularly updated with content from the health and social services departments.

Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Incidents

On November 7, 2023, the Board adopted a motion entitled, Response to Increase in Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Incidents Across Los Angeles, which calls attention to a disturbing rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate throughout the state and nation, including book bans, acts of violence, online harassment, protests, threats, and other aggressive and organized actions.

In LA County, these tactics manifested in a very real, very dangerous way at a Drag Storytime event scheduled with the San Fernando Branch of the Los Angeles County Library as part of the County’s celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month. Despite the presence of local law enforcement, numerous anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-drag protestors blocked and pounded on doors and verbally harassed County staff and attendees, leading to an impromptu cancellation of the event due to safety concerns.

In adopting this motion, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an LA County where all residents, including transgender, queer, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities, can live safely and free from intimidation or violence.

Click here to learn more about this and other identity-based hate initiatives and access the full report on progress made on directives here.

TGI and LGBTQ+ Community Resources

County TGI Community Resources

Below is a list of specific County resources for TGI communities.  These resources are designed to provide culturally appropriate and informed services that support the health and well-being of TGI residents.

TGI Health Programs and Services

The Alexis Project

The Alexis Project, a partnership between the Alexis Arquette Family Foundation and Department of Health Services, provides healthcare to support LGBTQ+ individuals, including comprehensive, gender-affirming care and mental health services.  The program strives to create a safe, inclusive environment for those who need it most and ensures that every person can live authentically and with dignity.


Hermanas: A Health Education/Risk Reduction Program, Bienestar Human Services

The Department of Public Health – Division of HIV/STD Programs supports Bienestar Human Services to provide a comprehensive HIV/STD health education and risk reduction program specifically designed for transgender women.  This program includes both individual and group sessions aimed at reducing the risk of acquiring HIV and other STDs.


Gender Affirming Support Group

The Gender Affirming Group offers a space for transgender folks to connect. This group is for all gender diverse adults who would benefit from mutual support around navigating discrimination and hostility, uplifting each other, and building a meaningful life.  The group is located at the Hollywood-Wilshire Wellness Community and is a collaboration between the Departments of Mental and Public Health.  The group is free for individuals 18+ years of age and meets on Mondays from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM with in-person and virtual sessions available.

For more information, contact Martin Rodarte, LCSW, at 213-266-3432.


Letter of Support for Gender Affirming Surgeries

Insurance companies require a letter from a mental health care professional prior to all gender affirming surgeries. The letter is a statement that the client is ready and able to give informed consent. Individuals can request a free letter of support through the Hollywood-Wilshire Wellness Community.

For more information, contact Martin Rodarte, LCSW, at 213-266-3432.


Los Angeles County Gender Health Program

The Gender Health Program provides gender-affirming hormone therapy and puberty suppression, surgical and procedural interventions, sexual and reproductive health services, and guidance for other needed services such as mental health and social support for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming Department of Health Services (DHS) patients of all ages. Services are limited to DHS patients by appointment only.  Patients must receive a referral from their primary care provider to access the program and are asked to bring a photo ID or verify their information at check-in. In-person or phone interpreters are available for all languages.


TransInLA Social Media

As part of the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative, the Department of Public Health – Division of HIV/STD Programs launched the TransInLA social media accounts on Instagram, X (previously Twitter), and Facebook. The accounts share information on HIV prevention and treatment strategies, community events, and transgender individual perspectives. This social media strategy addresses the inequities faced by transgender communities and is designed to increase community involvement and engage youth and young adults.

https://www.instagram.com/transinla
https://twitter.com/transinla
https://www.facebook.com/translosangeles


Trans Wellness Centers

Supported by the Department of Public Health – Division of HIV/STD Programs, the Trans Wellness Centers are collaborative initiatives led by Bienestar Human Services and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, respectively, and in partnership with Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Friends Community Center, and Translatin@ Coalition. The two centers deliver a range of holistic services for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals that include, but are not limited to, gender-affirming healthcare, HIV and STD testing, mental health support, and support services.

Go to Trans Health Bienestar and The Trans Wellness Center for more information.

TGI Social Services

Gender Affirming Resource Closets for Los Angeles County Youth

The Affirming Resource Closets provide gender affirming items, such as shapewear, make-up, and clothing, at community organizations in LA County.  Through a pilot program, the resource has expanded to four sites as part of a partnership among the Pritzker Foster Care Initiative, Casey Family Programs, and Department of Children and Family Services.  The new sites include the Alexis Project, LA LGBT Center Project Q, and Village Family Services.  Services are free to the public but may be available only by appointment.

For more information, please contact Jessica Brown at brownj@dcfs.lacounty.gov.

TGI Substance Use Treatment Services

Children’s Hospital LA

Population Served: TGI Youth 12 to 25
Level of Care: Outpatient
Address: 5000 West Sunset Blvd, Suite 701, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Contact: (323) 361-2463
Website: https://www.chla.org/adolescent-and-young-adult-medicine/substance-use-prevention-and-treatment-program


Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse – Nuestra Casa

Population Served: LGBQ+, TGI, TAY
Level of Care: Outpatient, Residential
Address: 8919 & 8921 California Ave, South Gate, CA 90280
Contact: (213) 372-5233
Website: https://www.lacada.com/


Van Ness Recovery House

Population Served: LGBQ+, TGI
Level of Care: Residential
Address: 1919 N Beachwood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Contact: (323) 463-4266
Website: https://vannessrecoveryhouse.com/

County LGBTQ+ Resources

Below is a list of County resources for the broader LGBTQ+ community.  These resources are designed to provide culturally appropriate services that support the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ residents.

LGBTQ+ Civic Engagement

Department of Mental Health LGBTQIA2-S Underserved Cultural Communities

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2-S) Underserved Cultural Communities (UsCC) subcommittee was established by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to provide community-driven and culturally specific program recommendations and ideas for implementation.  The subcommittee’s purpose is to increase mental health access, awareness, and promotion and to decrease stigma with the goal of reducing disparities in access to care and service delivery among LGBTQ+ individuals.  The group meets virtually every first Thursday of the month from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.


Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office LGBTQ+ Advisory Board

The purpose of the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board for the Los Angeles County District Attorney is to provide input and recommendations on policies, issues and best practices related to LGBTQ+ identified people.  See the list of current board members here.


Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Council – LGBTQI Issues Committee

The LGBTQI Issues Committee is one of six Department of Public Health-sponsored Domestic Violence Council (DVC) committees that focus on specific issues and their intersection with domestic/ interpersonal partner violence.  This committee raises awareness of violence-related issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community and strengthens providers’ capacity to address and increase inclusive and safe spaces for LGBTQI+ victims and survivors of domestic/ interpersonal partner violence.

Click here for more information about the DVC.  For past LGBTQI Issues Committee meeting agendas and minutes, click here.


Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission

The newly formed LGBTQ+ Commission is tasked with reviewing and providing recommendations on LGBTQ+ inclusiveness and responsiveness for County programming, policies, protocols and legislation.  The first LGBTQ+ Commission meeting was held in June 2024.  To access meeting agendas and minutes, click here and search for “LGBTQ+ Commission.”

For more information, contact Sunitha Menon, Executive Director, LGBTQ+ Commission, at smenon@bos.lacounty.gov.

LGBTQ+ Health Programs and Services

DoxyPEP Campaign

The Department of Public Health – Division of HIV/STD Programs launched the DoxyPEP awareness campaign on digital platforms including Meta, TikTok, LGBTQ-focused dating apps, streaming audio, and paid search. The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness of DoxyPEP among men who have sex with men and transgender women, specifically those in Black and Latine/x communities.  Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) means taking the antibiotic doxycycline after sex, to prevent getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is a morning-after pill for STIs. Taking DoxyPEP reduces the chance of acquiring syphilis and chlamydia by about two-thirds.

Access the GetProtectedLA YouTube page with DoxyPEP campaign videos at GPLA YouTube Page.


Get Protected LA

Get Protected LA, supported by the Department of Public Health – Division of HIV/STD Programs, is the official sexual-health resource hub for HIV and STD prevention, testing, care, services, and information in Los Angeles County.

Click here to access the GetProtectedLA YouTube page.


Los Angeles County Sexual & Gender Diverse Queer Women’s Health Collaborative

The Department of Public Health – Office of Woman’s Health is a founding member and continuing planning member of the LA County Sexual and Gender Diverse Women’s Health Collaborative (formally the Los Angeles County Lesbian Bisexual Women’s Health Collaborative). Its purpose is to trains health care providers and social service professionals to deliver inclusive and culturally sensitive care to lesbian, bisexual, queer, and transgender women.  This collaborative is led by the Iris Cantor – UCLA Women’s Health Center and comprises of healthcare facilities, government agencies, community organizations, and academic institutions.


Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Services

The Department of Public Health funds over 25 contract providers that offer substance abuse prevention and treatment services focused on affirming and culturally responsive care for LGBTQ+ communities, including 3 providers designed to serve transgender patients, specifically.

LGBTQ+ Social Services

Department of Children and Family Services Tailored Services for Youth Program

The Tailored Services for Youth program within the LGBTQ+ Program of the Department of Children and Family Services supports the safety, permanency, and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ children, youth, and young adults involved in the child welfare system.  The program is a holistic, youth-centered program providing wraparound support for LGBTQ+ youth with an open DCFS case, as well as their family, caregivers, social workers, and support system.


Department of Public Social Services LGBTQ+ Services and Resources Website

The Department of Public Social Services is committed to providing meaningful access to all individuals applying for or receiving DPSS services, including LGBTQ+ individuals.  DPSS fosters an inclusive environment and promotes the health and well-being of all customers.  The DPSS LGBTQ+ webpage provides links to additional county and state resources available to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBTQ+ Substance Use Treatment Services

For information about LGBTQ+ Substance Use Treatment Services, click here.

Events

To inform future recommendations on strategies the County can take to address gaps in services and programs for TGI communities, ARDI hosted a Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex Community Town Hall (Town Hall) on July 11, 2023.  The Town Hall was planned in collaboration with transgender-led organizations and with the support from staff in the Departments of Health Services and Public Health.  Nearly 150 participants attended the Town Hall in person and more than 100 participants joined by Zoom during the hybrid event. Departments of Aging and Disabilities, Health Services, and Mental Health representatives attended to provide information about County services for LGBTQ+ residents. Participants at the event discussed opportunities for the County to provide culturally relevant outreach strategies to reach TGI communities and ensure TGI communities were aware of and could access County services, including programs funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP).

LGBTQ+ Reports and Data Resources

Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations 2022 Hate Crime Report

Since 1980, the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations has compiled, analyzed, and produced an annual report of hate crime data submitted by sheriff and city police agencies, educational institutions, and community-based organizations. The report is one of the longest-standing efforts in the nation to document hate crime.  This latest report found that 18% of hate crimes were motivated by sexual orientation and 81% of these crimes targeted gay men, while there were 44 anti-transgender crimes, the largest number ever documented; 91% of these crimes were violent.

Los Angeles County Equity Explorer Mapping Tool

The Equity Explorer Mapping Tool allows users to explore census tracts throughout Los Angeles County to identify areas of the highest need based on populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The map also features economic, health, environmental, education, demographic, and justice filters that allow users to access summary statistics for geographies down to the census tract level.  While TGI demographic data is limited, the CEO identified transgender and gender non-conforming demographic data by Service Provider Area using the California Health Interview Survey. This data is now included as a layer in the Equity Explorer and incorporates 2015-2021 results to increase statistical reliability due to the small sample size.

UCLA School of Law Williams Institute

The Williams Institute is the leading research center on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.

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