Kori Barnes 
Change is on the horizon.
Although there are 50 states in the US there is only one that is moving forward to officially recognize one month dedicated to transgender history. California has become the first US state to recognize ‘Transgender History Month’ and it’ll be recognized starting in August 2024. This sets a precedent within our country and towards the remaining 49 US states to follow suit in support of the transgender community.
Assembly member Matt Haney, the San Francisco Democrat who pushed the new bill, released a statement in advocacy of the Transgender community finally receiving the recognition they deserve. He stated, “I believe that as Californians our strongest defense against the anti-trans agenda is just to tell the truth. 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.” Despite the controversy surrounding school gender policies in California, a judge temporarily blocked a lawsuit against the Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Board of Education that was attempting to halt the enforcement of its mandatory gender identity disclosure policy.
The goal of California instating Transgender History Month is not only to support the community, but educate others on the importance and background. Honey Mahogany, San Francisco’s Democratic Party Chair, stated, “Many Californians remain unaware of the real lives and experiences of transgender people, even here in California. 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.” This is not the only initiative that this state has taken in support of the Transgender community. According to foxnews.com,“The state has become a haven for LGBTQ+ policies. Last year, for instance, the California Assembly passed a bill establishing the state as a “refuge” for transgender kids and their families.”
Every human being should be treated equally. Every human being has the choice and right to be who they are. I definitely hope to see the remaining US states follow in the same direction as California.
By Kori Barnes, University of Southern California
Instagram: @korixnicole
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