Bamby Salcedo is a nationally and internationally recognized transgender Latina activist and a prominent champion for the transgender community, particularly focusing on the needs of transgender Latinx individuals. As the President and CEO of the TransLatina Coalition, she works to ensure that trans people live in dignity, safety, and freedom.
Her advocacy efforts focus on several core areas:
- Health and Wellness: She advocates for increased access to competent healthcare for transgender people, including HIV prevention and treatment services. She founded the Center for Violence Prevention & Transgender Wellness, a specialized facility in Los Angeles.
- Transgender Rights and Advocacy: Salcedo fights against discrimination and works to ensure that marginalized voices are heard in governmental and policy spaces.
- Immigration Support: She supports trans immigrants and undocumented youth, particularly those navigating ICE detention centers.
- Intersectionality: Her work addresses the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, HIV status, and housing, tackling issues like homelessness and incarceration.
- Youth Empowerment: She has developed programs for trans youth, such as the "Angels of Change" calendar and runway show to promote self-presentation and safety.
She has been honored as a "trailblazer" in public health and a powerful voice for equity.