Stonewall Community Grand Marshal Jamie Arangure
Jamie Arangure is the founder and president of Proyecto Trans Latinas, a community organization focused on supporting the needs of transgender, gender-nonconforming, and LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly immigrants and people of color. As a transgender woman of color and a migrant, Jamie uses her personal experiences andprofessional background to lead an organization dedicated to providing vital services to this often-marginalized community.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration for Tourism in Mexico and has become an advocate for her community, working in various roles and partnerships with organizations like California First Job, the Trans Health Project at UCSD, and CA-TGL+.
At Proyecto Trans Latinas, her focus is guiding individuals through services that support mental health, legal assistance, housing, and access to medical care. These include helping obtain surgeries, finding clinics and pharmacies that offer necessary medications, and providing information on HIV and STD testing. One of the most significant aspects of Jamie’s work is her emphasis on food security, ensuring that individuals have access to nutrition as part of holistic care.
As one of the Grand Marshals representing the LGBTQIA+ Migrants & Defenders group, Jamie takes immense pride in being a representative for such a vulnerable community. She views the role as an essential step in the larger movement for the rights and visibility of LGBTQIA+ migrants. Her story as a transgender migrant of color gives her the ability to advocate for those whose voices are often silenced. Jamie emphasizes that the work done by her organization—built on unity and collective effort—is beginning to show results. She believes this is just the beginning, and that many more steps will follow in advancing the cause of transgender and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Support for organizations like Proyecto Trans Latinas is vital, not only from the LGBTQ+ community but from broader society. Jamie stresses that as a new organization with limited resources, the work is driven by passion, heart, and commitment. It is crucial for the organization to receive both financial and moral support from larger institutions. The visibility and alliances that support brings are essential to continuing services and ensuring long-term sustainability.Jamie emphasizes that this backing serves as both motivation and reassurance that the organization’s efforts are making a difference.
Looking ahead, Jamie expresses a strong desire to secure dignified facilities for Proyecto Trans Latinas—a space where the community can safely and comfortably access services. She also dreams of establishing “Monarcas,” a housing initiative for transgender seniors, as well as a
transition shelter for LGBTQIA+ individuals. These projects aim to provide stable living conditions and a sense of safety for those at high risk of homelessness and violence.
The phrase “Mi Existir es Resistir” (My Existence is Resistance) encapsulates the passion behind Jamie’s work. Itreflects the resilience and determination not just of herself, but of those she supports. For Jamie and Proyecto Trans Latinas, continuing to exist and fight for equal rights is an act of resistance against the systemic forces that seek to marginalize and erase the transgender and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Through her leadership, Jamie has built a platform that not only advocates for the needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals but also fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment. While the work is difficult, Jamie remains committed to making sure the community she serves feels seen, valued, and supported every step of the way. The future of Proyecto Trans Latinas holds great promise, and Jamie’s vision is clear: to continue providing essential services while creating a safe, inclusive space where all transgender and LGBTQIA+ individuals can thrive.