The nation’s first ever vote center in a transgender support space will open in West Hollywood on Saturday.
All voters in Los Angeles County can cast their ballots at the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center through primary election day on Tuesday, March 5. But the transgender and nonbinary community is invited to do their civic duty and make their voices heard.
“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,” Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis said at a news conference Thursday.
Why now?
Queen Chela Demuir, the founder of the Unique Woman’s Coalition and the international vice president of FLUX, told LAist that it’s important for all Americans to have an opportunity to cast their vote in a place where they feel free and comforted.
“In a time when our trans and nonbinary siblings are having to face elements of erasure with legislation, it’s important that we speak up,” she said. “It’s important for us to go to the polls, go to the voting places, and cast those votes against those legislations that want to bind us, and prevent us from being who we are.”
More than 500 anti-trans bills have been introduced across 41 states this year alone, according to the Trans Legislation Tracker.
Why this space?
Demuir noted that some people may not be able to update their identification records, which can cause discomfort and anxiety when they go to cast their ballots.
Many may choose to mail them in instead, which she said can make people feel like they’re missing…
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