CA Family leave bills aim to benefit LGBTQ workers

When their friend goes in for gender-affirming surgery at a Bay Area health care facility in April, Fresno resident Kaede Coronado-Acuña has offered to drive them and help care for them post the procedure. In order to do so, they will need to take time off from their job as the GSA Network's Central Valley regional organizer.

"I offered to bring my friend because I remember how difficult it was for my spouse," said Coronado-Acuña, 23, whose partner had the same surgery. "I know it is going to be a hassle. Their family is not really that supportive, but we are family. Me and my friend, we are all family, so we take care of each other."

Coronado-Acuña, who is queer and nonbinary, has been in their job five months and is only allowed 40 hours of vacation time. In order to care for their friend, they will need to either use up a week of their vacation hours or apply to have it be covered as paid leave.

To read the full report from Bay Area Reporter, click here.