We Celebrate a Victory for Trans Justice: SB 311 Defeated, SB 337 Moves Forward
On April 29, 2025, we witnessed a powerful moment in our ongoing fight for justice, dignity, and safety for incarcerated transgender people in California. The Senate Public Safety Committee made it clear that our lives and rights matter — voting down SB 311 (Grove), a harmful and discriminatory bill, and advancing SB 337 (Menjivar), a measure that prioritizes protection and accountability within California’s prison system.
We Stood Up Against SB 311
SB 311 was nothing short of a threat to the basic humanity of transgender people behind bars. Disguised as prison policy, this bill sought to strip away the dignity and agency of trans individuals — particularly trans women incarcerated in men's facilities — and expose them to greater violence and isolation.
We know that bills like these aren’t about safety. They are rooted in fear, misinformation, and stigma. That’s why we stood in full opposition, and we are grateful to the Public Safety Committee for seeing through this dangerous rhetoric and voting to reject SB 311.
We Support SB 337 and Its Vision for Safer Prisons
At the same time, we are proud to support SB 337, introduced by Senator Caroline Menjivar. This bill is a step in the right direction. It seeks to address sexual violence in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and to ensure real accountability when harm occurs.
Unlike SB 311, this legislation is grounded in evidence, compassion, and a commitment to justice. By advancing SB 337, the Committee is signaling that it values real solutions over political posturing — and we’re here for it.
“Today’s actions send a powerful message: that California must lead with justice, not fear — and that the safety and dignity of all people, including trans and incarcerated individuals, cannot be compromised for political gain. We urge the full Legislature to follow this lead and continue prioritizing people over prejudice.”
-Mito Aviles, Statewide Initiatives Strategist, The TransLatin@ Coalition (04/29/2025)
We’re Not Done Yet
This victory belongs to all of us — to our community, to our allies, and to everyone who refuses to let transphobia go unchallenged. But we know the fight is far from over.
We call on the California Legislature to continue standing on the side of justice. Reject any future iterations of SB 311. Pass SB 337. Center the voices and experiences of incarcerated trans people in every decision.
At The TransLatin@ Coalition, we will never stop fighting for policies that affirm our lives, protect our communities, and move us closer to a world where everyone — no matter their gender identity or incarceration status — is treated with dignity and respect.
Thank you for standing with us. Let's keep going.
