GARRAS is more than just a fashion show. It serves as a powerful platform for TGI individuals to express themselves through fashion while raising awareness and funds for TLC’s initiatives. The event also highlights the ongoing work of TLC, the largest trans-led organization in the U.S., which provides essential services and support for TGI immigrants.
“This event is a beacon of hope,” said Maria Roman-Taylorson, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of TLC. “We created GARRAS to shine a light on the beauty, diversity, and talent of TGI people, offering a powerful counter-narrative to the oppression we continue to face. It’s about reminding our community that we are powerful, visible, and deserving of love and respect.”
Bamby Salcedo, the President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing GARRAS’ role in reshaping societal perceptions of TGI individuals. “This event uplifts our spirits and demonstrates that members of the TGI community are not only survivors but contributors to our society,” Salcedo said. “We’re change-makers, and through GARRAS, we make sure the world sees us for who we truly are.”
VIP Guests and Designer Showcase
The 10th annual GARRAS fashion show attracted notable figures, including TS Madison, a star of Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black and The TS Madison Experience, and Zaya Wade, a model and activist known for her advocacy for trans rights. These prominent figures walked the red carpet, adding further star power to an already dazzling evening.
The fashion show featured a diverse group of TGI designers, many of whom are rising stars in the fashion world. Among the talented creators showcased were Leandra Rose (LEANDRAG), Mars Wright (Life of Mars), Jose Huizar (Bad Burro), Robert Ortiz (Royal Rubbish), and Natalia Acosta. Each designer brought their own unique perspective, with collections that reflected the fluidity, creativity, and resilience of the TGI community.
In addition to the designers, the event featured models from within the TGI community, allowing them to step into the spotlight and challenge traditional beauty standards. The runway was a celebration of inclusivity, where participants could fully express their identities without fear or judgment.
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Supporting TGI Communities
Proceeds from the GARRAS fashion show go directly to The TransLatin@ Coalition, which offers critical support services to TGI immigrants, particularly Latin@ transgender women, who face unique challenges in the U.S. These challenges include discrimination, violence, and barriers to healthcare and employment. By funding programs focused on legal assistance, mental health support, and advocacy, TLC has become a vital resource for the TGI community.
Founded in 2009, TLC’s mission is to address the specific needs of TGI Latin@ immigrants, and its work has had a profound impact. Today, TLC operates in 10 states, helping thousands of TGI individuals access resources and build stronger, more empowered communities.
“TLC’s work is vital now more than ever,” said Salcedo. “In today’s climate of increasing discrimination and attacks on our community, events like GARRAS are not just necessary—they are a lifeline. This fashion show is a statement that we are here, we are thriving, and we are ready to take up space.”
The Importance of Representation
The GARRAS fashion show also highlights the importance of representation in fashion, an industry often criticized for its lack of diversity. For TGI individuals, seeing themselves reflected in the media and on the runway can be transformative. It affirms their identity and sends a message that they belong in every space, including the fashion world.
As Roman-Taylorson put it, “In an era of increasing visibility for the TGI community, it’s crucial to have events like GARRAS that affirm our place in society. Through this event, we not only celebrate our culture and creativity but also show the world that we are making a difference.”
The 10th annual GARRAS fashion show was a resounding success, not only for its fundraising efforts but also for its ability to create a space where TGI individuals could shine. As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that GARRAS has solidified its place as one of the most important and impactful events in the LGBTQ+ calendar.
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Looking Ahead
As the TransLatin@ Coalition continues to expand its work and advocacy efforts, GARRAS will undoubtedly remain a key part of its mission. The event not only raises crucial funds but also amplifies the voices of TGI individuals, allowing them to express their creativity and power in ways that challenge societal norms.
For more information on the TransLatin@ Coalition or to support their ongoing efforts, visit their website at translatinacoalition.org.
The GARRAS fashion show is a testament to the resilience and strength of the TGI community, and its 10th iteration marked another significant step forward in the fight for justice and equality.
