Monday, April 4, 2022 by Zefferin Llamas

What is it?

Senate Bill 923 (SB923), also known as TGI (Transgender, Gender-variant, and Intersex) Inclusive Care Act would require healthcare providers and staff in California to undergo cultural competency training so that they acquire the tools necessary to provide inclusive care to TGI patients.

Trainings would need to be facilitated by TGI organizations, and health plans in California would also be required to include a directory for gender-affirming services on their websites. If passed, this legislation would take effect in summer of 2023.

Why is it important?

If passed, SB923 would aid in bridging a huge disparity between TGI people and the rest of the population in accessing healthcare. A study done by the National Center for Transgender Equality in 2014 found that one-third of trans people had a negative experience related to their gender in a healthcare setting.

Negative experiences include being misgendered, being asked inappropriate questions, and even being refused care. Negative experiences were recorded at a much higher rate for trans people of color. The expectation of mistreatment at the hands of healthcare professionals is a huge barrier to accessing healthcare for trans people, a barrier that SB923 aims to remove in California.

What’s the status?

California State Senator Scott Wiener introduced this bill to the Senate on February 3, 2022. Since then, a hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 6. You can check updates to the status of SB923 on OpenStates, a handy legislation tracker.

You can read the full bill text on the California Legislative Information website.

What can I do?

Spread the word on social media. The California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network has put together a great toolkit with graphics, information, and the socials of the Senate Committee on Health, the state representatives who will be deciding on the future of this bill. Check out that toolkit here.