Assembly adopts resolution recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility after heated debate

The California State Assembly on March 6, 2025 adopted House Resolution 21, recognizing March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility and proclaiming a week of visibility for transgender, gender-nonconforming and intersex Californians.

Supporters said the resolution was a symbolic but necessary affirmation amid what they described as a wave of hostile legislation and rhetoric. “This resolution tells our TGI community that we see you, that we respect you, and that we stand with you,” Assemblymember Zbor said on the Assembly floor. Several members cited mental-health and safety data and urged solidarity with vulnerable constituents.

Opponents said the resolution and related debate risked dividing communities and raised practical policy questions that they said deserved separate consideration. “This resolution does not unite us. It divides us,” Assemblymember De Maio said during floor remarks critical of the measure and the surrounding political context.

The measure drew broad floor debate, with multiple caucuses and individual members speaking for and against the resolution. Supporters highlighted the scale of the community and recent legislative pressures: “Transgender people are our neighbors. Transgender people are our friends,” Assemblymember Zbor said, and other proponents pointed to data and public‑health research discussed on the floor about increased risk to transgender youth when they lack social support.

Assemblymember Pellerin noted the day’s origins and the role of visibility in reducing stigma, saying, “Visibility matters” and that the resolution was intended to celebrate contributions while drawing attention to ongoing disparities. Members including Haney, Wilson and Bonta framed the vote as a life‑saving show of support for constituents who face discrimination and threats of exclusion.

During debate, Assemblymember Asseley and others said there was room for further policy conversations on specific issues such as sports eligibility and private‑space protections for women and girls. Those speakers framed their points as concerns about fairness in particular contexts rather than a denial of dignity for transgender people.

After debate, the Assembly added 54 coauthors and took a voice vote; the ayes were recorded and the resolution was adopted by the chamber.

The resolution is honorary and signals the Assembly’s recognition of Transgender Week of Visibility; it does not create new regulatory or funding authorities. Supporters said it was intended to reassure constituents and local organizations that the Legislature recognizes and values transgender, nonbinary and intersex Californians.

Members who spoke on HR 21 included Assemblymember Zbor (author), and speakers who voiced support or remarks: Assemblymembers Lee, Pellerin, Haney, Wilson, Bonta, Addis, Schultz, Ward and others. Dissenting or cautionary remarks came from Assemblymembers De Maio and Asseley among others.

The resolution was adopted by voice vote after coauthor roll-taking and will be recorded in the Assembly journal.