Bakersfield trans community demands 'Justice for Jasmine'

Violence targeting transgender individuals has risen in recent years across the country, especially against transgender women of color. In January, Bakersfield resident Jasmine Sierra was found dead in her apartment—and activists say law enforcement needs to do more to make transgender citizens feel safe. Police and media reports used her former, male name and made no mention of her transgender identity. "It saddens me that people in my community fear for their lives and are at great risk of violence for just being themselves." Read one youth activist's perspective, for South Kern Sol.