The TransLatin@ Coalition Launches the TGI: Housing Initiative!
Photo credit: Kevin Cortez / The TransLatin@ Coalition.
Yesterday, September 17, was a powerful day for our community. The Policy Department of The TransLatin@ Coalition proudly hosted a press conference outside the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) board meeting to launch our TGI: Housing Initiative — and it was nothing short of inspiring.
A Milestone for Housing Justice
For far too long, TGI (Trans, Gender Expansive, and Intersex) people have faced systemic barriers to safe, affordable housing. Yesterday, we took a bold step forward to change that. Our initiative — developed in partnership with LACAHSA — seeks to secure funding that will provide:
Housing rental assistance to keep our people stably housed
Housing navigator coordination to guide folks through complicated housing programs
Tenant rights and legal support clinics to protect our community from unlawful evictions and discrimination
Equitable distribution through community-based organizations like ours, ensuring resources reach those who need them most
This program is designed not just for TGI individuals, but also for seniors, people with disabilities, system-impacted individuals, transitional age youth, and immigrants regardless of status.
Maya Daniels, Policy Associate at The TransLatin@ Coalition, speaks at the TGI Housing Initiative Press Conference. (Photo credit: Kevin Cortez / The TransLatin@ Coalition)
“Community members are urging the LACAHSA Board to honor their INTENTIONS “to make housing more affordable, help people stay in their homes, and increase housing options for people experiencing homelessness.” Most LACAHSA funds are going to new construction, but we must protect the limited funding for renter protections and homelessness prevention, since so-called “affordable housing” is still priced too high for low-income families in Los Angeles.”
-Maya Daniels, Policy Associate at The TransLatin@ Coalition.
Our Community Showed Up
Our Diamonds Group and others, who have been tirelessly advocating for this funding at past Citizen Oversight Committee and LACAHSA meetings, were front and center today. Their courage and commitment reminded everyone that housing is about dignity, survival, and the right to thrive.
After the press conference, we took staff and clients into the board meeting to give public comment, sharing personal stories and data to show why this initiative is urgent. Seeing our community speak truth to power and demand resources was a moment of collective strength and hope.
What This Means for the Future
Yesterday’s action sends a clear message: TGI people deserve safe, stable, and affirming housing. We will continue to fight for this initiative to be fully funded and implemented, because housing justice is central to our mission of liberation.
We are deeply grateful to every staff member, advocate, and community member who showed up to stand with us today. Your presence and your voices are what make change possible.
Keep Standing With Us
This is just the beginning. As the proposal moves forward, we need our community to stay engaged, attend future meetings, and keep the pressure on decision-makers. Together, we are building a future where no one in our community has to wonder where they will sleep at night.
Because housing is a human right — and today, we made that truth louder than ever.
