Protecting the Rights of Trans and Nonbinary Youth in California

Trans and non-binary youth deserve to decide on their own terms when and how to have conversations about their identities. Young people thrive when they have parental support and feel safe sharing their full identities at home, but it can be harmful to force them to do so before they are ready. Politicians should have no role in these deeply personal decisions.  

In recent years, we have seen a sharp rise in attacks against trans and non-binary students across the country. California is no exception. In 2023, at least ten school districts adopted policies that would require school staff to “out” students to their parents without their permission — in clear violation of longstanding California law and Department of Education guidance.  

The ACLU of Northern California is fighting in courtrooms and at the State Capitol to push back against forced outing policies and defend California laws that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ students. This page includes information about ongoing litigation and legislation, as well as helpful resources for students, families, and policymakers.

RESOURCES
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Backpack with pencils in the colors of the Trans Rights flag

Learn about LGBTQ+ students’ rights and how to fight harmful school district policies that would require staff to out trans and nonbinary youth without their consent.

  

LEGISLATION
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Trans rights flag

On July 15, 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1955, the Support Academic Futures & Educators for Today’s Youth Act (the SAFETY Act), which strengthens existing California law prohibiting school districts from enacting a policy requiring that staff disclose information about a student’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression to anyone without the student’s consent unless otherwise directed by federal or state law.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the SAFETY Act:

  

LITIGATION
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LGBTQ+ flag

The ACLU of Northern California and our partners have filed briefs in several lawsuits, challenging forced outing policies and defending policies that affirm the rights of LGBTQ+ students. Here are some of our key arguments: