In response to three black transgender women who have been murdered in the last two weeks in the United States, Los Angeles LGBT Center Director of Policy and Community Building Terra Russell-Slavin and Client Advocate of the Center’s Anti-Violence Project Joaquin Caro issued the following statement:
“The Los Angeles LGBT Center mourns the loss of Michelle ‘Tamika’ Washington, Muhlaysia Booker, and Claire Legato—three black transgender women who were murdered in the last two weeks. These murders follow a pattern of increasing and escalating violence against the trans community, especially against black trans women. This increase in transphobia and violence comes at a time when the Trump Administration continues to target the trans community, threatening to roll-back health and housing protections just this week. As a community we must address the underlying conditions, including anti-transgender bias, that result in increased rates of unemployment, poverty, and homelessness for trans women. These conditions increase the risk of violence for all trans women, particularly trans women of color.”
In the face of these horrific attacks, the transgender community has shown tremendous resilience, courage and purpose. We encourage all LGBT people and allies to show their support by attending today’s 6 p.m. rally at Los Angeles City Hall: instagram.com/p/BxxY-RkgJij/?igshid=aya7gev0b1lu.
For those in our community feeling scared or alone, we want you to know that the Los Angeles LGBT Center has the following resources and services for people affected by these recent murders and for anyone who has experienced emotional or physical violence themselves:
Trans Wellness Center
The Trans Wellness Center (TWC) provides comprehensive resources and services for transgender and non-binary people under one roof. The TWC was conceived and created by six local organizations, community leaders and allies to create this new home for wellness, to honor lifelong dedication to raise awareness about the needs and the contributions of the transgender community. Drop-in to the TWC Monday–Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3055 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 360, Los Angeles 90010. For more information call 323-993-2900 or email transwellness@lalgbtcenter.org.
Mental Health Services
We offer walk in appointments Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on a first come, first served basis. We will determine your fee and gather some information about why you are seeking services to help determine how to best help you. You can also reach us directly Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 323-993-7500 Ext. 5 to help determine how we can better assist you. To reach services for intimate partner violence and domestic violence, contact STOP Domestic Violence Project at 323-860-5806 or email domesticviolence@lalgbtcenter.org.
Transgender Economic Empowerment Project (TEEP)
TEEP offers a wide range of services to help transgender people find employment and to help make workplaces more welcoming to trans people. We also host transgender career fairs routinely attended by dozens of employers in the Fall. TEEP also assists transgender people file the legal documents to change their name and gender. For more information, call 323-860-3713 or email
teep@lalgbtcenter.org.
Legal Advocacy Project for Survivors (LAPS)+ Anti-Violence Project (AVP)
The Legal Advocacy Project for Survivors and AVP provide comprehensive and affirming services to survivors of violence, including anti-LGBT hate crimes, harassment, police misconduct, discrimination, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. For more information, call 323-993-7649 or email
avp@lalgbtcenter.org.
