Cristina Herrera, the CEO of Translatinx Network, is a true pioneer in the world of LGBTQ+ advocacy. Born and raised in El Salvador, coming out as transgender in the 1980s was a vastly different experience than it is today. Herrera faced many challenges, including a lack of resources, societal rejection, and navigating her identity in a time when trans people had limited visibility and protection.
Herrera vividly recalls the struggles she faced growing up, often feeling isolated and misunderstood. “I always felt different, but I wasn’t quite sure who I was,” she shared. “There were individuals who said very hurtful things, and rejections were incredibly difficult.” But despite the hardships, she remained resilient.
Her life took a pivotal turn when she moved to New York City and met another trans person for the first time. It was then that she found the community she needed. “I realized I wasn’t alone. There were people out there who understood me, and that’s when I started my transition.”
As she grew into her true self, Herrera became passionate about helping others on their journeys. With over two decades of work in LGBTQ+ advocacy, she has been an active force in several key organizations, including New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center and the Lorena Borjas Community Fund. However, in 2007, she decided to take her work further and founded Translatinx Network, a nonprofit aimed at supporting immigrant LGBTQ+ communities, particularly trans youth, in the New York metropolitan area.
Empowering the Trans Community
Herrera’s leadership is deeply informed by her personal journey. “I’ve been there,” she acknowledged, referring to the ongoing struggles of the trans community. This firsthand experience is what drives her commitment to building a safety net for others.
Translatinx Network focuses on community building and offers a wide range of essential services, from healthcare access to workforce development programs. Their initiatives include HIV, STI, and hepatitis C screenings, along with access to transition-related healthcare. The organization also helps LGBTQ+ youth connect with potential employers, providing job training and resources to help them succeed in the workforce.
Herrera’s goal is to empower trans and LGBTQ+ youth to not only survive but thrive. “They will be able to shape the future of their lives and contribute to the movement of equality,” she said.
Stories of Resilience and Transformation
One story that stands out for Herrera is that of a young trans woman from Mexico, who came to Translatinx Network at the age of 18 after experiencing abuse from her family. The organization helped her navigate the asylum process and secure work authorization. Today, she’s thriving and giving back to the very community that supported her.
“That young woman’s journey is a testament to the resilience of our community,” Herrera shared proudly. It’s stories like these that fuel her ongoing dedication to her work.
A Vision for the Future
With 16 full-time employees, most of whom are trans themselves, Herrera is focused on expanding Translatinx Network’s reach. Her long-term goal is to help trans and LGBTQ+ individuals integrate into society, access education, and become leaders in their communities.
For Herrera, every step forward is personal. Reflecting on her journey from facing rejection to becoming a leader in the LGBTQ+ community, she says, “I know that a lot of the pain and struggle I faced was transformed into strength and wisdom. I feel fulfilled knowing that the organization I lead is making a real difference.”
Conclusion: From Adversity to Advocacy
Cristina Herrera’s story is one of resilience, strength, and leadership. Through her organization, Translatinx Network, she is transforming lives by providing essential resources and a supportive community for trans and LGBTQ+ youth. Her dedication serves as an inspiring example of how personal struggles can be transformed into a powerful force for change.
Join Cristina Herrera and Translatinx Network in their mission to uplift and empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.
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