Statement from Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis’ Transgender Advisory Council on International Transgender Day of Visibility

SACRAMENTO – Today, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis’s Transgender Advisory Council released the following in commemoration of International Transgender Day of Visibility: 

“On International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), we lift the voices and celebrate the joy of our transgender and gender-expansive siblings across our state, our nation, and beyond. Today is a day of empowerment, recognition, and visibility and in an increasingly hostile political climate, being seen, heard, and acknowledged is more important than ever, especially for our transgender youth.

“Celebration and advocacy must go hand in hand. We honor the achievements, accomplishments, and contributions of transgender communities while continuing the fight against discrimination and violence.”

“Across the country, harmful policies continue to target transgender people. This March, Kansas passed invalidating and revoking driver’s licenses and birth certificates of transgender Kansans, without providing any advance notice or grace periods to update their documents. Even in California, where historic protection has been enacted, threats remain. The US Supreme Court ‘s decision to block AB1955 (SAFETY Act), a landmark law that protected against forced outing policies in schools has placed transgender youth at great risk by undermining protections against forced outing policies in schools.

“Violence against transgender people – particularly transgender women – remains alarmingly high fueled by hostile policies, dehumanizing rhetoric and harmful stereotypes. According to GLAAD’s 2025 Anti-LGBTQ Extremism Reporting Tracker, more than half of all anti-LGBTQ violence specifically targeted transgender and gender-nonconforming people, which marks a 10% increase since 2024.

“In this moment, sharing our stories of resilience and reclaiming our narratives is an act of resistance. On this International Transgender Day of Visibility, we come together to celebrate our community and continue fighting for the safety, dignity, and future of transgender people – especially our youth.”

 Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Statement:

“As Lt. Governor, I stand with our Transgender Advisory Council and the transgender community here in California and across the country. Visibility matters, but visibility alone isn’t enough, especially as the current administration works to erase transgender people from public life and strip away their fundamental rights. This year alone, MAGA lawmakers have introduced hundreds of bills targeting transgender people and attacking their safety, healthcare, and very existence. These aren’t policy debates. They’re attacks on our neighbors, colleagues, and family members. That’s why today matters, and why our work doesn’t stop here. We will continue to defend the rights of transgender Californians.”

Transgender Advisory Council Individual Statements:

“Transgender communities continue to navigate a rapidly shifting landscape shaped by policy debates, healthcare access challenges, and ongoing advocacy efforts. Despite increasing legislative pressures in some regions, trans individuals and allies remain resilient, organizing, educating, and pushing for equity, visibility, and protection. This moment underscores both the urgency of safeguarding trans rights and the strength and leadership within the community.”
— Khilynn Fowler

“Today, March 31st is the Transgender Day of Visibility. In 2026, this day takes on increased importance. Those of us who are Transgender have known all of our lives that there are few who share our lived experience. But being small in number does not mean we do not exist. Being small in number does not erase our human right of self-agency; and we will not surrender our human dignity.”
— Lisa Middleton

“We need our accomplices now. They can try to bend our power, but they could never make it or break it. Your trans neighbors need you now more than ever. Speak up and call it out because your voice and access make a difference. We will conquer and thrive together.”
— Blossom-Chrishelle Brown

“On Transgender Day of Visibility, we’re reminded that being seen must also mean being respected, protected, and affirmed. At a time when our lives are being debated, we continue to show up with strength and care for one another. Our existence is not up for debate, and our futures are not negotiable. Stand with us. Speak up. We are here, and we’re not going anywhere.”
— Lauren Pulido

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis established the first in the nation Transgender Advisory Council in 2021 to elevate the issues faced by transgender people across California. The council is comprised of ten transgender activists, advocates, and elected officials from across the state. View the Press Release for more information about the council.