California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law that requires schools to print the phone number of an LGBTQ youth hotline on student ID cards. The hotline is run by the Trevor Project, a group that supports transgender youth and offers online chats and crisis support. The law, known as AB 727, applies to public middle schools, high schools, and colleges.
This change builds on an older California law that already required suicide prevention hotlines on student IDs. But the new law specifically names the Trevor Project, a group that has drawn criticism from some parents and organizations. They say the group pushes radical gender ideas and hides conversations from parents.
The law comes just months after the Trump administration decided to stop federal support for a national LGBTQ youth hotline. That hotline also worked with the Trevor Project. President Trump’s administration said the group was promoting gender changes for minors without proper oversight.
Critics of the new California law say it promotes controversial ideas to young kids without including parents. The Trevor Project runs online chat rooms and messaging services where children as young as 13 can talk to adults about gender identity, sexuality, and mental health. Some of these chats are private and include a “quick exit” button that lets kids hide the chat from their parents.
The Trevor Project also runs a social network called TrevorSpace, which is open to users aged 13 to 24. While the group says it monitors the platform, reports have shown that sexually explicit content and adult advice on gender transitioning sometimes appear in these spaces. Some parents worry that this creates a risky environment for children.
In addition, the Trevor Project opposes policies that would notify parents when a child changes their name or pronouns at school. They also support letting biological males use female bathrooms and locker rooms. The group promotes puberty blockers and hormone treatments for children who identify as transgender, calling them “medically necessary.”
Governor Newsom defended the bill, saying it helps LGBTQ youth feel seen and supported. He criticized the Trump administration for cutting off support for LGBTQ-specific mental health services. He said that California is stepping up where the federal government has pulled back.
Supporters of the law, including Democrat Assemblyman Mark González, say it sends a message that LGBTQ youth are not alone. González said the bill was a direct answer to federal policy changes under President Trump.
However, critics argue that the move ignores the rights of parents and the role of schools in protecting children. Groups like Parents Defending Education say that parents should be told when their children are accessing counseling or advice related to gender identity.
The law also raises concerns about state overreach. By requiring schools to promote a specific group with a political agenda, some believe California is using its power to push one point of view. Others worry that students who are not part of the LGBTQ community will be confused or feel left out.
This law fits into a larger national debate. While states like California are expanding protections and resources for LGBTQ youth, other states are moving toward greater parental rights and limits on gender-related treatments for minors. Under President Trump, the federal government has been pushing back against what it sees as harmful gender ideology in schools and healthcare.
The question at the heart of the issue is how far schools and governments should go in addressing mental health and identity questions for children. Supporters say resources like the Trevor Project save lives. Opponents argue that promoting groups with strong political and social views to minors, without parental involvement, crosses a line.
As this debate continues, the divide between state and federal policies is growing. California is taking its own path, even as the Trump administration pulls back support for these kinds of programs. The outcome will likely shape how other states and school districts handle these sensitive issues in the years ahead.
