Palm Springs Transgender Group Sues Riverside County Over Alleged Discrimination

Nonprofit claims it was denied funding due to bias, county says it failed to follow contract requirements

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:30pm

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A Palm Springs-based nonprofit that provides social services to transgender people has filed a civil rights complaint accusing Riverside County of denying it funding due to discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. The Transgender Health & Wellness Center says it was unfairly denied county funding, while the county claims the group failed to follow the requirements of its contract.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and local governments over access to public services and funding. It also raises questions about how counties allocate resources and the criteria they use to evaluate nonprofit partners, especially those serving marginalized communities.

The details

The Transgender Health & Wellness Center, a Palm Springs nonprofit, has sued Riverside County in court and filed a state civil rights complaint alleging it was denied funding due to discrimination against transgender people. The county denies any discrimination, stating the group did not follow the requirements of its contract.

  • The 2025 Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade took place on November 9, 2025.
  • The Transgender Health & Wellness Center filed its civil rights complaint and lawsuit against Riverside County in early 2026.

The players

Transgender Health & Wellness Center

A Palm Springs-based nonprofit that provides social services to transgender people.

Riverside County

The county government that the Transgender Health & Wellness Center has accused of discrimination in denying it funding.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let local governments discriminate against LGBTQ+ organizations that are trying to serve their communities.”

— Alex Perez, Executive Director, Transgender Health & Wellness Center

“The county's funding decisions were based solely on the nonprofit's failure to meet the requirements of its contract, not any bias against the LGBTQ+ community.”

— Riverside County spokesperson

What’s next

The civil rights complaint filed by the Transgender Health & Wellness Center against Riverside County is currently under investigation by the state.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges LGBTQ+ organizations face in securing public funding and resources, even in progressive regions like Palm Springs. It underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in how local governments allocate support to nonprofits serving marginalized communities.