Arkansas Organizers Step Up for Latinos Who Identify As Trans

Arkansas was the first state in the country to ban transgender-affirming care for kids.

The state also has a law allowing Arkansans to sue for damages if they encounter someone in a bathroom, changing room, shelter or correctional facility who does not align with the “designated sex” of the restroom. It is estimated more than 10,000 transgender people live in the Natural State, and the nonprofit advocacy group Intransitive is there to help them feel seen and accepted.

Cynthia Martinez, communications director for Intransitive, said it is easy for members to feel left out, especially during commemorations like Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Living at the intersections of these identities just makes us so much more powerful and we have the right to be included and are fundamental to our culture,” Martinez asserted. “We’re also trying to create more acceptance within the rest of our community.”

The group is hosting a drag and movie night Oct. 3 in Little Rock, featuring international activist Victoria Castro. The film documents Castro’s journey from El Salvador to America. Many members of the trans community in Arkansas said they have been affected by increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Martinez noted even people with legal status do not feel safe enough to protest.

“We have trained over 200 volunteers to be able to accompany folks to their ICE check-ins, to immigration court, traffic court as well, just help folks navigate these systems,” Martinez pointed out.

Martinez added the group is preparing for next year’s legislative session. In past years when Arkansas adopted restrictive policies, members aligned with Intransitive put together digital and ground campaigns to fight bills deemed hostile toward the transgender community. State officials backing such policies have vigorously defended them when challenged in court.

Arkansas organizers step up for Latinos who identify as trans was first published by Public News Service and is republished with permission.

Freda Ross is a Producer with PNS.