Community Leaders Discuss Trump Policy Impacts, Resistance, and Hope at West Hollywood Town Hall

At a recent town hall in West Hollywood, community leaders detailed the Trump administration’s impact on vulnerable groups, sharing strategies for resistance and sources of hope. The Safeguarding Our Rights – The First 100 Days event featured a panel from organizations including ACLU Southern California, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Equality California, CHIRLA, TransLatin@ Coalition, APLA Health, and Planned Parenthood.

Tara Russell Slavin from the Los Angeles LGBT Center reported the sudden cancellation of four federal contracts, three focused on HIV research, disrupting decades of public health progress. She emphasized the fear among communities, noting that the abrupt cuts create significant barriers to care. Phil Curtis of APLA Health echoed this, mentioning the loss of three grants studying HIV-related issues, leading to layoffs. He expressed concerns about potential cuts to Ryan White funding and Medicaid, which could affect thousands of patients, and warned that the worst is yet to come.

Alexandra Magayon of the TransLatin@ Coalition highlighted the disproportionate impact on trans communities, particularly trans women of color, who face increased risks due to systemic discrimination. While the coalition focuses on workforce development, its HIV testing services have been affected. Magayon shared a personal story of surviving violence as an intersex individual, underscoring the stakes for her community.

Jamie Kerk from Planned Parenthood detailed the elimination of Title X funding for family planning services and the administration’s refusal to enforce the FACE Act, emboldening anti-abortion activists. She cited an incident at the Pomona Health Center where nearly 1,000 protesters intimidated patients, illustrating the growing hostility faced by providers and clients.

Arieli Hernandez of CHIRLA described the administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, including arrests during wildfires, which deterred immigrants from seeking aid. She emphasized the importance of knowing constitutional rights and outlined CHIRLA’s efforts in litigation and organizing, such as challenging the immigrant registration executive order.

Christine Parker from the ACLU of Southern California reported filing 46 lawsuits against the administration, achieving early successes like injunctions protecting gender-affirming care and passport rights for trans, non-binary, and intersex individuals. She highlighted state-level protections, such as the SAFETY Act, to counter federal overreach. Tom Temprano of Equality California discussed defensive legislative efforts in Sacramento, stopping bills that would repeal trans protections, and proactive measures like AB 82 to safeguard health data privacy.

Despite the challenges, panelists found hope in community resilience. Slavin pointed to the regrowth of roses after losing her home to fires, symbolizing renewal. Curtis expressed confidence that communities would not regress, while Magayon found inspiration in her chosen family’s growth. Kerk valued the support of queer sports league communities, and Hernandez highlighted the power of collective action. Parker drew hope from queer students learning their rights, and Temprano was encouraged by parents advocating for trans and queer youth.

Residents raised concerns about trans air travel challenges, the role of grassroots resistance, and data privacy. Magayon advised trans individuals to secure updated IDs, noting inconsistencies in TSA practices, while Hernandez stressed the constitutional right to free speech through protests. Parker outlined legislative efforts to protect sensitive data, such as ending dragnet surveillance demands.