Petition to urge California Governor Gavin Newsom to pardon community leader Bamby Salcedo.

My name is Roland Palencia. I am a filmmaker, university professor, a philanthropist, and a long-time community advocate. I am also honored to know Bamby Salcedo, a dear friend whom I deeply love. Many of you may be familiar with Bamby due to her outstanding and transformative leadership and advocacy on behalf of all marginalized communities, especially the Trans community in Los Angeles and across the nation. Today, I am reaching out to seek your help in signing this petition to urge Governor Gavin Newsom to pardon Bamby Salcedo.

For me, and for many of you, Bamby is the best of what humanity has to offer, and she deserves a second chance!

Bamby's pardon application has been sitting on the Governor's desk for over a year. We believe this process should not take so long, especially considering Bamby's exceptional qualities as an accomplished community leader with a heart of gold. 

Unfortunately, it often seems that Trans individuals are not given the priority they deserve. As such, this campaign is crucial as the Governor's pardon will enable Bamby to continue her application to secure legal immigration status. Currently, she faces insecurity and immense challenges due to her undocumented status, particularly as a Trans individual. This is amidst an atmosphere of fear leading to the unjust criminalization of entire Trans communities. A lot is at stake, and her leadership and voice is needed now more than ever!

Bamby has made numerous contributions to our communities and society at large. She has founded programs and organizations such as the TransLatin@ Coalition and other humanitarian entities, leaving a lasting impact for decades.

Over 30 years ago, Bamby, like many other Trans women, was pushed to survive in the street economy, which led to her being incarcerated multiple times for petty theft crimes. As a consequence, she was denied her "U" immigration visa, which could have provided protection.

When you deeply care for someone, you want to help. I know that supporting someone like Bamby is important to many of you as well. As such, we appeal to you to join our cause and ask California Governor Gavin Newsom to #pardonLABamby.

Below, please see many ways to support this campaign. Also, please note that NONE of the financial contributions made on this platform go to neither The TransLatin@Coalition nor to support this specific campaign effort. Those funds go to Change.org to sustain this platform. 

To support the campaign, you can engage in one or more of the following ways:
1.    First and foremost, sign this online Change.org petition to gather signatures in support of the pardon.

You can also do the following:

2.     Spread Awareness: Share Bamby's story and the campaign on social media platforms, using the hashtag #pardonLABamby, to reach a wider audience. Encourage friends and followers to do the same.

3.     Contact Governor Gavin Newsom: Write letters, emails, or call the Governor's office expressing your support for Bamby's pardon and urging for a swift decision on her application. Encourage others to do the same.

4.     Contact Local Representatives: Reach out to local representatives, senators, or congresspeople, informing them about the situation and requesting their support for Bamby's pardon.

5.      Support Trans Advocacy Organizations: Contribute to organizations that support Trans rights and immigration advocacy, such as the TransLatin@ Coalition or similar entities.

6.     Seek Support from Influencers and Celebrities: Contact influential individuals who may be interested in supporting this cause and ask them to use their platform to raise awareness.

7.     Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in Bamby's case and the campaign, and inform others about any updates or progress.

8.     Encourage Personal Stories: Urge individuals who have been positively impacted by Bamby's work to share their personal stories and experiences and to share them on social media. 

Overall, let us emphasize the importance of justice, equity, and recognition for the invaluable contributions made by Trans community leaders like Bamby Salcedo.

For more detailed information about the campaign, please visit …

Thank you for your support and solidarity in our endeavor to secure justice for Bamby Salcedo and advocate for the rights and well-being of the Trans community.

Best regards,

Roland Palencia