Creating Pivotal Changes In Trans Health

Recently, AIDS Arms staff met with Black Transmen Inc. Trans Health Advocate, Jabriel Williamson. AAI staff and Jabriel were attending the 5th annual 2016 Black Trans Advocacy Conference to offer free HIV testing and HIV education to trans persons in attendance—40 successful tests were completed.

HIV is an equal opportunity infection. HIV doesn’t recognize skin color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic class; however, certain groups of people continue to have higher rates of infection of HIV than others. One such group is the trans community. Trans persons face increased rates of homelessness, joblessness, and poverty—all of which are barriers to accessing treatment for better health. AIDS Arms case managers are actively engaged in addressing specific needs of trans clients.

In 2011, Black Transmen Inc. (BTMI) was started by Carter Brown to provide affirmation and community for trans men. The group quickly took off; shortly joined by Black Transwomen Inc. (BTWI) and Black Trans Advocacy (BTA) (BTA represents the joint efforts of Black Transmen and Black Transwomen). All three have a presence in Dallas, Atlanta, Kansas, New York City, Maryland/DC, and one coming in Washington. BTA serves a crucial segment of the community through services that support identity, spirituality, education, legal, health, and more.

Together, BTA and AIDS Arms saw the potential for increased impact and support for the health of trans persons. The HIV and general disparities experienced by trans individuals, and especially black trans women and black trans men, has led BTA to expanding services into HIV testing. AIDS Arms partners with BTA to support a growing testing program. Increased testing means more will know their status and get into medical care, which leads towards a healthier individual and community.

AIDS Arms is committed to providing medical care that is affirming and safe to trans and gender nonconforming persons. The agency is proud to be recognized as “very trans friendly” according to Trans Pride Initiative’s trans health care site. AIDS Arms actively works with clients to support and affirm their identities and unique struggles. Partnerships with community organizations, like Black Trans Advocacy and Trans Pride Initiative, are key to optimal individual health as well as a healthier community and lower infection rates.