LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved two proposals by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, one co-authored by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and the other co-authored by Chair Janice Hahn, in support of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, or another diverse gender identity) community by expanding access to gender-affirming health care services and establishing the first-ever LGBTQ+ Commission within Los Angeles County.

“In the first 5 months of this year alone, nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced nationwide. To that end, in light of the ever-increasing bias, prejudice, and hate against LGBTQ+ community members, it is clear that Los Angeles County not only needs to stand up as an ally but ensure that our policies are inclusive of the specific needs of these communities. My hope with these two motions is to establish a welcoming and inclusive safety net for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Supervisor Solis.

“Providing physical and mental health care services that are gender inclusive and affirming validates and supports our Transgender, Gender nonconforming, and Intersex community right where they are. I’m proud to join Supervisor Solis in expanding gender-affirming health access. It is essential to put our values into action and uplift the needs of our LGBTQ+ community. To our TGI community, know that Los Angeles County sees you and is here to support you with access to health services that help you thrive,” said Supervisor Horvath.

“At its heart, LA County government is a safety net for people who have nowhere else to turn. It is so important that the LGBTQ+ community have a seat at the table when we enact policies because we know members of this community are more likely to be uninsured, more likely to be living in poverty, and more likely to have limited access to services. It is my hope that this commission helps us better serve the LGBTQ+ community and close that gap,” said Chair Hahn.

Solis and Horvath’s motion, which was approved today in a 5-0 vote, will expand the gender-affirming healthcare services that Los Angeles County offers so that Transgender, Gender non-conforming, and Intersex residents have safe, affirming, and appropriate access to medical care, mental health care, and care coordination services.

Solis and Hahn’s motion, which was also approved today in a 5-0 vote, will not only establish the first-ever LGBTQ+ Commission within Los Angeles County, which will make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on new policies and programs but also require County staff to undergo several trainings to better serve LGBTQ+ constituents.

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