Salcedo, Bamby

Metadata

Abstract

An oral history with Bamby Salcedo, transgender Latina activist and founder of the TransLatin@ Coalition. This interview was conducted for the Women, Politics, and Activism Since Suffrage Oral History Project for California State University, Fullerton. The purpose of this interview was to gather information regarding her life and her pursuits of social justice. Specifically, this interview talks about Salcedo’s childhood in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the challenges of being raised by a single mother; experience of immigrating to the United States in 1985; speaks candidly about her drug addiction; shares transitioning to a woman; explains why she became a trans activist; describes her work as health education coordinator at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; why she founded the TransLatin@ Coalition and its role in the trans community; speaks about challenges documented and undocumented trans Latinos and Latinas face; her educational experiences at UCLA as a trans Latina student; describes experiences in ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] detention centers; making the documentary Transvisible; her family’s response to her activism; describes her leadership style; explains why she refers to herself a community investment; what it takes to be an effective trans Latina activist and leader and the challenges faced; shares advice for women interested in becoming activists; explains her definition of feminism; differences between how men and women lead; recalls participating in the White House United State of Women Summit and sharing the stage with Vice President Joe Biden; reflects on the 2016 United States Presidential campaign; closes the interview by sharing her hopes for the future and the importance of supporting the trans community.