TRANSGENDER is a term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender identity is a person's internal, personal sense of being a man or a woman (or boy or girl.) For some people, their gender identity does not fit neatly into those two choices. For transgender people, the sex they were assigned at birth and their own internal gender identity do not match.

People in the transgender community may describe themselves using one (or more) of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, transsexual, and non-binary. Always use the term used by the person.

Trying to change a person's gender identity is no more successful than trying to change a person's sexual orientation -- it doesn't work. So most transgender people seek to bring their bodies into alignment with their gender identity. This is called transition. 

As part of the transition process, many transgender people are prescribed hormones by their doctors to change their bodies. Some undergo surgeries as well. But not all transgender people can or will take those steps, and it's important to know that being transgender is not dependent upon medical procedures.

Transgender is an adjective and should never be used as a noun. For example, rather than saying "Max is a transgender," say "Max is a transgender person" or "Max is a transgender man." And transgender never needs an "-ed" at the end.

The above is from the The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) website and additional educational information can be found at https://www.glaad.org/transgender

La mayoría de los servicios están disponibles en español, por favor llame a las agencias para obtener más información.

TRANS CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES (TCLA) is the largest group of trans and gender non-conforming people anywhere in the world who gather together regularly to raise their voices in song.  To sing or volunteer for TCLA visit https://transchorusla.org/

TRANS LIFE LA was formed to be a resource for the Transgender | Queer |Gender Non-Conforming community. Their mission is to make available access to education, experiences, resources and opportunities that inspire the empowerment , enrichment and sustainability of all community members.  www.translifela.org

GENDER JUSTICE LA is a grassroots organization building the power of transgender and gender non-conforming community in LA. Visit http://www.gjla.org or call (323) 300-8599

TRANSLATION@COALITION advocates for the specific needs of the trans, non-binary and non-gender conforming Latin@community with programs based in Los Angeles including a drop-in center, daily meals, ESL classes, life skills group, judo classes, job development/opportunities, a computer lab and S.P.U.N.K. (support to survivors of immigration detention and incarceration with rental assistance, transportation and food vouchers). Visit http://www.translationacoalition.org

JVS WEHO WORKS is a partnership with the City of West Hollywood and provides a Career Resource Center for job seekers who live or work in West Hollywood providing free job search skills training and job placement assistance.   JVS WeHoWorks also collaborates with employers, and hosts employer recruitment and is located in the West Hollywood Public Library.
https://www.jvs-socal.org/program/wehoworks/ or (310) 652-6378

TRANSGENDER ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (TEEP) is a program that provides support to those looking for a trans-friendly job, support in in coming out in the workplace, developing long-term career goals, improving job skills, and financial coaching. In addition, TEEP works to address employment discrimination through gender and sexual diversity trainings for employers to establish a safer work environment and clear transition guidelines. With the support of the City of West Hollywood and local business partners, TEEP hosts an annual job fair in November with trans-friendly employers. For more information, please call (323) 993-7410, e-mail teep@lalgbtcenter.org or visit https://lalgbtcenter.org/

APLA HEALTH provides services that promote well-being for the LGBT and other underserved communities and people living with and affected by HIV at various locations in LA County.  Main website and contact is https://aplahealth.org/ or (213) 201-1600.  Their programs include:

C.L.A.S.S. is a unique leadership program funded by the Los Angeles AIDS Coordinator Office that equips transgender women of color with the personal development tools to become leaders, live powerful lives, and improve the overall well-being of the transgender community in the greater Los Angeles area.  Over the course of six months a wide variety of topics are covered ranging from transgender history and leaders, to financial planning and mental health comping skills.  Fun events will take place and food is provided at each meeting.   For more information visit Facebook at aplaclass , twitter at class_sisters, or call (323) 329-9715.

RED CIRCLE PROJECT is the only HIV prevention program in Los Angeles County that specifically provides services to the Native American /Alaska Native Community.  Red Circle Project provides culturally competent HIV/AIDS resources and referrals, group level interventions for Native Gay/Two Spirit men and Native transgender individuals, and mobile HIV testing to urban Native community at outreach events such as powwows, cultural events, etc.  For more information visit https://aplahealth.org/ or on Facebook at redcircleproject or call (323) 329-9905.

TRANS CONNECTIONS is a comprehensive high-impact HIV prevention program for Young Transgender Persons of Color (18-29) who reside in South Los Angeles, South Bay and Long Beach.  The program is funded by the CDC.

APAIT offers HEART, a peer-led, skills building intervention designed to reduce HIV risk behaviors among Asian and Pacific Islander transgender women in LA County. The multi-session program seeks to empower transgender women to negotiate safer sex with their partners as well as to enhance their self-esteem and self-worth.  For more information call (213) 375-3830 or visit https://aplahealth.org/

BIENESTAR provides a variety of free programs for transgender Latina women which provide health, education, mental health services, HIV testing, referrals and CRCS Counseling (Comprehensive Risk Counseling and Services). CRCS is one-on-one counseling that focuses on HIV prevention and creating positive improvement in overall well-being.   For more information call (866) 590-6411 ext. 402 or https://www.bienestar.org/support-services/

CEDARS-SINAI TRANSGENDER SURGERY AND HEALTH PROGRAM is offers individualized care for all patients seeking gender-affirming surgery and transition-related care to all patients seeking gender-affirming surgery and healthcare, including those covered by Medi-Cal and Medicare.   For more information call 1-800-233-2771 or visit https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/transgender-surgery-and-health.html

FRIENDS COMMUNITY CENTER has a number of different programs for HIV and substance abuse prevention. For more information, see the Friends Community Center listing in this brochure in the Substance Use/Abuse section.

HORMONES can be obtained through BAART Programs, a multi-service organization providing drug treatment and rehabilitation. BAART Beverly is located at 1926 W. Beverly Blvd. and can be reached at (213) 353-1140.

LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER - TRANSGENDER HEALTH CARE offers medical providers who specialize in the care of transgender women and men who are considering transitioning, are in the process of transitioning, or have already transitioned.  In addition to a full range of primary care services, the Transgender Health Program providers offer: Hormone therapy, including education and management; Pre- and post- surgical care; and Trans-sensitive pap smears, pelvic exams, and prostate exams  The program accepts Medi-Cal, Medicare, most major insurance plans, and some HMOs. If you are uninsured, we can help you get insurance through Covered California or determine your eligibility for medical and drug assistance programs.
https://lalgbtcenter.org/

MINORITY AIDS PROJECT has a Transgender Outreach Program that provides HIV/AIDS education and prevention, counseling and referrals as well as various workshops.  For more information, call (323) 936-4949 or visit http://minorityaidsproject.org/

SILICONE INJECTIONS are illegal and dangerous and can disfigure and be life threatening. The most common causes of death immediately following a silicone injection are from an immune response which causes the lungs to fill with fluid, or from a pulmonary embolism.

ST. JOHN’S WELL CHILD AND FAMILY CENTER offers a Transgender Health Program with services including comprehensive primary care, HIV/STD testing, treatment, and counseling; and mental health services. For more information and clinic locations throughout South LA, call (323) 541-1411  or visit https://www.wellchild.org/clinics.html

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
Various location (213) 405-5800    
https://www.aidshealth.org/

 

BIENESTAR
4955 W. Sunset Blvd. 
(323) 660-9680
https://www.bienestar.org/support-services/

THE LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER
Jeffrey Goodman Clinic
1625 N. Schrader Blvd.
(323) 860-5855

 

CENTER WEHO
8745 Santa Monica Blvd.
(323) 993-7440
https://lalgbtcenter.org/

 

THE SABAN COMMUNITY CLINIC
Various locations 
(323) 653-1990
https://www.sabancommunityclinic.org/

THE SPOT
745 N. San Vicente Blvd. 
(323) 993-7440
https://lalgbtcenter.org/

Most sections of California law prohibit discrimination based on a long list of protected classes, including sexual orientation, gender and gender identity.  LGBT Californians are protected from discrimination in securing employment and housing, accessing government services and participating in state-funded activities. LGBT people are also protected under the state’s hate crime law.

Go to the Equality California website at https://www.eqca.org for more information.

BATHROOM USAGE—Transgender women  and men should use the restroom that matches their gender identity, regardless  of whether they are making a gender transition or appear gender-nonconforming. An informative fact sheet titled, “Equal  Access to Public Bathrooms,” is available  as part of the “Transgender Rights Toolbox”  located on the Lambda Legal website at  https://www.lambdalegal.org /issues/transgender-rights

BET TZEDEK LEGAL SERVICES provides legal services for community members, with emphasis on benefits advocacy and landlord/tenant issues. For more information, call (323) 939-0506 (West Hollywood residents call 323-549-5841) or visit https://www.bettzedek.org

LEGAL AID FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES (LAFLA) provides civil legal aid to poor and low-income people in Los Angeles County.  They have five neighborhood offices, three domestic violence clinics and four self-help legal access centers. 
https://www.lafla.org or 1-800-399-4529

LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER’S LEGAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT can help navigate the process of legally changing your legal name and gender markers. We can also assist in connecting you with an attorney or trans-friendly legal resource to help guide you through cases such as employment discrimination, reporting hate crimes/incidents, intimate partner violence/abuse, immigration, asylum applications, and preparation of various legal documents. For more information, please call (323) 993-7670, e-mail legalservices@lalgbtcenter.org or visit https://lalgbtcenter.org/legal_serviceslafla.org/who-we-are/

TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER is a national organization that works to change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. For more information, call (415) 865-0176 or visit https://transgenderlawcenter.org/

THE POLICE: SOME BASIC RIGHTS

Adapted from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to remain silent (including when asked about immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents or any other officials). If you wish to remain silent, say that out loud.
• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.
• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, car or home.
• Stay calm and polite. Do not interfere with or obstruct the police.
• Do not lie or give false documents.

For additional basic rights regarding the police, visit the ACLU website at https://www.aclusocal.org/

BIENESTAR provides support and HIV risk reduction services for the transgender community, including support groups in Spanish. The Transgéneros Unidas (TU) program provides services to the Latina transgender community including support groups, education and intervention programs, educational forums and social events.  For more information, https://www.bienestar.org/ call (323) 660-9680.

TRANSGENDER SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT GROUPS offer two groups (transgender male to female and transgender female to male), for individuals who identify at various points along the gender spectrum (e.g., transgender, gender-queer, gender-nonconforming).  For more information, call (323) 860-5806,  or visit https://lalgbtcenter.org/transgender_support_%20empowerment_group

TRANSITIONS is a weekly peer-led support and discussion group for HIV+ transgender individuals held at Being Alive on Saturdays from 10am–noon. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about risk and harm reduction and trans-safety. For more information, call (323) 874-4322, email info@beingalivela.org or visit http://beingalivela.org/

ASCENCIA provides comprehensive services for adults who are homeless including street outreach, case management and shelter. For more information, www.ascencisca.org or call (818) 246-7900.

WEST HOLLYWOOD HOMELESS INTIATIVE provides on-site outreach and serves at the West Hollywood Library (625 N. San Vicente Blvd.) for people in the community who are homeless.  Outreach is coordinated by representatives from direct service nonprofit organizations including APLA Health, Ascencia, LA LGBT Center, JFS/West Hollywood Comprehensive Services Center, Safe Refuge, Step Up on Second, and Tarzana Treatment Centers.  For more information visit https://www.weho.org/services/social-services/homeless-services or call (323) 848-6590.

FRIENDS COMMUNITY CENTER is located on the border of Hollywood and West Hollywood, which is the primary sex-work district for gay men and transgender women. Several service programs and research studies run out of Friends Community Center, including HIV and substance abuse prevention services to out-of-treatment substance users, as well as methamphetamine abuse treatment.  For more information, call (323) 463-1601 or visit https://www.friendscommunitycenter.org/

Friends programs include…

TransAction is designed to reduce high-risk sexual and drug behaviors among moderate to high-risk transgender women. Drop in hours are weekdays from 4:30 – 7:00pm at Friends Community Center located at 1419 N. La Brea Ave.

A.S.K. (Assisting with Services and Knowledge) offers an intensive, individualized and well-rounded approach of case management (with the specific goal of reducing high-risk behaviors related to HIV) for clients of Friends Community Center.

WeHo Streets offers HIV/AIDS education to gay and bisexual men and transgender women through street outreach in the West Hollywood area.

Social Network HIV Counseling and  Testing Program aims to identify and test gay and bisexual men and transgender women in L.A. County who are at high risk  of HIV acquisition and transmission and  who are unaware of their HIV status via a social network methodology.

LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER offers a variety of crystal meth support groups for the LGBT community facilitated by mental health professionals at locations in Hollywood  and West Hollywood. Call (323) 993-7448, email healthservices@lalgbtcenter.org or  visit https://lalgbtcenter.org/health-services/addiction-recovery-services

SAFE REFUGE (formerly known as Substance Abuse Foundation of Long Beach), is a supportive and caring recovery community with a unique home-like environment. Treatment services include residential and outpatient care, supportive services and aftercare. For more information, call 1–888–476-2743 or visit http://asaferefuge.org/

TARZANA TREATMENT CENTER is a behavioral healthcare organization that provides high quality, cost-effective substance abuse and mental health treatment. Their programs include medical detox (alcohol and drug), residential rehab, outpatient alcohol and drug treatment services. For more information, call 1–800–996-1051 or visit https://www.tarzanatc.org/

WEST HOLLYWOOD RECOVERY CENTER hosts 12-step recovery meetings on a daily basis at 626 N. Robertson Blvd. For a list of meetings, call (310) 360–4833 or visit the http://thewhrc.org/site/

THE CENTER FOR TRANSGENDER YOUTH HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, a program of The Division of Adolescent Medicine at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, provides prevention services for youth between the ages of 14–25 who are gender non-conforming, gender questioning, preparing for transitioning or actively transitioning.   For more information, call (323) 361-5372.

Los Angeles LGBT Center | Youth Services, a program of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, is a drop-in center for LGBT youth that provides case management, support groups, meals, clothing, laundry, showers, computer access and an educational/GED preparation center.

Los Angeles LGBT Center | Youth Services
(323) 860-2280 | lalgbtcenter.org
Mon – Fri: 7:30am – 3:30pm; Sat – Sun: 7:30am – 1pm
1118 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90038

For more information, call (323) 860-2280, email youthservices@lalgbtcenter.org or https://lalgbtcenter.org/youthservices