Last night on #SNL, Don Cheadle sported this #ProtectTransKids t-shirt. We stan!

Andrea Jenkins made history in November 2017 by becoming the first openly transgender black woman elected to public office in the U.S., according to LGBTQ advocacy groups and researchers. Jenkins, a Democrat, was one of two openly trans people to win a seat on the Minneapolis City Council last year. Jenkins is also a published poet and an oral historian at the University of Minnesota. Jenkins won about 73 percent of the vote in Minneapolis’s Eighth Ward, where she is known for addressing youth violence and improving the south-central ward’s neighborhoods.

‪Happy National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day‬

I am Black

I am HIV+

I am Young

& I am Living.

Gregory Meredith

He/Him/His

Washington, DC

#NoNameCallingWeek brings awareness to the unkind names that many people within the LGBTQ+ community may face during their time in school. It also brings focus to the power of names and the different meanings that words can have for people. I came to terms with my sexuality in high school. During that time, it was very common for people to use the word “gay” as an insult or a joke. Calling something “gay” was somehow seen as funny. At the time, I knew this was something that was harmful for the LGBT+ community. However, I don’t think I fully grasped how much power a word can truly hold. The word “gay” should not be associated with shame or be seen as a joke. Now that I am 20 years old and have fully accepted my sexuality and gender identity, I am proud. I am proud to be a queer trans man and I know and understand the power that words, names, and labels can hold.

Cody Drew Clayton

He/Him

Malden, Massachusetts

we are proud to support the #BlackTransPrayerBook’s social media campaign #TransphobiaIsASin

you too can support this effort. make/draw/write your own signs, take a picture & share them with the hashtag #TransphobiaIsASin in support of the revolutionary work of #BlackTransPrayerBook project.

On the 30th Anniversary of World AIDS Day we amplified the voices of young people living with HIV. Activist Marnina Miller discussed her experiences as a Black woman committed to ending HIV stigma and discrimination in her community.

as we close out #AIDSAwareness week and on this 30th annual observance of world aids day, we are reminded of the powerful and visionary words of queer & aids activist, val russo:

“Someday, the AIDS crisis will be over. Remember that. And when that day comes - when that day has come and gone, there’ll be people alive on this earth - gay people and straight people, men and women, black and white, who will hear the story that once there was a terrible disease in this country and all over the world, and that a brave group of people stood up and fought and, in some cases, gave their lives, so that other people might live and be free.”

VAL RUSSO

1946 - 1990

There are a plethora of things that made me the woman I am today. Growing up, I didn’t have the comfort & the environment that gave me the tools to express my identity as Black queer woman living with HIV in the south.

Not only do feel I defied social norms, but I put in play that I am more than just Black, queer, HIV positive, but I am an equal if not equivalent of a queen.

Lisa, She/Her/Hers

Memphis, TN

To continue its mission of championing ALL young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, Advocates for Youth is launching ECHO (Engaging Communities around HIV Organizing), a first-of-its kind council of youth activists living with HIV who are actively organizing online and in their communities.

Council members are participating in in-person and digital actions across the country this week to raise awareness and mobilize people to support youth living with HIV. Each day, the campaign will highlight a different theme and integral issue.

For tips and information on how you can help to end HIV stigma, text YouthHIV to 877877

Levi, California

he/him

Transgender Awareness Week brings visibility to the transgender community and the issues our community faces. For me, it’s important to let everyone know that we exist. I recently came out to my family in June and most of them had no idea what I was talking about. Hispanic families, like mine, sometimes appear more conservative and religious due to cultural traditions and values and that’s scary. Like mine, I am sure that most Hispanic families don’t know that Trans Awareness Week exists. On the bright side, it’s an opportunity to be seen and heard by people and that’s really what I care about. Representation for people of color, especially in media is very scarce. I feel like I haven’t seen a story about a Hispanic trans dude anywhere. People find comfort in seeing people who feel and look just like them, doing things that they didn’t think was possible for them to do. Growing up, I never had that sort of comfort which I feel discouraged me from being true to myself sooner.