About TLC
The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC) was founded in 2009 by a group of Transgender and Gender nonconforming and Intersex (TGI) immigrant women in Los Angeles, California, as a grassroots response to address the specific needs of TGI Latin@ immigrants who live in the United States.
Since then, the agency has become a nationally recognized organization with representation in 10 different states across the U.S. and provides direct services to TGI individuals in Los Angeles. In 2015, The TransLatin@ Coalition identified the urgent need to provide direct services to empower TGI people in response to structural, institutional, and interpersonal violence, and the Center for Violence Prevention and Transgender Wellness was born. Since then, the organization has secured funding from state and local government sources as well as several private foundations and organizations to provide direct services to all TGI individuals in Los Angeles County (LAC). TLC’s primary focus is to change the landscape of access to services for TGI people and provide access to comprehensive resource and services that will improve the quality of life of TGI people.
Our Mission
The mission of The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC) is to advocate for the specific needs of the Trans Latin@ community that resides in the U.S.A. and to plan strategies that improve our quality of life.
Our Values
Altruism, respect, and dignity for everyone
Transparency, integrity, and honesty
Multiculturalism and diversity
Collaboration, inclusivity, and social justice
Good resource administration
Our Vision
The vision of The TransLatin@ Coalition is to amplify education and resources to promote the empowerment of Trans leaders.
Our Story
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2009
The beginning of change...
A group of transgender and gender nonconforming and intersex (TGI) immigrant women in Los Angeles founded The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC) as a grassroots response to address the specific needs of TGI Latin@ immigrants who live in the United States.
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2013
TransVisible Report
The release of the TransVisible report is a milestone, revealing stories that were often hidden. This report sheds light on the challenges faced by the TransLatin@ community and becomes a catalyst for awareness, understanding, and change. It marked a crucial step forward in the pursuit of visibility and inclusivity.
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2014
Dying To Be A Woman
This poignant moment highlighted the struggles faced and laid the groundwork for a community to rise, united and resilient. The echoes of this short film reverberate through the years, a testament to the unwavering strength that defines the trans community in the constant search for happiness.
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2014
Trans Lives Matter National Day of Action
The Birth of a Major TRANS Movement!!! Passing traffic HONKED their HORNS in support. We blocked the intersection at Santa Monica and Vermont for quite a while. The LAPD respected us for how we conducted ourselves, and we respected their restraint in allowing us to exercise FREE SPEECH!!!
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2014
Inaugural GARRAS
The 10th anniversary of GARRAS in 2024 represents a decade of empowerment, resilience, and advocacy. What started as a groundbreaking event became a symbol of strength and unity. GARRAS continues to be a platform where voices are heard, stories are shared, and the community comes together to celebrate the beauty and progress of our community.
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2015
Creating Change: Trans Women Taking Center Stage
In another decisive milestone, Trans women associated with TLC took center stage at the Creating Change conference. This action was more than just a moment; it was a bold statement, a call for visibility, and a demand for change. TLC, through this action, showcased the strength, resilience, and determination of Trans women in advocating for their rights, representation, and rightful place in society.
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2016
Healing Love & Energy Vigil for Annabel Montoya
A vigil was held for Annabel Montoya, the East Los Angeles transgender teen who was intentionally run down by a vehicle in Monterey Park on around 2:30 am on Saturday April 2. Police have said that Annabel may have been beaten before being run down.
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2016
Building a Safe Haven: Our First TransLatin@ Office
TLC achieved a significant milestone by establishing the first-ever TransLatin@ office. This groundbreaking step not only provided a physical space for the community but also symbolized a powerful declaration that transgender, gender nonconforming, and Intersex Latinx individuals deserved a dedicated hub for support, resources, and advocacy. The office became a beacon of hope, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity.
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2016
The State of Trans Health: Trans Latin@s and Their Health Care Needs
On November 29, 2016, The California Endowment and TransLatin@ Coalition presented an evening of conversation, art, and celebration centered around supporting the health of the Trans community. The event served as the launch of TransLatin@ Coalition's new report, "The State of Trans Health: Trans Latin@s and Their Health Care Needs," and a culmination honoring a cohort of ten Trans folks who completed Be DOWN, a leadership development program.
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2018
HOPE House: A Sanctuary of Support
The opening of the HOPE House is a tangible testament to the commitment to creating safe spaces. It's more than a physical location; it's a sanctuary of support, understanding, and empowerment. The HOPE House embodies the organization's dedication to providing resources and a nurturing environment for the TransLatin@ community.
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2018
Trans People Deserve to Live – A Bold Declaration
During game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018, The TransLatin@ Coalition made a powerful statement. Unfurling a large banner reading "Trans People Deserve to Live," we brought attention to the importance of recognizing and affirming the lives of transgender individuals. This impactful display resonated far beyond the stadium, resonating with our commitment to advocacy through visibility.
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2019
#TransPolicyAgenda Launched
The #TransPolicyAgenda was published a strategy that will support members of the TGI community to get to a better place within our society.
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2019
Advocacy in Action: #FreeAlejandra Campaign
In 2019, The TransLatin@ Coalition launched the #FreeAlejandra campaign, an urgent call for justice and solidarity. This campaign centered around the unjust incarceration of Alejandra, bringing attention to the systemic issues faced by trans individuals within the legal immigration system. The coalition successfully garnered widespread support through relentless advocacy efforts, ultimately securing Alejandra's release and shedding light on the broader need for reform and equality.
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2019
CNN LGBT Townhall: Amplifying Voices and Challenges
Our advocacy reached a national stage during the CNN LGBTQ town hall. Protesters courageously interrupted the event, shedding light on the urgent issues faced by transgender women of color. Seizing the mic, they emphasized the alarming number of transgender deaths, with at least 26 reported in 2018, and this moment ignited a call for visibility, justice, and change.
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2020
AB2218: A Legislative Triumph for Trans Wellness
One of the crowning achievements in The TransLatin@ Coalition's 15-year history is the passage of AB2218. This landmark legislation, signed into law, signifies a pivotal moment in advocating for the health and wellness of the transgender community. AB2218 allocates crucial grant funding to support transgender wellness and equity programs. This legislative triumph reflects a commitment to addressing the unique health needs of transgender individuals, promoting gender-affirming care, and reducing health disparities within the community.
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2021
Love with no Boundaries: Our First Trans Wedding
A touching moment in the organization's history unfolded in 2021 when the first Trans wedding between Diego and Dalia was celebrated. This event was a joyous celebration of love and a testament to the coalition's commitment to recognizing and honoring the diverse experiences within the trans community. The wedding marked a milestone in promoting inclusivity, acceptance, and the right to love freely, breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms.
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2022
TransLatin@ Migrations: Life , Love & Triumps
We expanded our reach to address the unique challenges faced by TransLatin@ migrants. Recognizing the intersectionality of identities, we produced twenty-five stories towards fostering understanding, support, and empowerment for those navigating migration journeys. Our commitment to inclusivity and solidarity grew stronger.
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2022-2023
Commissioners Bamby and Maria: Trailblazers in Advocacy
A moment of pride and recognition, the appointment of Bamby Salcedo to the Commission on the State of Hate by Governor Gavin Newson in 2022 and Maria Roman-Taylorson, our Vice President, to the Human Relations Commission for the City of Los Angeles by Mayor Karen Bass in 2023 as commissioners, signifies the impactful leadership within The TransLatin@ Coalition. Their roles reflect personal achievements and symbolize the organization's commitment to elevating voices and fostering positive change at the highest levels.
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2023
TLC Awarded $750,000 for Workforce Development
Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) is pleased to announce the allocation of $750,000 in community project funding through the House of Representatives to support the vital workforce development efforts of The TransLatin@ Coalition.
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2023
AB1163 and AB 1487: Legislative Strides for Trans Rights Signed into Law
The TransLatin@ Coalition actively engaged in legislative advocacy, supporting bills such as AB1163 (Data Collection) and AB 1487 (TGI Reentry Fund.) These crucial pieces of legislation aimed at advancing transgender rights paving the way for increased visibility, protection, and equality within the legal framework.
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2024
El Monte Site and New Building on Sunset: Expanding Horizons
The expansion continues with the opening of the El Monte site and the new building on Sunset. These milestones represent physical growth and an extended reach and impact. They symbolize a dedication to serving the community, fostering inclusivity, and creating spaces where history is made, celebrated, and cherished.
