The TransLatin@ Coalition Honors L.A. City Leaders in TGI Wellness & Equity
Bamby Salcedo (center) between Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez (left) and Councilmember Heather Hutt (right), surrounded by The TransLatin@ Coalition clients and staff celebrating the first ever Certificate of Appreciation awarded by The TransLatin@ Coalition. (Photo: The TransLatin@ Coalition)
On August 12, The TransLatin@ Coalition proudly presented Certificates of Appreciation to Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez and Councilmember Heather Hutt in recognition of their leadership in advancing the TGI Wellness and Equity Initiative. This policy campaign, the culmination of three years of dedicated work, sought funding allocation within the City of Los Angeles to support Transgender, Gender-Expansive, and Intersex-led organizations.
The campaign aimed to provide these organizations with the resources needed to strengthen their infrastructure and operations so they could continue their vital work, as they have historically been underfunded compared to other nonprofit organizations across the city.
The recognition took place during a City Council meeting, where members of The TransLatin@ Coalition's Policy Department delivered powerful public comments expressing their gratitude for the councilmembers' continued advocacy and support for transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex (TGI) communities. The TransLatin@ Coalition President & CEO Bamby Salcedo also addressed the Council, highlighting the importance of sustained investment in TGI communities and acknowledging the leadership that made this milestone possible.
“Trans People exist. Trans people have existed. And Trans people will continue to exist.”
-Bamby Salcedo
Bamby Salcedo addresses Los Angeles City Council, as Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez and Councilmember Heather Hutt thank TLC staff and clients in Council Chamber at Los Angeles City Hall.
“I am here for a very special occasion. We want to acknowledge, not just The TransLatin@ Coalition, but all of our community out here in Los Angeles, to true warriors who have stood with us in unprecedented times.”
- Bamby Salcedo, President and CEO, The TransLatin@ Coalition
Earlier this year, in May 2026, the City of Los Angeles took a historic step by establishing a new $500,000 funding line for programs and services supporting TGI communities. This marks the first time the City has allocated funding specifically for these investments.
While we celebrate this achievement and recognize the $500,000 allocation as an important first step, our work is far from over. The TransLatin@ Coalition originally advocated for a $4 million investment to fully fund the TGI WE Initiative and ensure that TGI Angelenos have access to the comprehensive programs, services, and opportunities they deserve.
For the work that they did. “I do want to, again, uplift and thank Councilmember Hutt and Councilmember Hernandez in making sure that we approve the TGI: Wellness and Equity Initiative,” shared Chi Chi Navarro, CD14 Appointed LA City Health Commissioner. “Unfortunately, as you may know, the amount that was allotted was $500,000 versus the $4 million that was originally asked.”
The TransLatin@ Coalition remains committed to working alongside community members, elected leaders, and partners to secure the full funding needed to maximize the impact of the TGI WE Initiative. We extend our sincere thanks to Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Heather Hutt for standing with our community and helping move this initiative forward.
