President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order declaring that the U.S. government will only recognize two sexes — male and female — that are not changeable.
The order also rolls back protections for trans people, including a mandate that federal prisons house inmates based on their sex assigned at birth.
Many LGBTQ+ rights advocates, including Lambda Legal, the Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union, have signaled they will challenge Trump’s actions in court.
While the future of other LGBTQ+ rights under the new administration remains uncertain, the recent actions have sparked concern among the community. During this time, advocates say it’s important to take care of your mental health and find resources and community.
We’ve rounded up places where people can find resources, support and community in Boyle Heights and beyond.
Latino Equality Alliance (LEA)
For more than 15 years, the Latino Equality Alliance has served as a resource for the LGBTQ+ community of Boyle Heights, with a recent expansion into the city of Bell.
Mi Centro, its local hub, offers youth and family education and empowerment programming, as well as health and social services through the L.A. LGBT Center.
That includes a youth club that meets regularly to provide guidance, build community and offer leadership training. The center also hosts support groups for family members, workshops diving into important issues, and queer-themed get-togethers to have fun and meet new people.
You can find out more online, and check out upcoming events posted on social media.
Locations:
- Mi Centro
- 553 S. Clarence Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Mi SELA
- 4265 Florence Avenue, Bell, CA 90201
The Wall Las Memorias
Founded on Dec. 1, 1993, The Wall Las Memorias has been working to raise awareness and end the stigma and bigotry faced by the LGBTQ+ community on the Eastside.
The nonprofit organizes an annual vigil at Lincoln Park where it has set up a historic memorial for those who have lost their lives in the AIDS epidemic. It also offers free HIV testing and other services at its hubs.
On top of being a center for advocacy, the organization also hosts informative workshops and fun events to bring people together. You can find out more online, and check out upcoming events on social media.
Locations:
- Boyle Heights Hub
- 2020 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Downtown Los Angeles
- 333 S. Spring Street, Unit F4-F5, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Central Los Angeles
- 800 W. Sixth Street, Suite 750, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Bienestar Los Angeles
Founded in direct response to a lack of resources in the community at the height of the AIDS crisis, Bienestar Human Services was founded in 1989.
It’s a community-based social services organization serving the greater L.A. area, with a focus on supporting the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities through peer-to-peer support and other services.
Today, it offers a variety of health services through Clinica Bienestar, mental health counseling and support groups, as well as hosting various programs to build community.
You can find out more online, and check out upcoming events on social media.
Closest Location:
- East Los Angeles Hub
- 5400 E. Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90022
GSA Network of California
For those in K-12 schools, look to see if yours has an LGBTQ+ club for students, whether that be a Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) or another group with the same mission. You can do this by checking your school’s website, looking during club rush or simply asking a teacher or staff member.
If you see that your school does not actively offer one, the GSA Network of California welcomes those interested in starting one to reach out for support, guidance and training to get off on the right foot.
Here’s how to get started online.
Higher Education Resources
Colleges and universities often have cultural and identity-based centers and/or clubs available for students to find resources, support and community. That includes Cal States, UCs and community colleges.
At Cal State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), you’ll find a Gender & Sexuality Resource Center and Cross-Cultural Centers as well as the school’s student union.
East Los Angeles College (ELAC) also has its very own Husky Pride Center where you’ll find programming and events for LGBTQ+ scholars, staff and faculty as well.
Support Hotlines
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
The leading national organization providing crisis intervention services to LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-24.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Available 24/7 via phone, text or online chat, you can contact 988 for free, quality one-on-one assistance through any mental health struggles you might encounter.
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
Peer support for the transgender community, run by and for trans people.
More resources
211LA: For those in L.A. County, 211LA offers information on free and low-cost health, human and social services available that best fit your needs.
TransLatin@ Coalition: Founded in 2009, the TransLatin@ (TLC) is an advocate for the needs of the trans Latino community in the U.S. That includes leadership development, health and legal services, support groups and more.
Los Angeles LGBT Center: The largest facility in the nation with hubs across the city of L.A. providing programs and services for the LGBTQ+ community through programming and a wide range of services.
