Transforming Legal Work for Black Trans & Gender Diverse Communities

By Nico Quintana • He/They
Lead Attorney

I became a criminal law attorney because, as a trans masculine, indigenous, Latinx person and a formerly homeless trans teen, I have seen trans BIPOC communities constantly be overpoliced, incarcerated, and discriminated against across the country. Many lawyers, policy makers, and organizations called on to address violence and discrimination against BIPOC trans and gender diverse communities do not have authentic connections with our communities and often cause more harm than good to our communities. 

To disrupt systems of oppression and racism, I believe movements need to ensure that the solutions are created by-and-for the communities impacted. At Lavender Rights Project, we are rebuilding our legal program to work better for Black Trans Femme communities by centering their needs and leadership. There is a shocking lack of trans BIPOC attorneys that can work by-and-for our communities in an accountable and affirming way. LRP’s new and improved legal advocacy will include direct representation by a BIPOC trans legal team, for Black trans people accused of crimes. We will also provide advocacy support to end gender based violence, legal consultations/advice for community members, civil rights legal work, and name/gender marker change support. I believe LRP’s criminal legal system harm reduction and advocacy work will be life saving and life affirming for Black gender diverse communities. This work is not being done by most, if not any, LGBTQ+ organizations in our state. 

With Black Trans Femmes continuing to face extreme levels of violence, poverty, over policing, and discrimination, LRP believes it is essential we provide low-barrier access to life affirming and community-based legal support in both criminal law and civil rights law. I have seen more than two decades of LGBTQI2S+ movement work that has systematically silenced, tokenized, and used Black trans women and femmes. It is past time for LGBTQI2S+ communities to prioritize the leadership and needs of Trans Black Femmes. As a nonblack attorney at LRP, I look forward to leaning into this work with humility and know that trust has to be earned. I am committed to working to earning that trust.

LRP is leading a new way and I am honored to be a part of this amazing organization.

Nico Ikal Quintana is a trans masculine, non-binary, indigenous and Latinx defense attorney and abolitionist. Prior to coming to LRP, Nico was a Public Defender at King County and provided legal defense representation and support to people accused of crimes. Before working as a Public Defender, Nico was a policy advocate and community organizer with Basic Rights Oregon and the DC Trans Coalition. Nico loves cooking, spending time with his Great Dane puppy, and being out in nature.