A new community center dedicated to providing care, support, and a safe environment for the comprehensive development of Tijuana’s trans community opened its doors Monday.
Named “La Casita UT” (Trans Unit), the space aims to offer a secure and inclusive haven for those who need it. During the inauguration ceremony, Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz emphasized that the center’s opening is a concrete step toward guaranteeing environments free from discrimination and with full respect for human rights.
“As a municipal government, we are taking action to settle a historical debt with the community, promoting the full exercise of their rights and a life free from discrimination,” he said.
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He added that the space will strengthen efforts in favor of dignity, inclusion, and support.
“We recognize that inclusion is not an option, but a moral and political obligation of our institutions. That is why we will continue driving the necessary changes so that no right is forgotten,” he added.
The project was formally approved during a City Hall session on March 29, when council members authorized a loan-for-use agreement between the 25th City Hall of Tijuana and the civil association Casita U.T. for the downtown property where the center now stands.
City Auditor Teresita Balderas Beltrán thanked the mayor for making the project a reality.
“You had to arrive for this to become a reality, together with the City Hall and your entire team, to provide certainty to this community,” she said. “This is proof that activism carried out with heart and empathy has the full backing of this administration.”
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Councilwoman Magaly Ronquillo Palacios, who presides over the Commission for Equality between Women, Men, Sexual Diversity and Inclusion, called the agreement historic.
“Today, Tijuana sends a clear message that the community is not alone. This loan-for-use agreement is the first in Tijuana’s history,” she noted.
Susana Barrales Honorato, director of the “La Casita UT” Community Center, reflected on the long road to opening the space.
“It has been a long time and a long struggle to secure this space. As of today, Tijuana takes an important step toward equality and respect for our community,” she said.
Following the symbolic key handover, the mayor reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to promoting inclusive public policies with a human rights perspective.
Also in attendance was Odalys Valenzuela Espinoza, Civil Registry Official 01, along with members of the local community.
