California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky paid a visit to the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center (CONOTEC) on Thursday morning, joining FLUX, the Unique Women’s Coalition (UWC), and the Human Rights Campaign in commemorating a historic moment. The center, located in Los Angeles, has made U.S. history by becoming the nation’s first Vote Center situated within a Transgender establishment.
FLUX’s Queen Victoria Ortega, UWC’s Queen Chela Demuir, Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, and the Lieutenant Governor marked this milestone by announcing that CONOTEC would open its doors to all Los Angeles County voters from Saturday, March 2, through primary election day on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis expressed, “The opening of the nation’s first transgender voting center today in Los Angeles marks a significant milestone in our efforts to champion equity, inclusivity, and LGBTQA+ rights in California. By providing a safe and affirming space for the transgender community to exercise their fundamental right to vote, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring every Californian has equal access to the ballot box.”
Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky added, “I couldn’t be prouder that L.A.’s Fifth Council District is now home to the first voting center in the Nation located in a transgender facility. As extremists across the country continue their endless attacks on both the LGBT Community and our democracy, Los Angeles must stand as a beacon of hope. I want to thank CONOTEC for opening this voting center and for the critical work they do every day to support the needs of the Los Angeles transgender and nonbinary community.”
Queen Victoria Ortega, international president of FLUX, stated, “Fighting to provide a safe and welcoming place for our transgender and non-binary siblings is exactly why the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center exists. We will continue to work towards equality for all.”
Queen Chela Demuir of UWC echoed, “We have reached out to our transgender community across Los Angeles County, encouraging them to join us to vote here at the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center. This is our home. This is their home. Everyone is welcome here. Come and cast your ballot and do your civic duty to make your voice heard.”
In Los Angeles County, voters can cast their ballot at any Vote Center, irrespective of their residential address. Dean Logan, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, highlighted, “Our vote center model gives us the flexibility to locate vote centers in facilities and communities that give voters options that convey the significance of being heard through the act of voting.”
Voter registration services are available at all vote centers, and voters can drop off their voted mail ballot at any vote center as well.
Brian Michael Smith, actor from 911 Lone Star and Human Rights Campaign Board Member, stated, “The Human Rights Campaign is proud to stand with and assist Queens Victoria and Chela as they do critical work of fighting for Equality for all – without exception. Part of that equality includes having a safe space for voting in your community.”
The Connie Norman Trans Empowerment Center, named in honor of Connie Norman, the ‘AIDS Diva,’ a fearless Transgender and AIDS activist who passed away in 1996, opened on September 10, 2021.
