In a small, sunlit office at the OpenHouse Community Center in San Francisco, Veronika Fimbres sits confidently. At 72, she is a force of nature. An African-American trans woman, an HIV survivor since 1987 and a nurse with more than 40 years of experience.
Veronika has faced and fought battles that most people couldn’t imagine. Today, she is speaking out again, this time against what she calls the Trump administration’s “war on humanity.” She currently manages interns and volunteers at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, helping them navigate the complexities of public health in the city.
“If people wanted something different, those six million who didn’t vote should have gotten off the couch, left their homes and voted. They should have voted for Kamala Harris if they wanted freedom,” says Fimbres.
“Everyone should have known what Trump was going to bring. His first administration was nothing but lies and chaos. He’s had years to plan, to think about it, and now he has Project 2025 – that’s his playbook. He’s following it, and all we’re seeing is destruction and chaos.”
Erasing identities, dismantling rights
One of the most alarming elements of this administration, says Veronika, is its stance on gender. “Declaring that there are only two genders—male and female—is wrong,” she says, shaking her head. “They don’t have the medical or scientific knowledge to understand that gender goes beyond the binary.”
The activist also highlights the broader implications of these policies, pointing out how they are designed to invalidate the existence of trans and non-binary people. “It’s not just an attack on us. It’s a signal to all marginalized groups that their rights are disposable.”
She shares her concerns about proposed changes to passports, especially efforts to limit gender markers. “I’m rushing to update my passport,” she confesses. “Who knows how much harder it will be for trans people to travel or even exist with dignity?”
A story of resistance
For Veronika Fimbres, the trans community has always been the backbone of LGBTQIA+ activism. “People forget that it was trans women of color who fought at Stonewall. It was trans women who started the Compton’s Cafeteria riots in San Francisco before that. It’s always been us leading the fight.”
She worries that this history is being forgotten in a sea of apathy. “When Trump was first elected, we marched, we shouted, but now it feels different, more silent. And that’s dangerous. They want us to be silent.”
Her frustration also extends to divisions within the LGBTQIA+ community. “The gay community needs to support trans people. We have fought for everyone’s rights, but now we need unity more than ever.”
Returning to apathy is not an option
Veronika’s voice becomes more urgent as she speaks about the dismantling of diversity and equity initiatives. Federal offices are placing staff of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs on paid leave, preparing to eliminate their roles entirely. “These programs didn’t just help LGBTQIA+ people, they helped women, people of color, immigrants. And now they’re erasing all of that.”
She draws parallels to historical injustices, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, where black men were exploited as medical test subjects. “The government has always used people of color as experiments. Whether it was with Native Americans, Hawaiians or black communities, the history of exploitation is clear.”
Her words carry weight: Veronika has lived through these systems of oppression, but she continues to resist.
The way forward: fighting together
Despite the bleak outlook, Veronika still has hope. “There is a film I saw called Amelia Perez. The actor who plays Amelia Perez could become the first trans woman to win an Oscar. That gives me hope.”
But it doesn't stop there, it must lead to action. "We have to defend and protect each other. Lies lead to more lies and conspiracy theories, and that leads to anarchy. We saw that on January 6."
The trans activist praises the work being done in San Francisco to promote cultural competency and inclusion, but warns that it is not enough. “This administration thrives on fear and division. They want us to be scattered and disempowered. The only way to win is to stand together.”
A call to action
Veronika urges people to educate themselves and not fall into the trap of complacency. “January 6 was not just a random event, it was a warning. Trump supporters drank the Kool-Aid, and now they want us to do the same. Don’t let them.”
“Keep the focus on your freedom. Keep your thoughts clear and think about how you can help the community. Embrace all parts of the community, whether it be straight or LGBTQIA+ allies. We need to support each other now more than ever because we are the enemy, according to the Republican Party. They are afraid of the racial mixing of America, afraid that what they have done will come back to haunt them. But we are not seeking revenge, we are seeking to lift people up,” Veronika reminds everyone.
Further reading
- Learn about Project 2025 and its implications.
- Delve into the history of the Stonewall riots.
- Explore resources from the National Center for Transgender Equality.
- San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
Veronika Fimbres' story is a powerful reminder that resistance requires action and that the struggle for equality is far from over. Her resilience, experience and voice demand solidarity, determination and, most importantly, our action.
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