Celebrating Progress and Creating Change for LGBTQIA+ Communities
As June marks Pride Month, I am reminded of why visibility, compassion, and solidarity are powerful tools for change, especially for people living on the margins. Being queer shaped who I am. Resilience and endurance are a huge part of me, and my community. And they continue to shape how I think about the problems we bring people together to solve here at the Commission.
My story mirrors what many in the LGBTQIA+ community experience. Life shifted dramatically when I came out at 14. Economic instability and disconnection followed, shaping a reality that far too many LGBTQIA+ youth still know intimately today.
These experiences shaped the leader I became and my unwavering commitment to inclusion, community building, and remaking structures and inequitable systems to create a California for everyone.
Many have worked hard to build a state that is at the forefront of LGBTQIA+ rights, offering strong civil rights protections, pioneering legal shield laws for transgender individuals, and increasing representation across all levels of policymaking. Our state serves as both a refuge and a blueprint for progress for the rest of the country.
Yet, there is still much work to be done. Significant pay disparities exist for LGBTQIA+ communities. Recent research shows that LGBTQIA+ households earn, on average, about 85% of the income of non-LGBTQIA+ households, and data is sparse to understand the disparities at a state level. We need to keep pushing for resources and disaggregated data to support our diverse LGBTQIA+ communities across California. You can read more about this issue in our press release.
We all play a role in creating communities where every person can thrive. This means seeing people fully, honoring their lived experiences, and building systems and structures where belonging is not conditional, and opportunity is for everyone.
Darcy Totten
Executive Director
 Girl Scouts State of the Girl Report
The Commission was excited to join Girl Scouts of California alongside Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos and California Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón at the Capitol steps for the launch of the 2026 California State of the Girl Report.
After the launch, the Commission hosted a hands-on activity, providing Girl Scouts with the opportunity to create vision boards, write poems, and draw pictures reflecting their experiences as girls in California in connection with the report’s themes, which include leadership, belonging, safety, mental health, education, STEM, opportunity, and confidence.
Key findings of the report include:
- California girls are exceptional and tenacious, and we see positive trends like excelling in education across the board and a sustained decline in teen pregnancy rates.
- However, systemic barriers embedded in society as well growing social pressures, increasing digital consumption, and mental health struggles create barriers to success for our state’s girls.
- Public institutions and policymakers must work together with communities, organizations, schools and more across the state to bridge the gap and to both increase investment and offer opportunity for all our girls: creating pipelines for leadership development, offering safe environments for open conversations, and fostering economic stability to level the playing field.
- Collaboration is critical to ensure every young girl in California can gain the foundation needed to grow, succeed, and flourish.
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Youth Advisory Council Application Period Still Open!
The Commission is still accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Youth Advisory Council until July 15, 2026. Any girls residing in California between the ages of 14-20 are encouraged to apply.
YAC provides young girls (ages 14–20) with a meaningful platform to engage with the Commission’s legislative work and help shape and elevate policies that impact their lives. Youth across the state connect with their peers to develop advocacy and leadership skills, obtain hands-on experience with California’s policy process, participate in mentorship, and have transformative conversations about the needs of our state’s young people.
Information on the application process, eligibility, timeline, and requirements for submission can be found on our website.
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 Legislative Update
The Commission continues to support dozens of bills related to education, human trafficking, domestic violence, healthcare, mental health, childcare, and many other areas as they advance to being heard in policy committees in the second house. The Commission’s full legislative package can be found on our website.
The Commission also voted to co-sponsor two additional bills, including AB 1626 (Gabriel) requiring mental health training for youth sports coaches and AB 1267 (Pellerin) setting the minimum age to marry in California at 18 years of age.
AB 1626 (Gabriel) requiring mental health training for youth sports coaches: The bill would require specified training for coaches described in AB 1665 of the 2025-26 legislative session to cover mental health topics, including trauma-informed care and strategies for creating a positive team culture. The bill would require the Department of Education to identify existing training or develop a model youth athletics behavioral and mental health training for persons who serve as coaches in youth sports organizations, amongst other youth spaces.
AB 1267 (Pellerin) setting the minimum age to marry in California at 18 years of age: It would prohibit a person under 18 years of age to be issued a marriage license or to establish a domestic partnership.
The Commission calls on partners to help support these important efforts to protect girls from abusive and harmful marriages as well as support the mental health needs of young student athletes by submitting support letters to committees using the California Legislature Position Letter Portal.
Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 builds affordable housing
The Governor, Senate and Assembly agreed to place a historic, $11.25 billion housing affordability bond on the November 2026 ballot. The proposed Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 would provide funding for affordable housing and homeownership programs, including assistance for veterans, middle- and lower-income households, affordable rental housing, and interim and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. The proposal also includes funding to support veterans’ homeownership, affordable rental housing, homeownership assistance, farmworker housing, housing and infrastructure for tribal communities, student housing, and other state housing programs. It will also support the creation or preservation of tens of thousands of affordable homes for lower-income Californians, including seniors, farmworkers, veterans, and people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Read more about the bond.
 Save the Date: 2027 Women and Girls’ Advocacy Day
Please join the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls for the 2027 Women and Girls’ Advocacy Day in Sacramento!
At this inaugural Women’s Advocacy Day, you’ll connect with State legislative leaders and our Commissioners, statewide organizations supporting women and girls, local city and county women’s commissions, youth, and organizations from across California, and hear from leaders fighting for the future of women and girls. Together, we’ll advocate for policy priorities that ensure women and girls have a stronger, safer, and more equitable future in California.
Throughout the day, you’ll meet with members of the Legislature, engage in meaningful conversations about the issues shaping our communities, and network with organizations to share your mission, goals, and vision for the future. This event is designed to build connections, strengthen collaboration, and elevate the voices of those working every day to advance gender equity across the state.
Stay tuned for more information throughout the year, including event theme, policy priorities, hotel details, agenda updates, and additional opportunities to get involved.
Space is limited so RSVP today to secure your spot!
Commission Meeting
On Monday, July 13 at 10:00am, the Commission will meet and the event is open to the public. The location is California State Treasurer's Office; Almond Conference Room 131. Access the agenda on our website.
Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Meeting
On Wednesday, July 22 from 3:30pm-5:30pm, the Commission’s YAC will be meeting virtually. Read more about the meeting.
California Women Lead 2026 Summer Reception
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On Monday, August 3, California Women Lead will host their flagship annual Summer Reception at the Mix Downtown in Sacramento for an inspiring evening of networking, collaboration, great food, and drinks. |
 2026 American Legion Auxiliary California Girls State
The Commission's Executive Director Darcy Totten spoke at the 83rd Annual Session of American Legion Auxiliary California Girls State. The premier week-long youth leadership conference teaches girls about local, county, and state government processes through a hands-on, immersive program designed to build self-efficacy and active citizenship. The programs help foster the next generation of women leaders of California and represents a unique opportunity for young women to learn about civic engagement and government administration by registering to vote, creating and passing legislation, and setting up their own mock city, county, and state governments.
 Women’s Health and Economic Empowerment in Los Angeles County 2026
 At the 2026 Women’s Health and Economic Empowerment in Los Angeles County Summit, Totten participated in a panel on women, the economy, and the workforce, where she discussed the great wealth transfer, the impact of artificial intelligence on women, reimagining caregiving as economic infrastructure, and capturing more data on marginalized communities to understand how to better support them.
 Supporting Maternal Mental Health
California remains at the forefront of maternal mental health, earning the highest score on the 2026 Maternal Mental Health State Report Cards. This achievement underscores the state’s sustained commitment to expanding access to care, advancing innovative programs, and recognizing maternal mental health as an essential part of overall well‑being for mothers and families.
Gender Gap in AI
Does gender factor into how people use and think about artificial intelligence (AI)? Men report using chatbots more regularly than women and are more likely to turn to them for a variety of things, including work. Women, on the other hand, are more skeptical about AI, including how it will impact their own lives. This work is part of a Pew Research Center survey on Americans’ views of and experiences with AI, conducted Feb. 17-23, 2026.
 4th Annual Move Your Body, Move Your Mind Day
We had an amazing time closing out National Physical Fitness and Sports Month by playing soccer with Street Soccer USA and California Love, California Strong!
The event celebrated the power of balance in nurturing young people’s overall well‑being. Families, partners, coaches, community leaders, and Street Soccer USA came together to honor every child’s right to move, play, spend time outdoors, practice mindfulness, and feel connected.
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 As pressures continue to grow for young people in sports, online, and at school coupled with the rising costs make youth sports harder to access, supporting our youth’s mental, physical, and social health is more important than ever.
Thank you to the organizers of Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day: California Love, California Strong, the California Department of Public Health, and the California Department of Health Care Services. Olympic and World Champion figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi moderated a panel with our Executive Director Darcy Totten, alongside state leaders, local partners, and community members who gathered to uplift movement, mindfulness, and community connection. We also extend our gratitude to Governor Newsom's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well‑Being and to Commission First Vice Chair Nisha Devi Rodrigo, Director of California Love, California Strong, for elevating this important work.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento Housing Dedication
 The Commission’s partner, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento, handed over the keys to new homes to eight families, helping them achieve economic security through home ownership. This milestone was made possible through sweat equity, and Habitat’s 30‑year, zero‑percent‑equivalent mortgage program. This meaningful event marked the first of three dedication ceremonies for our Citrus Heights development, the largest affordable housing community in the organization’s history. For these new homeowners, the moment represents far more than a new address: it means security, opportunity, and space for families to thrive.
CA Women Lead Coffee Conversation
On Tuesday, July 7 from 9-9:30 am, join California Women Lead Board member Zeny Agullana for the virtual session, “Leading with Impact: Reinventing Your Career with Purpose and Confidence.” Whether you're navigating a career pivot, stepping into a bigger leadership role, or seeking renewed meaning in your work, this conversation delivers practical strategies, inspiring insights, and actionable tools to help you align your career with your core values, amplify your influence, and lead with unwavering confidence. Register today.
 Learn About Some June Heritage/Awareness Topics
 Commission in the News
Building a Safer Future for Girls: Teen Dating Violence
New Report by California Girl Scout Councils Highlights Trends, Challenges Facing California Girls
Girl Scouts and the State of the Girl
LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day Highlights Pay Equity Still Out of Reach for Many Workers
CCSWG Statement on Anniversary of Decision to Strike Down Roe v. Wade
Valladares Bill To Increase Local Government Efficiency Signed Into Law
Acting Governor Monique Limón signs legislation 6.17.26 | Governor of California
Governor Newsom, Legislative leaders announce 2026-27 balanced budget agreement that ensures $0 deficit, while funding healthcare and key services
Senator Valladares' Public Safety Legislative Package Gets Senate Approval, Advances To Assembly
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