California: Marking World Mental Health Day, Governor Newsom signs AB 727 to make mental health resources more accessible to LGBTQ youth
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Oct 10, 2025

Marking World Mental Health Day, Governor Newsom signs AB 727 to make mental health resources more accessible to LGBTQ youth

What you need to know:
AB 727 ensures LGBTQ students have access to crisis and suicide prevention support by adding resources to public school ID cards.

LOS ANGELES – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced he signed AB 727 into law, requiring student ID cards in California's public middle schools, high schools, and colleges to include the phone number for The Trevor Project, a leading crisis and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ youth.

The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Mark González (D-Los Angeles), comes as the Trump administration removes LGBTQ suicide prevention programs and funding. AB 727 builds on California's 2018 suicide prevention ID card law by adding a targeted, affirming resource for LGBTQ students – many of whom face elevated risk for mental health challenges due to verbal, physical, and online harassment.

According to the Trevor Project, 35% of LGBTQ youth in California seriously considered suicide in the past year, and half who wanted mental health care did not receive it. AB 727 ensures these students don't just have support in theory – they have it in hand, every day.

"Every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen for who they are. While some in Washington turn their backs on LGBTQ youth, California is choosing compassion over cruelty. AB 727 makes it clear: your identity doesn't disqualify you from care and community – it's exactly why we are fighting to make it easier to reach."

Governor Gavin Newsom

"When Donald Trump and the federal government turn their backs on LGBTQ+ youth, California steps up," said Assemblymember González. "With the signing of AB 727, we're sending a clear message: our LGBTQ+ youth are seen, valued, and never alone. AB 727 is not just a piece of legislation; it is a lifeline for our queer youth. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for standing with us to protect and affirm every young person in California."

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ youth. Their hotline provides 24/7 confidential and secure services by trained counselors to youth who seek mental health support through chat, text, or call – making it a reliable resource for all. The Trevor Project is also an avenue for advocacy, education, peer support, and research for the LGBTQ community. Their services reach all parts of the nation and contribute to the larger fight for more inclusive communities.

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In July, California announced a new partnership with the Trevor Project to provide the state's 988 crisis counselors enhanced competency training from experts, ensuring better attunement to the needs of LGBTQ youth, on top of the specific training they already receive.

Breaking the stigma

Mental health services are crucial to ensure that LGBTQ young people feel supported and seen by those around them. LGBTQ youth often experience higher rates of suicide, anxiety, and depression because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society, demonstrating the need for services that provide mental health support. In  2024, 56% of LGBTQ young people in California experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Mental health care is critical for overall well-being, especially for youth. LGBTQ young people in schools should be equipped with the resources necessary to thrive, and providing the Trevor Project hotline is a positive step in this direction.

California mental health resources

AB 727 aligns with California's broader work and commitment to preventive mental health care under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, an effort to build a more coordinated, equitable mental health system for youth statewide.

In California, there are 11 centers that have trained crisis counselors to respond to 988 calls/chats/texts from help seekers needing support during behavioral health crises. Additionally, California offers digital mental health support for youth, young adults, and families via CalHOPE for non-crisis moments. The CalHOPE warm line connects callers to peer counselors who listen with compassion, provide non-judgmental support, and guide callers to additional mental health resources.

Through CalHOPE, the state has partnered with BrightLife Kids and Soluna to provide free support to children, youth, and families who seek to address concerns before they become crises. These resources are available regardless of insurance, immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All care providers on these platforms undergo specific training to work with LGBTQ youth and their families.

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For full text of AB 727, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

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