SF Self-Defense Class Helps Transgender Community Build Bonds | KQED

"Alexis Jimenez said a stalker came to her house and knocked on her door years ago. "[It was] kind of scary," she recalled. "After that incident, I thought about scenarios of what could have happened and whether or not I'm prepared to defend myself in those situations.""

"Carolina Osoria, program associate with the Transgender District, helped launch the inaugural training with support from the city's Office of Transgender Initiatives and the nonprofit LYRIC SF. She said the goal of the class is to empower trans people during the second Trump administration. "Trans people are really resilient," she said. "I hope that's a facet we're able to feed into because there's a lot that's trying to diminish us.""

"President Donald Trump has issued several executive orders targeting the gender-expansive community, including defunding gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth and banning trans, intersex, and nonbinary people from using the X gender marker on their passports. There are legal challenges to these efforts, but Osoria said the federal actions have had an impact already, creating a climate of fear even in a transgender sanctuary city like San Francisco. Research shows that trans women of color disproportionately bear the brunt of violence."

Advocates and local organizations in San Francisco are strengthening protections for transgender residents in response to federal actions perceived as anti-trans. Free self-defense training was launched by the Transgender District with support from the city's Office of Transgender Initiatives and LYRIC SF to help trans people gain skills and feel empowered. Participants cited experiences with stalking and concerns about being prepared to defend themselves. Federal executive orders have targeted gender-affirming care and passport gender markers, prompting legal challenges and creating a climate of fear. Research indicates trans women of color experience disproportionate violence. Separately, analysis warns the Colorado River could reach dangerously low levels next year, threatening water supplies for San Diego and Imperial counties.

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