On the Intersection Between LGBTQIA+ and Immigrant Experiences

The CFA LGBTQIA+ caucus hosted a fireside chat on Tuesday April 22, 2025.  The conversation between caucus Co-Chairs Loren Cannon and Jay Howell and special guest Bamby Salcedo, President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, was deeply personal and empowering.

As moderator, Howell asked questions that surfaced need-to-know information about the intersection between Bamby’s experience as a trans immigrant who experienced violence in detention and her present-day position as a leader in the movement for trans rights given the political landscape. In light of Project 2025, Loren’s book, “The Politicization of Trans Identity,” was prescient and formed the foundation of his discussion linking the intersectionality race, immigration status, and backlash to the Obergefell ruling (legalizing same sex marriage) and increased LGBTQIA+ equality.  It was a weighty conversation indeed, but also one filled with tales of people living their best and most freedom-filled lives in spite and despite backlash, scapegoating, dog-whistling, and virtue signaling.

The TransLatin@ Coalition offers invaluable services to the immigrant trans community and others, and is facing severe federal funding budget cuts. The organization is planning to do more than survive. Bamby says they are planning to thrive by continuing to be engaged in the art of building community with those who stand shoulder to shoulder with them. She invited participation and donation for The Walk for Humanity on August 24, 2025.