Lambda Archives of San Diego expresses deep concern over the rebranding of the Imperial Valley LGBTQ Resource Center, criticizing the exclusion of transgender individuals and the downplaying of the importance of affirming their identities.
On July 13, 2019, Sister Yesate of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence waves a transgender flag while walking the annual San Diego Pride Parade in Hillcrest, in San Diego, California. In neighboring Imperial County, the Imperial Valley LGBTQ Resource Center recently announced its rebranding as the Donnelly Community Services Center. Lambda Archives of San Diego is deeply disheartened by the recent statements made by the executive director of the rebranded center.
Transgender people, particularly those in rural and underserved areas like Imperial Valley, face unique challenges, including limited access to affirming health care, education and community support. The assertion that affirming a transgender person’s identity is anything but necessary for their well-being reflects a profound misunderstanding of both science and humanity. An estimated 1.6 million people ages 13 and older in the U.S. identify as transgender. Nearly one in five people who identify as transgender are ages 13-17. In a study carried out by the entitled “Where We Call Home: Transgender People in Rural America,” it found that the significant health disparities, obstacles to economic security, and increased likelihood of mistreatment, harassment, discrimination and violence experienced by transgender folks is directly linked to the lack of support structures. Furthermore, the study showed that while rural-based resources focused on LGBT people are uncommon, and resources for rural transgender people are even less common. Part of the rationale for this shift, according to the executive director, is that “many within the ‘LGB’ community have been left ‘dizzy and concerned’ with new policies, like Assembly Bill 1955.” This language intentionally excludes the “T,” highlighting a blatant form of transgender discrimination and exclusion. By selectively representing the community, this approach not only marginalizes trans individuals but also undermines the solidarity that is foundational to LGBTQ+ advocacy. The decision to shift away from explicitly serving the LGBTQ+ community under the guise of “serving the broader community” effectively leaves Imperial Valley’s trans and nonbinary population without a safe space — a critical lifeline in an already hostile climate. At a time when transgender rights are under attack nationwide, such rhetoric is particularly damaging and stands in direct opposition to the principles of inclusion, equity and respect. These comments are particularly dismissive of the experiences of transgender youth, who already face heightened levels of discrimination, bullying and societal rejection. For many trans youth, access to affirming spaces and support is a matter of survival. Statements that downplay or question the necessity of affirming their identities disregard the lived realities of these young people, who often encounter resistance from their families, schools and communities. The impact of such rhetoric is not theoretical — it actively contributes to the barriers that trans youth must navigate to access education, health care and basic human dignity. Lambda Archives remains committed to preserving the stories of LGBTQ+ people, including those who have faced discrimination, and will continue working toward a future where all individuals are valued and affirmed. We stand firmly with trans and nonbinary people in Imperial Valley, asserting their right to exist freely and proudly. Their lives and stories matter, and no rhetoric can erase their truth. To ensure that attempts to erase their histories fail miserably, we invite trans and nonbinary people of all ages from the Imperial Valley to share their stories with us at. You can submit photos or write a letter that speaks to your experience — your dreams, your challenges, your triumphs, or the love and strength that keep you moving forward. Tell us what being your true self means to you, what you wish others understood about your identity, or what you envision for the future of your community in Imperial Valley — including your feelings surrounding this change. Your words matter, and by sharing them, you ensure that your voice becomes part of a lasting legacy.
LGBTQ+ Transgender Discrimination Inclusion Visibility Imperial Valley Community Resources
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