The TransLatina Coalition began as a radical grassroots organization, founded by
Bamby Salcedo and formed in collaboration with other trans activists and leaders in 2009. On Feb. 1, 2017, the organization was able to open the Center for Violence Prevention and Transgender Wellness. The center's opening was funded through a $1 million annual grant from the
L.A. County Department of Public Health, with funds allocated to span between three and five years. In June 2017, the TransLatina Coalition once again became a grant recipient of the
Arcus Foundation, whose selections would give special focus to "creating a response to conservative religious voices and anti-LGBT discrimination, with a particular focus on the continent of
Africa." In 2019,
Gilead Sciences selected the TransLatina Coalition as one of 15 transgender advocacy organizations among which it would distribute its TRANScend™ Community Impact Fund, a $4.5 million donation. The funds, a direct service grant, was a $100,000 grant to benefit the TransLatina Coalition's Helping Our People Evolve (HOPE) Housing Program, a transitional housing program which intersects with the objective of HIV prevention. In November 2019, the coalition was honored as a Gender Justice Champion at Celebrating Our Power, a gala hosted by
The Women's Foundation of California, at which
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti deliver one of two keynote addresses. The organization hosts the annual GARRAS Fashion Show, a fundraiser, which highlights the contributions that trans and trans allies make to the fashion, business, and leadership communities. In 2016, the show generated $10,000 which enable the coalition to launch their daily meal distribution program. In 2017, the show raised $60,000, which enabled the organization to hire their director of programs and expand their food distribution program. In 2018 alone, the show generated $120,000, enabling the coalition to launch their transitional housing program. ==Activism==