LGBTQ+ Services FAQs

Yes. Individuals in California can still change their names and gender markers on California state documents and IDs. At the federal level, a court has temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of State from enforcing a policy that would have stopped gender marker changes on U.S. passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs). This means that, for now, applications to update gender markers on those documents may be accepted. However, outcomes may vary, and the situation remains uncertain as litigation continues. If you have questions about changing your gender marker or need help with the process, you can apply for services with ICLS. We may be able to help.

You have a right to a legal name change if you are a California resident over 18 years old by filing a petition with the court. If you are under 18, a qualifying adult (like your parent or legal guardian) will need to file the petition with the court (along with your consent). For more information, here is a link to Legal Information – Changing Your Name and Gender Marker for Adults; and Legal Information – Changing Your Name and Gender Marker for Young People. If you are interested in seeking assistance, please complete our inquiry form. ICLS may be able to help.  

No. A few years ago, California law was amended to remove the publication and doctor’s notes requirements in order to complete the court process requesting a change of name and/or gender marker if the purpose is to better align with one’s gender identity.

You have a right to a legal name change if you are a California resident. Once you receive an order from the court changing your name, you can present the orders to the issuing agencies for your identity documents, including driver’s license, Real IDs, birth certificates, and more. If you are interested in seeking assistance, please complete our inquiry form. ICLS may be able to help. Please note that there is no “one stop shop” to amending your identity documents – each state and federal agency has its own applications and processes.

Yes, California currently supports access to gender-affirming medical care for both adults and young people. While the federal government has attempted to withhold funding from hospitals that provide gender-affirming care, there are lawsuits challenging the government’s right to withhold funding from hospitals. In California, individuals are still entitled to care. For more information, here is a link to “An Advocates Guide to Access Gender-Affirming Care in California,” published by the Health Consumer Alliance in March 2025. 

In California, residents have a right to control their own health care related decisions. This can often take the form of an Advance Health Care Directive, a legal document reflecting a person’s health care wishes, needs, and identifying 1 or more people to help make decisions, in the event a person is unable to make decisions for themselves. This can be particularly important for individuals who do not have affirming blood relatives/spouses in their lives. If you are interested in seeking assistance, please complete our inquiry form. ICLS may be able to help.

California provides significant legal protections for people living with HIV/AIDS, including access to health care, being free from discrimination, among other things. In Fall 2025, ICLS is planning to launch a legal services program dedicated to serving residents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are living with HIV/AIDS. While our capacity to assist may be more limited until we launch our program, if you are seeking assistance now, please complete our inquiry form. ICLS may be able to help.

We encourage our community to contact our advocates to better understand the practical effects that these EOs may have on them. In addition, many organizations are compiling information about the state of laws impacting LGBTQ+ people, including the American Bar Association, which recently launched a resource page from a range of trusted organizations, including the LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s Executive Order Litigation Tracker: LGBTQ+ Legal Community Resources

Please complete our applicant inquiry form: LGBTQ+ Services Inquiry Form. A member of our LGBTQ+ Services Program team will reach out within 1-3 business days of your submission.