### Activist Fears for Her Life Due to Her Advocacy for the Transgender Community
Susana Barrales, a renowned transgender activist and the founder of Casita Unión Trans, has voiced concerns for her safety after enduring multiple attacks this year. Living in Tijuana, Susana has become a target for both verbal and physical assaults as a result of her efforts to support the transgender community.
Susana explained that she has faced five separate incidents of aggression in 2024 alone. These assaults have ranged from having her car windows smashed to receiving threats at gunpoint. Social media has also become a platform for abuse, with verbal threats and written vitriol frequently directed at her.
Speaking to a group of communicators, Susana described a particularly harrowing incident that occurred last Thursday when she discovered a burning couch placed right outside her home. She arrived just in time to extinguish the flames, preventing further damage.
“Despite the risks, I will continue to speak out. If my life is in jeopardy for this cause, so be it. Many have lost their lives for standing up as activists. I am driven by both frustration and a fierce determination to defend our community,” Susana said with unwavering resolve.
She called on local authorities to take action and implement measures to protect transgender individuals and activists. “It’s time for the authorities to do their jobs. We must not stay silent. The Prosecutor’s Office needs to step up and work towards achieving real social change and inclusion,” Susana asserted.
The transgender community in Tijuana echoes Susana’s sentiments, feeling increasingly vulnerable to ongoing discrimination and attacks.
### Secondary Update: Rising Incidents of Violence Against Transgender Activists in Latin America
In recent news across the region, violence against transgender individuals and activists is on the rise. Various reports indicate that countries in Latin America face a significant number of hate crimes targeting this community.
In a notable case, María Durán, an activist in Brazil, has also been subjected to violence and threats as she continues her fight for transgender rights. Recent data from local organizations highlight an alarming increase in violent incidents in the country.
Furthermore, in Argentina, the government is now under pressure to implement stronger protections after a series of attacks against transgender activists. National and international human rights organizations are calling for immediate action to safeguard the lives and rights of transgender individuals.
These troubling trends underscore the urgent need for comprehensive legal protections and societal change to ensure the safety and dignity of the transgender community across Latin America.