First-Ever Transgender Voting Center Invites Everyone to the Polls

On March 2, 2024, the first-ever transgender voting center was opened inside the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center in West Hollywood, California.

For trans citizens, going to the polls has a unique set of challenges. When classified gender on ID cards do not match gender expression in real life, trans voters risk prejudice from poll workers lacking community-specific training.

Considering the recent increase in anti-trans legislation, it’s paramount that trans citizens are empowered to show up at the polls. It’s an election year after all.

At this all-new voting center, the first of its kind, transphobia isn’t a problem. 

We caught up with our very own Scottie Jeanette Madden, the executive producer of LATV’s RoyalT series, who has been instrumental in opening the center alongside Queen Victoria Ortega and Queen Chela Demuir.

“It’s been very difficult for our community to feel welcomed at the polls when they’re not welcome anywhere else in life,” Madden says.

Largely funded by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and in partnership with Flux, Equality California, and the Human Rights Campaign, this identity-specific voting center both offers a safe space to cast ballots and amplifies the transgender voice in politics.

And what better place than the Connie Norman Empowerment Center to kick it off?

The center, which opened in 2021, currently houses five non-profit organizations (including Flux Los Angeles) and has become a nucleus of community life for trans and nonbinary individuals in Los Angeles—and Southern California at large.

When activating a voting center was pitched to the board, there was resounding support.

As part of her advocacy work, Madden motivates the trans and non-binary community to show up for their own rights. Inaugurating this voting center has accelerated her mission.

“There’s so much legislation that is being passed about us without us,” Madden says. “This is a safe and affirming environment for [everyone], given that radical inclusivity is one of our virtues.”

The center serves the West Hollywood neighborhood as a whole—transgender or not. In this way, the trans community is inviting everyone to come actively participate in democracy.

“[The neighborhood] came in force,” Madden continues. “They brought their children. Some people brought their dogs. It was a neighborhood event. It was lovely.”

Many voters told Madden they have walked past the Connie Norman Empowerment Center for years and never stepped inside. Voting gave them a reason for entry. The idea is that they leave with better, deeper understanding.

The voting station, open for upcoming elections all year, serves as a protected space for trans citizens to cast their votes, and also builds bridges between trans individuals and their CIS, straight neighbors.

Coming together and celebrating our differences, when you think about it, is deeply American, ¿no? Let’s put that to practice at the polls this year.