About GHES

As part of the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Health Equity, the Gender Health Equity Section (GHES) plays a leadership role in the development of programs and policies intended to eliminate gender-based health disparities in California. The GHES is dedicated to eliminating systemic bias that impacts health outcomes based on gender, gender identity and sexual orientation, serving as an internal resource to CDPH on these matters. Working in partnership with communities, the GHES also leads in the development and design of initiatives focused on improving the health of LGBTQ+ Californians.

Mission

To achieve equitable health outcomes for Californians of all genders and sexual orientations through promotion of inclusive practices and structural change.

Vis​i​on

Californians of all genders and sexual orientations live in affirming communities and are able to achieve optimal health.

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​Programs

Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LBTQ) Wellness & Equity Unit

The Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LBTQ) Wellness & Equity Unit centers community solutions and leadership in order to eliminate health disparities and research gaps impacting diverse LBTQ Californians. The LBTQ Unit leads the planning and implementation of the LBTQ Health Equity Initiative, which has awarded funding to address gaps in knowledge and research, increase access to culturally appropriate and affirming health services, support local community outreach and education efforts.

For more informat​ion, visit the LBTQ Unit webpage.​​

Transgender, Gender Diverse and Intersex (TGI) Wellness and Equity Unit​

The TGI Unit exists to elevate health equity issues experienced by TGI people caused by systemic discrimination in healthcare settings, housing, employment, and public accommodations.​ The TGI Unit leads the planning and  administration of the Transgender, Gender Nonconforming and Intersex Wellness and Equity Fund (TGI Fund), which will provide grant support to TGI-serving organizations and their partners to provide supportive housing services, therapeutic arts programs, increase access to gender affirming care, and improve the ability of health care professionals to provide TGI Californians with culturally responsive care. 

For more information, visit the TGI Unit webpage.

Reproductive Freedom and Abortion Access (RFAA) Unit

The RFAA Unit was established to address issues related to reproductive freedom and justice, abortion access and focus attention on California communities who historically and/or systemically experience inequities related to access to related services. ​

The RFAA Unit leads three strategies in support of reproductive freedom and abortion access in California:

• California Abortion Access Website providing accurate and updated information to the public on the right to abortion under state law, information about reproductive health care providers, and options for coverage for reproductive services including state-funded coverage and programs.
• California Reproductive Justice and ​Freedom Fund for community-based reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations to conduct medically accurate and culturally competent outreach and education on sexual health and reproductive health issues.
• Research on the Unmet Nee​​ds for Reproductive Health Care Ser​​vices
  

For more information, v​isit the RFAA Unit webpage.