New York. – Dominican activist
Eduardo Sánchez spends his life in New York City defending the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially transgender women, a group to which he belongs. In an increasingly adverse political and legal context, Sánchez joins the voices that clamor not only for equality, but for something more fundamental: the right to exist.
“Being trans is not a decision that is taken lightly. It is something you are born with. It requires a lot of strength, especially within the Latin culture,” expressed the activist, who grew up in a Christian home in a rural area of the Dominican Republic.
This Sunday, during the
Great Pride Parade in Manhattan, Eduardo will march once more alongside new generations of activists who, unlike previous decades when the fight focused on equal marriage and the elimination of labor barriers, today face a more complex panorama. “Now the battle is for the right to exist, to be recognized as human beings”, he affirmed.
Advances in New York, Federal Setbacks
Despite New York City remaining a sanctuary for the trans community, with state and municipal laws providing protection, recent federal cuts and decisions threaten to dismantle years of progress.
Among the measures promoted since the return of former President Donald Trump to the political scene are the elimination of access to gender-affirming medical care, restrictions on the participation of transgender people in sports teams, and the closure of educational programs on diversity.
The situation worsened last week with a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that allowed the SB1 law in Tennessee to come into effect, which prohibits gender-affirming treatments, such as puberty blockers or hormone therapy, for minors. This ruling sets a precedent that supports similar laws in at least 25 states in the country.
The impact on mental health and well-being
Eduardo Sánchez warns that the effects of these measures are already being felt in the community, especially among the youngest. "I know teenagers who do not have the support of their families, many have been kicked out of their homes. Access to mental health is not a luxury, it is a necessity," he emphasized.
The activist emphasized that gender transition should be approached from an individualized perspective. "Each young person has their own emotional and social universe. It's not the same for those who have support as for those facing abandonment," he said.
Faced with this situation, the New York City Council recently approved legislation to expand information on legal protections, resources for victims of hate crimes, and name and gender marker change processes, in order to strengthen services for this vulnerable population.
Between Progress and Resistance
Despite advances in public perception, the acceptance of gender transition in minors continues to be a divisive issue. A 2024 Gallup poll reveals that 51% of Americans consider gender change to be morally wrong, while 44% accept it morally. However, more than 60% oppose laws that prohibit gender-affirming treatments for minors.
"The most dangerous thing is not just social rejection, but when they become laws that silence, that eliminate services, that deny identity," concluded Eduardo Sánchez, with the hope that collective resistance will keep the flame of trans pride and dignity alive.
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