The Oakland City Council on March 16, 2026, passed a resolution to protect the rights of transgender, gender-nonconforming, intersex, and Two-Spirit (TGNCI2S) residents to access medically necessary healthcare. The resolution was introduced by At-Large Oakland Councilmember and San Francisco Bay Times columnist Rowena Brown along with Councilmembers Zac Unger and Charlene Wang.
The resolution responds to recent federal proposals to strip Medicare and Medicaid funding from hospitals providing gender-affirming care to youth. It also addresses local shifts in care, noting that, as of August 2025, Kaiser Oakland no longer provides gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19.
“Gender-affirming care is life-saving care,” said Councilmember Unger. “Our healthcare providers must not crumble under Trump administration pressure. By safeguarding this care, we are reaffirming a community that values the wellbeing of all its residents.”
“At a time when the federal government is rolling back long-standing protections for the LGBTQ+ community, I strongly support this resolution reaffirming the importance of gender-affirming care in Oakland” said Councilmember Brown. “As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know firsthand how important it is that our city continues to defend the rights, dignity, and healthcare access of transgender and gender non-conforming people. As Oaklanders, we must do everything in our power to ensure that transgender and gender non-conforming individuals can live safely, exist freely, and thrive in our community. The resilience of the LGBTQ+ community during these challenging times is deeply inspiring, and I am proud to continue the fight for a more just future for LGBTQ+ youth in Oakland and beyond.”
Key Actions of the Resolution
Demands Compliance: Healthcare providers and insurers must adhere to California laws, including the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.
Condemns Preemptive Restrictions: The Council condemns providers for stopping or delaying state-protected care before any final, legally binding federal rules are implemented.
Supports State Advocacy: Oakland officially aligns with California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s legal challenges against federal efforts to limit healthcare access.
Published on March 26, 2026
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