Dear friend,

I dedicate this email to Jesús Ociel Baena, the first nonbinary person to assume a judicial role in Mexico, who passed away this week.

As a nonbinary person myself, Baena was an inspiration and a hero. Earlier this year, they were the first Mexican citizen issued a passport with their nonbinary identity. The electoral court recognized them as a “maestre,” another first in a language historically split between two genders.

The circumstances around Baena’s death are unclear, but what’s certain is that their loss is a terrible blow to the Latin American and global LGBTQIA+ community. 

Progress is full of moments like these: one step forward, two steps back.

We can’t lose heart. We can’t give up. Compassion is winning—we must fight to stay visible and ensure safety in our neighborhoods.

Today, on Trans Day of Remembrance, we honor and mourn the countless transgender victims of violence, murder, and suicide.

Our community—all of CA-30—stands strong in the face of hate. This year, we’ve fended off bigotry, stood together against paid anti-LGBTQIA+ protesters, and even weathered hatred from other candidates in this race.

That this was also the worst year in US history for anti-trans legislation with 500+ anti-trans bills compounds the urgency for trans rights and solidarity.

We stand together, and we stand strong.

In solidarity,

Maebe