This transgender day of visibility, we will be reflecting on our gratitude for the transgender community as well as what we as an organization can do to better support trans women at WORLD.
We have so much appreciation for the people who have worked and continue to work to advance the rights and access of the trans community. Trans women have been powerful activists for the HIV community from day one, and we are lucky to have many amazing women in our corner who speak up and speak out to advocate for women living with HIV.
We are pained and appalled by recent legislation in states across the USA that attempt to prevent access tocare and community for transgender people, including trans youth. It is profoundly cruel and wrong for those in powerful positions to try and discriminate against vulnerable people on the basis of sex and gender, and we do not believe that these laws will make women and girls any safer. In fact, they will do immense harm.
Trans women have always been a part of WORLD, and our services will always be open to all women living with HIV. We are also committed to improving our resources for trans women at WORLD. We’re currently looking to hire a clinical peer advocate who will work specifically to support trans women. Our ideal candidate is a woman of trans experience; if you or anyone you know may be interested, please contact [email protected]. And we want to keep hearing from trans women – what services you need and want you want to see from us – so we can support our community as best as we can. Thank you for your courage to be visible and for enriching the world with your presence in it.
In solidarity with and love to all trans people,
Women Organized to Respond to Life-threatening Diseases (WORLD)
510-986-0340
www.womenhiv.org