The GARRAS Fashion Show Returns: A Night of Glamour, Activism, and Trans Joy in West Hollywood

The runway is calling, folks, and this November, it’s louder, prouder, and more unapologetic than ever. The 11th Annual GARRAS Fashion Show, brought to life by The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC), is back on November 15 at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate what has become one of the most powerful nights of trans and queer visibility in fashion.

Founded by Two Spirit, Transgender, Gender Expansive, and Intersex (2TGI) immigrant women and led by the unstoppable activist Bamby Salcedo, TLC has built GARRAS (Groundbreaking Activism Redirecting & Reforming All Systems) into much more than a fashion show. It’s a statement. A celebration. A living, breathing reminder that trans and gender-expansive people aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving, creating, and redefining what beauty and self-expression look like.

Every year, GARRAS transforms the runway into a space where 2TGI designers, models, and artists take center stage. This year’s lineup continues that legacy with a diverse roster of creators whose work defies convention and celebrates authenticity:

Antonio of He by Luhan brings bold men’s couture; Leandra Rose of LEANDRAG delivers “Fashion for Queens”; Enrique Montes, known as The King of Fashion, debuts his Dreams Bridal formalwear; and Vanessa Cervantes and Metzli of BornXNaked redefine intimates and everyday fashion. The lineup also includes Müko of Müko Upcycle, whose sustainable pieces give new life to old materials; Ayo of ObaAyo, who crafts genderless, custom-made garments; and the heartwarming grandmother-granddaughter duo Marisol Martinez and Simei Aguilar of Simi Creations. Together, they embody what GARRAS is all about: creativity without limits and fashion without gender.

But beyond the sequins, silhouettes, and spotlights, GARRAS is deeply rooted in activism. The event raises vital funds for TLC’s community programs, including housing services, drop-in centers, and violence prevention initiatives for 2TGI people. It’s also a space of empowerment. This year, TLC will award two $5,000 vocational scholarships to 2TGI individuals pursuing their academic and professional dreams, ensuring that trans brilliance continues to shape our future.

As Bamby Salcedo, TLC’s President & CEO, puts it, “The GARRAS Fashion Show is a significant event to the TGI community because it contrasts Transgender Day of Remembrance. It’s a day that celebrates and uplifts the lives of TGI people who are still here. Particularly in these political times, we must celebrate our community showcasing our lives because our existence is resistance!”

We couldn’t agree more. In a world where trans and queer visibility still faces so many challenges, events like GARRAS are revolutionary acts of joy. They remind us that art, fashion, and activism aren’t separate, they’re intertwined threads in the fabric of our collective power.

Last year’s GARRAS broke records, drawing over 700 attendees and raising nearly $300,000. This year, the stakes—and the heels—are even higher. With the runway set, the designers ready, and the lights waiting to shine on 2TGI excellence, all that’s missing is us.

So, let’s show up. Let’s celebrate. Let’s make noise for the trans and queer creatives shaping fashion’s future. Because when we take up space, on the runway or off, we’re reminding the world that we belong here.

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The 11th Annual GARRAS Fashion Show takes place Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 8 PM at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. Tickets are available now at give.translatinacoalition.org. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff! 

Featured Image: Image Courtesy of TLC. 10th Annual GARRAS Fashion Show.