In a bold move defending the rights of transgender and nonbinary youth, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s controversial executive order targeting gender-affirming medical care. The lawsuit, joined by 14 other states and the District of Columbia, argues that the federal restrictions violate constitutional rights and undermine state laws ensuring equal medical treatment.

The executive order, issued in January, aims to prevent federal funding for gender transition services for individuals under 19, effectively creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation for transgender youth, their families, and medical professionals. This marks California’s 37th lawsuit against the Trump administration, highlighting the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

Major medical providers in California have already begun scaling back gender-affirming services in response to the order. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has closed its gender-affirming care center, impacting approximately 3,000 patients under 21. Stanford Medicine and Kaiser Permanente have also paused surgical procedures for patients under 19, creating significant barriers to essential healthcare.

Research consistently shows that gender-affirming care can positively impact the mental health of transgender youth. By forcing young people to delay treatment until age 19, the order risks exacerbating symptoms of gender dysphoria and potentially causing long-term psychological harm.

The lawsuit argues that the federal directives conflict with California’s anti-discrimination laws, which explicitly prohibit denying care based on gender identity. Medical providers, who often rely heavily on federal funding through research grants and public health programs like Medi-Cal, now face an impossible choice between providing critical care and risking financial penalties.

This executive order is part of a broader pattern of actions targeting transgender rights, including policies that recognize only two biological sexes and prevent transgender girls from participating in women’s sports. As the legal battle unfolds, California continues to stand at the forefront of protecting LGBTQ+ rights and ensuring accessible, compassionate healthcare for all.

The fight is far from over, and advocates remain committed to challenging discriminatory policies that threaten the well-being of transgender and nonbinary youth.