California’s transgender Latinx people find refuge and empowerment in community

Approachable data

“But as Fierros soon discovered, trans people in America experience significantly higher rates of domestic violence — also known as intimate partner violence — than their cisgender peers. The California Violence Experience Survey found that last year, trans people experienced physical violence seven times more frequently, and sexual harassment or assault five times more often, than cisgender people did, while 87% reported experiencing intimate partner violence at some point in their lives — the highest rate of any group surveyed.”

Empowering portrayal

Challenges misconceptions

“Program coordinator Rita Garcia regularly receives calls regarding such violence, but incidents are seriously underreported, partly due to a pervasive lack of trust in law enforcement. Victims also have a legitimate fear of becoming homeless and, worst of all, being injured or killed by a partner. ‘I cannot tell a client who is experiencing these types of incidents to go to the police when their situation might worsen because they will be treated according to their genitals,’ said Garcia. ‘Police still see transgender women like men. They do not see us as women.’”

Explores solutions

“In response to this loss of trust in institutions, the TransLatin@ Coalition has partnered with the California vs Hate 211 hotline to document and respond to acts of hate against the TGI community. This approach connects those in need with resources, including legal, financial, mental health and mediation services, provides guidance on next steps, and conducts follow-ups. Law enforcement is never contacted without consent. In 2022, the hotline received approximately 7,500 calls related to intimate partner violence. Though gender and race are not tracked, Garcia sees the service as crucial for the safety of the TGI community.