The Alianza Mexicana de Trabajadoras Sexuales or the Mexican Alliance of Sex Workers performed a protest at the Juan N Álvarez Hurtado Building in Mexico City to object the potential release of a man who stabbed a trans woman. The man, Alejandro “N,” stabbed trans woman and activist Natalia Lane in 2022 and was released from prison and allowed to remain under house arrest while his case is ongoing. Natalia Lane said, “If I die tomorrow, your hands will be stained with blood,” at the protest in response to this decision made by magistrate Judge Ruby Celia Castellanos Barradas.
The activists stormed the judicial building on January 16, spraypainted the walls with their demands, and broke glass inside of the building. During the event, Natalia said, “We got tired of being patient, of waiting for justice and reparation. The Judiciary, from today, will not have peace.” If we wait for our liberation to be given to us, we will always be waiting.
The Mexican Alliance of Sex Workers were also met with opposing protestors from the National Collective No More Innocent Prisoners who defend Alejandro “N.” According to La Prensa, the two groups were throwing red paint and water at each other. Other LGBTQ members and allies were also in attendance like Consuelo, a mother whose trans daughter Vanessa was murdered in February 2024 and whose killer has not received a sentence almost a year later.
These stories, while important, are not unique. Anti-Trans violence happens all over the world and is often ignored or swept away. There are many people and groups that work hard to silence LGBTQ+ and other marginalized voices. They will attempt to maintain the status quo where our communities stay silent and afraid. But we will be heard and seen. Trans people have always existed and always will exist. We will keep organizing and fostering community. We will continue to resist.
