Despite these challenges, there have been significant triumphs:
In the mid-20th century, police raids on queer establishments were frequent and brutal. The turning point for the modern movement occurred in June 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. While popular narratives often sanitized this history, it was Black, Latine, and working-class trans women and street queens who led the uprising.
Despite increased visibility, the transgender community faces distinct vulnerabilities within and outside LGBTQ+ culture. Intersectionality—the understanding of how overlapping identities create unique systems of discrimination—is crucial here.