The Time Is Now: Los Angeles Must Fund the TGI Wellness and Equity Initiative

“We’ve been waiting for equity not as a slogan, but as a lived reality.”

This morning, The TransLatin@ Coalition, joined by community partners, advocates, and allies, hosted a press conference at Los Angeles City Hall to call for full support of the TGI Wellness and Equity Initiative — a long-overdue commitment to equity, safety, and dignity for transgender, gender expansive, and intersex (TGI) Angelenos.

A Call for Action and Accountability

For three years, TGI Angelenos have waited for the City of Los Angeles to take meaningful action to address systemic inequities that harm our communities. The TGI Wellness and Equity Initiative represents an opportunity for the city to finally invest in the health, safety, and wellbeing of TGI residents — and to fund the organizations that have long carried this work without adequate resources.

At today’s press event, Maria Roman-Taylorson, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of The TransLatin@ Coalition, uplifted the urgent need for action:

“For far too long, our transgender, gender nonconforming, and intersex family members have been waiting — waiting for the City of Los Angeles to move beyond words and show us that our lives, our health, and our safety truly matter. We’ve been waiting for equity not as a slogan, but as a lived reality.” said Roman. “We’ve been waiting for equity not as a slogan, but as a lived reality.”

A Step Toward Justice

The TGI Wellness and Equity Initiative would create sustainable funding streams and resources for TGI-focused programs across Los Angeles, ensuring that TGI Angelenos can access the care, safety, and opportunities they deserve. In a political climate where trans and immigrant communities are under attack, this initiative is not just timely — it is essential.

Moving Forward

The TransLatin@ Coalition calls on the Los Angeles City Council to act decisively and fund the TGI Wellness and Equity Initiative. Our city’s commitment to justice and equity must include the TGI community.

Together, we can build a Los Angeles where every trans, gender expansive, and intersex person can thrive.