When Vivian Dortch’s father discovered her at a younger age wearing female clothing, he became extremely aggressive.
She has endured criticism from some since coming out as a trans woman in 2020, but she has maintained her composure and made an effort to lead her most real life. 43-year-old representative of Palm Springs relocated from Mississippi to the plain earlier this year. She has been able to relax since moving.
She said,” It’s difficult to describe the pleasure I have right now.”
Transgender people strive for the freedom to live honestly, but some of their lives have been cut short as a result of anti-gay violence. During the Transgender Day of Remembrance celebration in Palm Springs on Monday night, Dortch may remember the companions she lost over the years.
The Transgender Health and Wellness Center will hold the candlelight vigil on Monday from 5 to 6 p.m. in front of Palm Springs City Hall. The names of transgender people who passed away across the nation in 2023 may be read aloud at the event, according to Renae Punzalan, director of outreach for the facility.
The event is open to the public, and Punzalan encourages LGBTQ+ friends to participate as well.
Punzalan declared,” We really want our allies to stand up and fight with us too so we do n’t have to have this day.” ” It’s really unfortunate that this day exists, but it serves to raise awareness and transgender presence so that people are aware of what is happening in our society.”
According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 26 trans and female non-conforming individuals have been killed using harsh means in 2023. 88 % of those people identified as people of color, and 54 % as transgender Black women.
According to a 2021 investigation by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, trans people are also four times more likely than ciggen people to experience violent abuse, such as rape, sexual assault, and aggravated or plain abuse.
Murder against trans people continues, even though no native names will appear on the list of those who passed away this year. According to a KESQ review, police in Palm Springs were looking into the event as an alleged hate crime after it happened in August, when trans women were assaulted in front of an open bar in the city. The situation is still ongoing, according to Lt. Gustavo Araiza of the Palm Springs Police Department, and no arrests have been made as of Thursday.
” Trans people, especially trans people who are very brave and face the world as they are, life in that reality. Yet in Palm Springs, it could be extremely hazardous, according to Punzalan.
According to Dortch, living as a trans woman in Mississippi was” no while poor” as some may believe. When she came out as transgender in 2020, she had a solid support network and some applications she was connect with, but discrimination has persisted.
She explained that as a 6 foot 9 inches trans woman, she has heard her fair share of criticism from others and been made fun of in franchises. She ultimately made the decision to leave Mississippi earlier this year because she was unable to obtain the health transition services she required.
Dortch remarked,” Many people say I’m brave for picking up and moving to California and hardly knowing anyone, but I just want to survive.”
Dortch hopes to return home and “go back to the fight” once she is able to get the health attention she requires.
There are children who wo n’t even leave their homes because they are too afraid to leave. Sincerely, I’m doing this for myself as well as a lot of other people.
At the memory function, Laurel will be reading the names of the victims because she did not wish her last name to be used for security reasons. Because it hits very close to home, Laurel predicted that it would be an emotional time.
She claimed that while living in a Southern position, her trans woman child, who was in her 20s, encountered stalking and threats, which compelled them to relocate to the plain two years ago.
” This was n’t a planned move for us. On Trans Day of Remembrance, it became abundantly clear that if we remained in our current residence, I would not be standing next to my child, according to Laurel. Every time I visit one of these monuments, I’m reminded that my daughter could still be there.
Not a day goes by when Laurel adds,” I do n’t think about who’s going to attack my kid and their friends out there.” However, since living in the desert, there have been adjustments. Laurel claimed that her daughter had previously been unable to leave the house and visit food outlets. The Transgender Health and Wellness Center, where employees “have made us feel house and welcomed us,” is another organization the community has joined.
She knows there is hope for a living around, but she’s still learning how to let go of some of that trauma, Laurel said, “while she nevertheless has that security in her thoughts and on her head.”
Visit https ://trans .health/ for more details on the Transgender Health and Wellness Center.
Ema Sasic discusses the Coachella Valley’s heath and entertainment. At ema, contact her. [email protected] or @ema_sacc on Twitter.
