CALIFORNIA BOOSTS LGBTQ+ YOUTH SUPPORT AMID FEDERAL HOTLINE CUTS
Governor Newsom announced a new California initiative last month to support LGBTQ+ youth, directly opposing the Trump administration’s actions, including the defunding of a national crisis hotline. Partnering with The Trevor Project, the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) will provide specialized training for the state’s 988 crisis counselors to better assist LGBTQ+ youth. For support, you can call, text, or chat 988.
ADMINISTRATION FORCED TO RESTORE $6.2M TO LGBTQ+ AND HIV GROUPS
The federal government has been compelled to restore over $6.2 million in grant funding to nine organizations serving LGBTQ+ individuals and those living with HIV. This action follows a preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in early June. The funding cut stemmed from three executive orders signed on Inauguration Day, challenged by a Lambda Legal lawsuit, San Francisco AIDS Foundation v. Trump, filed in February 2025. The court found the orders likely violated equal protection, free speech, due process, and Separation of Powers, stating the administration cannot “weaponize Congressionally appropriated funds to single out protected communities.” This ruling allows vital organizations to continue their essential services.
FEDS SUE CALIFORNIA OVER YOUTH PROTECTIONS
The federal government has sued the California Department of Education over its policy allowing transgender girls to participate in sports that align with their gender identity. This lawsuit comes after California refused federal threats to cut billions in funding if it abandoned its inclusive stance. The lawsuit claims California’s policies disregard “undeniable biological differences” and unfairly affect cisgender girls. Critics, however, argue this language is discriminatory and aims to erase transgender identities. Advocates for transgender rights emphasize the negative mental health impacts of excluding transgender children. This legal action is part of a larger federal effort to roll back LGBTQ+ protections. Civil rights groups, including Equality California, view it as a direct attack on transgender youth.
COURT BLOCKS TRUMP’S BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP ORDER NATIONWIDE
A federal appeals court has issued a nationwide block on an executive order seeking to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented or temporary visa parents. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last month that the order is unconstitutional, marking the first appellate assessment since a late June Supreme Court ruling that limited nationwide injunctions. The court found an exception, citing potential chaos for states if the injunction were narrower. This decision follows a similar nationwide block by a New Hampshire federal judge earlier last month, increasing the likelihood of the issue reaching the Supreme Court.
DAVID GEFFEN SUED FOR EXPLOITATION BY ESTRANGED HUSBAND
Billionaire David Geffen is being sued by estranged husband Donovan Michaels, who alleges exploitation and breach of contract. The lawsuit claims Geffen used Michaels, a vulnerable young Black man met on “Seekingarrangements.com,” as a “trophy” and “sexual commodity” during their nine-year relationship, including a two-year marriage. Michaels states Geffen promised him half his $9 billion fortune to be his full-time partner during COVID-19, then left him homeless after their June separation. Geffen’s attorney vehemently denies the claims, calling the suit “false” and “pathetic.” This legal action follows Geffen’s May divorce filing, where Michaels sought spousal support.
