The UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health is proud to join a statewide coalition in support of AB 727, authored by Assemblymember Mark González. 

This important legislation will require that LGBTQ+ mental health and crisis support hotline numbers be printed on all student ID cards for grades 7–12 and all higher education students. This simple step will ensure students have direct access to life‑saving and affirming resources whenever they need them.

We urge the State Senate Committee on Appropriations to move this bill forward. Please contact your State Senators to voice your support of AB 727! You can find your Senator at: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/

For LGBTQ+ crisis support, call the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. You can also learn more at: https://www.thetrevorproject.org

Today, on Juneteenth, the UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health (C-LARAH) honors the enduring legacy of Black freedom fighters who have paved the way toward liberation, justice, and equity in the face of systemic oppression.

June 19, 1865 — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — marked the delayed freedom of enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth is not just a commemoration of emancipation, but a reminder of the ongoing struggle for Black liberation across all systems and institutions.

As a center rooted in public health, advocacy, and justice, we affirm that Black Lives Matter and that the health and well-being of Black LGBTQ+ individuals must remain central in our work. The intersecting legacies of racism, homophobia, and transphobia continue to shape lived experiences, and we remain committed to dismantling those barriers through research, policy, and community-rooted care.

Today, we reflect, recommit, and raise our voices in solidarity. Juneteenth is a call to action — to imagine and fight for a future where freedom is truly for all.

In community and with purpose,
The UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health (C-LARAH)

The UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research, & Health (C-LARAH) proudly supports AB 554 – The PrEPARE Act of 2025 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez.

This critical bill, which passed the Assembly with overwhelming support, now heads to the Senate. AB 554 protects patient and provider choice in PrEP access and ensures small clinics receive timely reimbursement—advancing HIV prevention and health equity in our communities.

We urge the state Senate to pass AB 554 and California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign it into law.

Pride is not just a celebration—it is a call to action. At the UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health (C-LARAH), we answer that call by working in partnership with the LGBTQ+ community to confront inequities, advance social justice, and reimagine what is possible in LGBTQ+ research, health and well-being.

We understand that the struggle for liberation remains ongoing, and that those most affected by systemic injustices must be at the forefront of creating meaningful change. From transgender and nonbinary individuals, to LGBTQ+ people of color, immigrants, and those living with or at risk for HIV—our efforts are rooted in the communities whose health, dignity, and voices have historically been marginalized or ignored.

We find strength in the proud legacy of resistance pioneered by Black and Brown transgender women and queer organizers, whose unwavering courage made Pride possible as a protest. Their bravery continues to inspire us to pursue research that transforms lives, advocacy grounded in social justice and equity, and collaborative partnerships built on genuine care and respect.

Pride is an act of resistance. Pride embodies resilience. Pride is a celebration of unapologetic queer joy. In a world that too often seeks to erase our existence, embracing joy becomes a revolutionary act—and collective joy is our most powerful solution.

At C-LARAH, we believe that dedicated effort is meaningful effort—and that it can be infused with joy. Because when we unite, we are stronger and more resilient.

Happy Pride—today and every day—from all of us at C-LARAH.

The recent executive orders are deeply concerning and discriminatory against LGBTQ+ individuals whose identities and experiences are essential to our understanding of health and well-being. We are horrified and disgusted by what this means for the very likely normalization of divisive rhetoric and policies that empower homophobia, transphobia, racism and discrimination. We know that many of you fear that the executive orders will further entrench systemic racism and inequality and lead to policies that prioritize exclusion over inclusion, undermining efforts to promote diversity and social justice… fostering an environment where hate and intolerance are more readily accepted. We are furious that the executive orders could significantly limit the scope of research that addresses gender identity and related health disparities, such as HIV/AIDS—with respect to prevention and treatment—which are critical areas in need of attention and continued funding. We believe that science should always be inclusive and reflective of the diverse experiences within our society. The recent executive orders run counter to those values and could have lasting negative impacts not only on the field of HIV prevention and treatment research, but also on the health of many Americans that identify as LGBTQ+.  For years, the LGBTQ+ community has confronted hateful and discriminatory policy decisions and witnessed a troubling trend that leaves many of us feeling vulnerable and marginalized. Yet, for more than a half century, our community has shown remarkable courage and strength. We have stood up against adversity, mobilizing to protect our rights and advocating for equality, equity and social justice. Together, we have made great progress, and we will continue to do so when confronted with new challenges. At the UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health, we want to affirm our commitment to advocating for the health and well-being of our community; we remain dedicated to conducting impactful research, promoting inclusive policies, and advocating for outcomes that prioritize the health and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. In these extremely challenging times, we encourage everyone to stay engaged, informed, and to support each other. We stand with you and are here to support you in every way possible.

Dear LGBTQ+ Community,

As we reflect on the recent election results, we recognize that many in the LGBTQ+ community may be feeling a mix of uncertainty, disappointment, and concern for the future. The results of this election will bring significant change—likely to be particularly trying—with continued efforts to undermine LGBTQ+ healthcare access, as well as our human rights and freedoms. In this moment, we believe it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that our community will face. For years, the LGBTQ+ community has confronted hateful and discriminatory policy decisions and witnessed a troubling trend that leaves many of us feeling vulnerable and marginalized. Yet, for more than a half century, our community has shown remarkable courage and strength. We have stood up against adversity, mobilizing to protect our rights and advocating for equality, equity and social justice. Together, we have made great progress, and we will continue to do so when confronted with new challenges. At the UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health, we want to affirm our commitment to advocating for the health and well-being of our community. We understand the deep concerns and emotions that you are feeling. Now more than ever, it is important to come together, to support one another, and to remember our resilience as a community. At C-LARAH, we remain dedicated to conducting impactful research, promoting inclusive policies, and advocating for outcomes that prioritize the health and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. In these challenging times, we encourage everyone to stay engaged, informed, and to support each other.

As we raise the rainbow flag high and wear our colors with pride, let us remember the profound significance of this momentous celebration. Pride is not merely a parade or a festival; it is a testament to the resilience, bravery, and unwavering spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. It stands as a symbol of defiance against discrimination, a beacon of hope for those who are still fighting for acceptance, and a reminder that love knows no bounds.

Unchanged: In the face of adversity and prejudice, Pride empowers us to stand tall and embrace our true selves unapologetically. It is a declaration of self-worth, a celebration of diversity, and a call to action for equality and justice. Through our visibility and unity, we amplify voices that have been silenced and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Unchanged: In celebrating Pride, we acknowledge the progress made, yet remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing social justice and inclusivity for marginalized communities. Let us use this moment to reflect on the historical significance of Pride, honor the pioneers who have paved the way for progress, and recommit ourselves to the pursuit of a more equitable and affirming society for all. Happy Pride to each and every member of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies!

Observed annually on December 17th, International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers uplifts global efforts to address discrimination and social stigma, organize for human rights, support the livelihood of sex workers, and remember victims of sexual violence and assault.

First organized in 2003 by the sex worker-led organization the Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA as a day of remembrance, International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers continues to be a day for sex workers, allies, and advocates to come together –as they always have– and raise awareness around the connection between the criminalization of sex work and lack of culturally relevant resources with high levels of experienced violence and other human rights violations.

As stated by the Sex Workers Project of the Urban Justice Center, global research shows that there is a 45 to 75% chance of sex workers experiencing sexual violence while working. These rates of violence are even higher among sex workers of color, migrant sex workers, and transgender sex workers.

Our own research conducted through FRESH Research at Brown University School of Public Health and UCLA’s Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research, and Health has been centered on better understanding the social and economic factors that lead to limited opportunities for sex workers to access healthcare services. That said, we know there is always more that we can do.

That is why we are joining those calls for community-based advocacy, improved access to resources, and additional means to end the violence against sex workers. For all of us have the right to live without fear of violence, discrimination, and stigma as we seek to collectively advance racial, gender, LGBTQ+, bodily autonomy, and economic justice for all.

If you would like to get involved, we encourage you to support sex worker-led organizations. You can donate funds or basic needs, volunteer your time, and take it upon yourself to seek out more education about sex worker rights and the policies that affect them.