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The Bay

Inside a Self-Defense Class for Trans People

Apr 2, 2025
Bianca Taylor, host and producer of KQED’s The Latest, dives into a self-defense class in San Francisco’s Transgender District tailored for queer and trans individuals. She explores the climate of fear created by recent political shifts and how this class fosters resilience and community. Bianca discusses essential self-defense skills like verbal de-escalation and situational awareness, all while highlighting the importance of safe spaces and support for marginalized groups. Ultimately, it’s a powerful look at empowerment amid rising threats.
15:04

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The self-defense class provides essential techniques for trans individuals to empower themselves against rising threats and violence.
  • Participants not only gained self-defense skills but also built a supportive community, counteracting feelings of isolation and fear.

Deep dives

Empowering Self-Defense for the Trans Community

A self-defense class tailored for genderqueer and trans individuals took place in San Francisco's Transgender District, a space created by and for trans women of color. Led by instructor Joseph Bautista, the class focused on techniques such as verbal de-escalation, situational awareness, and physical self-defense skills. Participants learned practical skills, including how to escape from chokes and defend against physical attacks using everyday objects. The class created an environment where attendees felt empowered and supported, countering the fear brought on by current political challenges faced by the transgender community.

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