Los Angeles, CA – The California Endowment’s Board of Directors has overwhelmingly agreed to a $1 million pledge of funding to support the transgender community, which has been the target of unrelenting attacks nationwide. The pledge is aimed at raising public awareness and elevating the focus on the health, economic, and educational disparities facing the transgender community.

“An unprecedented number of legislative efforts nationwide now take aim at the transgender community. Many of these policies directly target the health care and life-saving gender-affirming care that transgender youth and their families need. We know that California is positioned to forge a leadership position supporting efforts to bring about crucial systemic changes in the country. The Endowment strongly believes that lessons learned here in California can serve as a way forward for others throughout the nation,” said Dr. Robert K. Ross, President, and CEO, The California Endowment.

 The Endowment’s pledge will support building a durable transgender movement infrastructure that reinforces and provides technical assistance and learnings for other transgender organizations fighting these horrific and painful policies.

“Impactful change will not be a reality without significant and sustainable investments, which are vital to the development of critical technical assistance, trainings, capacity building, and essential partnerships,” said Kris Hayashi, Executive Director, Transgender Law Center and Endowment board member.

The Endowment’s $1 million pledge is intended to serve a catalytic role in encouraging other funders and philanthropic organizations to contribute and leverage investments as part of a national campaign. The funds committed by The California Endowment will be provided to California-based organizations.

About The California Endowment

The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation, was established in 1996 to expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians. Headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles, The Endowment has regional offices in Sacramento, Oakland, Fresno, and San Diego, with program staff working throughout the state. The Endowment challenges the conventional wisdom that medical settings and individual choices are solely responsible for people’s health. The Endowment believes that health happens in neighborhoods, schools, and with prevention. Learn more at www.calendow.org.

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