1. Lack of resources for transgender individuals in Orange County leads to challenges in securing stable housing
2. Limited support for trans community in OC hinders efforts to attain stable housing.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : Viana Maktub Serrano, a transgender Latina, faced homelessness at a young age after running away from home when her parents forced her to cut her hair. Despite the challenges she faced, Serrano embraced her true identity and now resides in Santa Ana, where she is actively involved in advocating for housing justice for transgender, gender diverse, and intersex (TGI) individuals in Orange County.
Recently, Serrano participated in a groundbreaking survey conducted by Alianza Translatinx, a local organization led by transgender people of color. The survey, titled “Orange County’s Inaugural TGI Survey: We Deserve Housing Justice,” shed light on the disparities and injustices faced by TGI populations in the region. With financial support from CalOptima Health and the Samueli Foundation, the survey aimed to address common barriers such as discrimination and financial struggles that prevent TGI individuals from accessing safe and secure housing.
The results of the survey, released on June 21, highlighted the urgent need for more inclusive and culturally appropriate housing services for TGI communities of color in Orange County. The report revealed that many existing organizations catering to the broader LGBTQ+ community have historically neglected the specific needs of TGI individuals.
Khloe Rios-Wyatt, the founder and CEO of Alianza Translatinx, emphasized the importance of securing permanent housing for TGI individuals of color and providing trauma-informed resources to meet their unique needs. The survey, which included 159 diverse participants representing different ages, gender identities, races, and sexual orientations, underscored the significant challenges faced by TGI individuals in Orange County.
Key findings from the survey included the high prevalence of housing discrimination, low annual incomes, and a lack of knowledge about housing rights among TGI participants. The report called for increased accountability to end discrimination, funding for TGI-specific housing options, rent control, and employment support services to improve housing security and equity in the region.
As part of their efforts to address these issues, Alianza Translatinx launched a case management program in 2023, which has already helped 30 TGI residents find housing in Orange County. The organization continues to advocate for TGI supportive resources across the county to ensure that all individuals have access to safe and secure housing.
In conclusion, the survey conducted by Alianza Translatinx has shed light on the urgent need for housing justice for TGI communities in Orange County. By amplifying the voices of individuals like Viana Maktub Serrano and advocating for inclusive and equitable housing policies, the organization is working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all TGI individuals in the region..
1. trans-specific resources in OC make stable housing impossible to achieve
2. Lack of trans-specific resources in OC hinder achievement of stable housing.
