Still Here : Alliance for Trans Rights

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Inspired by Miss Major Griffin-Gracy’s message : “We have to look out for one another because we're all we got. The rest of the world doesn't really give a shit whether we live or die. And the thing is, when the dust settles, I want a whole bunch of transgender folks to stand up and say, I"m still fucking here,” Still Here, a collective of trans-led organizers in the Sacramento area began meeting at the Gender Health Center to organize and strategize on how we can create the space and possibles for our survival, livelihood and thriving spirit. In October of 2018, the Trump administration had begun it’s attacks on many marginalized communities, Still Here came out of Queer and Transgender people’s will and power to stand up and fight back against White Supremacy, against Cis-Het Patriachal systems, and against Capitalism. 

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When the New York Times leaked the memo that this Administration would challenge the Title XI protections for transgender people, #StillHere and the Gender Health Center rallied at Winn Park in protestations against these barbaric attacks from the federal government.  Then later on November 10th, amidst a massive fire that burned across California, #StillHere rallied at the Capitol with over 500 marchers and attendees. Jason Pierce, one of the few media to report about the Trans Rally and March on that treacherous day in the Sac City Express. 

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Following the traditions of the #QueerLiberationMovement, #StillHere believe that abolition is key and central to Queer and Transgender liberation because the Police State and the Prison Industrial Complex is part and parcel to our communities’ oppression. For the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion and the death anniversary of Roxsana Hernandez, #StillHere teamed up with Familia: Trans and Queer Liberation for a National Week of Action where Sacramento LGBT activist held their protest at the Sacramento Field Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services building in downtown Sacramento and marched for both transgender asylum seekers: Roxsana Hernandez and Johana Medina who were killed by the neglience of this federal US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. 

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2019 also marked a pivotal moment in Sacramento Pride history because of its first attempt to challenge the mainstream corporate Pride celebration and its involvement with the Sacramento Police Department. The #ReclaimPride Protests were planned in early 2019 but it became local attention when the Sacramento LGBT Center failed to honor its decision to keep LGBT police officers out of uniform for the Pride Parade segment. This local Sacramento team of powerful and fierce community organizers and activists continue to do the work of building transgender and queer power in the community. 

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Facebook: @StillHere4TransRights

Instagram: @StillHere4TransRights