Transgender rally in Los Angeles

Alexa Castanon participates in the Spring into Love rally to protest violence against transgender people. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

March 20, 2015 9:19 PM PT

Transgender activists shut down the intersection of 3rd Street and La Cienega Boulevard outside the Beverly Center for about half an hour Friday evening.

Police officers arrived on the scene and ordered the protesters from the street. The protesters complied, moving to the sidewalks where the rally continued. No arrests were made. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Protester Alexa Castanon lays in the middle of the street near the Beverly Center. The protest was spurred by the slaying of several transgender women in Southern California over the last few months. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Jennicet Gutierrez, left, and Johanna Saavedra, right, sit in the middle of the street during the rally. Studies show that transgender women -- especially those of color, who experience high levels of poverty -- are more likely to be victims of violence and harassment. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)