Trans Advocates Push for Enhanced Services Amidst Pride Celebrations in Los Angeles

Trans Advocacy Groups Press for Enhanced Services Amid Pride Celebrations

Los Angeles, CA – June 18, 2024

In front of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, the heart of Los Angeles County’s decision-making, an assembly of trans advocates and allies gathered today to call for the implementation of the Trans Wellness and Equity Care Initiative. Spearheaded by the TransLatin@ Coalition in collaboration with FLUX, the press conference was a clarion call for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to take tangible action towards bettering the lives of trans and gender non-conforming individuals.

Bamby Salcedo, M.A., President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, opened the gathering with an impassioned plea for civic leaders to champion a transformative investment. “Through this county-city partnership, our local elected leaders can champion an investment from the Board of Supervisors of $7 million and $3 million from the L.A. City Council and Mayor’s office towards a historic investment for our communities to not simply survive, but to thrive and be integrated in the civic fabric of our society,” she stated.

Salcedo was joined by Queen Victoria Ortega, International President of FLUX, a national organization dedicated to creating safe spaces for trans and gender non-conforming individuals. Ortega emphasized the need for actionable support beyond symbolic gestures. “Legislative bodies can do more than just recognize pride or issue resolutions, they can choose to be tangible allies and earmark monies to invest in Trans lives,” she declared. “During Pride month we are looking to go beyond commendations and awards, we want tangible resources invested in Trans lives.”

The demand for better services is not unprecedented but steeped in data and research. During the event, results from a countywide study titled ‘The Quality of Life of Trans People in LA County,’ conducted by the Williams Institute of UCLA, were presented. The study provides compelling evidence that necessitates the proactive investment from the Board of Supervisors.

Trans Representation and Resources in Los Angeles

L.A. County, often seen as a progressive enclave, has a sizable trans and gender non-conforming population. These communities contribute richly to the cultural and societal fabric but often face a significant disparity in access to vital services such as healthcare, housing, and employment protections. The proposed Trans Wellness and Equity Care Initiative aims to bridge these gaps by directly funding organizations run by and for trans individuals, ensuring that resources are allocated in a manner that most effectively addresses their needs.

The timing of this call to action is significant. Amidst the celebratory atmosphere of Pride Month, many argue that true recognition of the contributions of the trans community must go beyond parades and rainbow flags. The trans advocates’ rally underscores the depth of need for substantive support: secure housing, access to healthcare, mental health services, and employment opportunities.

Community Voice and Grassroots Mobilization

This initiative comes on the heels of ongoing activism and grassroots movements within the trans community. Local organizations, often operating on shoestring budgets, have been lifelines for countless individuals. The infusion of directed funds from the county could amplify these efforts, providing a more robust safety net and fostering spaces where trans individuals can achieve stability and empowerment.

A Larger Movement

Nationally, the call for better trans services is gaining momentum. With rising visibility of trans issues in the media and politics, there is a palpable shift towards addressing these long-neglected areas. However, the change must be enacted on local levels where the immediate needs of the community are felt most acutely.

As the gathering dissipated, the message resonated strongly within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies: symbolic recognition is insufficient. The trans community calls for an unwavering commitment to their well-being, not as an afterthought of broader LGBTQ+ rights but as a primary focus deserving of dedicated resources and systemic change.

Towards a Trans-Inclusive Future

The rally at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration signifies a crucial step forward, but the journey towards equity and justice for trans individuals in Los Angeles County — and beyond — continues. It’s a reminder that every Pride Month should serve as both a celebration of the progress made and a clarion call to action for the work still necessary to achieve true equality for all.

Trans communities remain resilient, and with the unwavering support of allies, grassroots leaders, and forward-thinking policymakers, steps towards meaningful change can, and will, translate into lived realities.