After decades of fear, some transgender elders celebrate freedom and progress

For many, community is part of life. For these transgender elders, it s crucial to their survival. Just because you get beaten and I ve been beaten many times that doesn t mean you ve been defeated, said 75yearold Renée Imperato, a New York City resident, who recalls the 1970s, 80s, and 90s through memories of the ridicule and violence she and others faced for being a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Imperato was constantly thinking about her survival in those days. The AIDS epidemic, violence, and fear have contributed to the disparity in population, leaving fewer transgender elders. But Imperato believes the younger generation s ongoing fight for equality has, in turn, freed the older trans community. Read more: Subscribe to ABC News on YouTube: Watch 24, 7 coverage