By Simha Haddad | LA Blade
LOS ANGELES – Following The Bezos Earth Fund’s announcement of a $12 million allocation for urban greening projects in the Los Angeles area under its Greening America’s Cities initiative, members of The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC) offered The Blade exclusive insights into the potential positive effects of increased green spaces on the trans community.
Arburtha Franklin, a trans woman who spent 23 years in the California State Prison system, and is now TLC’s “newest Anti-Hate Case Manager,” said she would love to see more green spaces in Los Angeles to offer people reprieve and inspiration.
“It would be amazing to have these vast green spaces in Los Angeles. Greenery always symbolized true freedom to me. When I got out of prison, having plants and being around greenery still symbolizes freedom.”
In a society where trans individuals often face discrimination, marginalization, and disproportionate incarceration rates, parks and gardens offer much-needed respite from the challenges of everyday life, serving as sanctuaries of safety, tranquility, and inclusivity.
“Having these expensive green spaces would not only help the naturalness of Los Angeles,” Franklin said, “but also the mindset of the individuals who spend so much of their daily lives in the city, and in the office spaces and in the traffic. Nature opens up your mind so that you can realize while we are so very lucky to be here”
Franklin, a Tibetan Bhuddist, also uses a plant as a meditation partner.
“When you really look at the world, it is terrifying, but when you can sit in nature, it can clear your mind and help us realize the importance of our life here.”
One major aspect of Franklin’s job is to help other trans individuals who have experienced hate and discrimination. Franklin said she believes that nature is a great equalizer and that spending more time in nature might be a step in the right direction of ending hate.
“Nature gives you a taste of freedom that goes beyond whether you have $100 million or just a dollar for the day… I find it hard to believe that anyone who spends a lot of time in nature and truly respects the earth would have any kind of animosity or hate towards anyone else.
“I saw a plant not too long ago, growing out of the sidewalk. I stopped and took a little time looking at it and I said to myself you know what if this plant is the hope or the love or the compassion or the empathy that we all need even though it may be small as far as I’m concerned it’s big.”
Bamby Salcedo, TransLatin@ Coalition CEO, has welcomed the Bezos Earth Fund news with open arms, explaining that The TransLatin@ Coalition provides spaces for recreation, socialization, and self-care, fostering a sense of belonging and community among trans individuals who may otherwise feel isolated or unwelcome in traditional public settings.
Moreover, the significance of green spaces extends beyond mere recreation. Studies have shown that access to nature correlates with improved mental health outcomes, reduced stress levels, and enhanced overall well-being. For trans individuals who frequently contend with mental health disparities and systemic barriers to healthcare, the availability of green spaces can be a vital resource in promoting resilience and self-care.
This story was produced as part of the Greening of LA ethnic media project, a collaboration between EMS and UCLA/LENS.
