➤ TRANS VISIBILITY, from p.14
housing, housing referrals, counseling…
We just go to each area
and handle whatever resources are
needed in each area.”
Another contingent that joined
virtually was Us Helping Us People
Into Living, Inc., an organization
dedicated to reducing the impact
of HIV/ AIDS in communities of
color. The group, which has an offi
ce in Washington and another in
Maryland, offers services such as
HIV and STI testing, case management,
substance use therapy, and
insurance navigation.
A spotlight was also placed on
groups delivering crucial health
services elsewhere. The Nationz
Foundation’s contingent tuned in
from Richmond, Virginia, where
it complements its HIV/ AIDS and
STI services with emergency housing
and connections to care.
“This trans visibility march
shows we are thriving, we are moving
forward, we are empowered,
and we will not be erased,” said
Zakia K. McKensey, the organization’s
founder. “Please go out and
Hope Giselle, the host and communications coordinator of the National Trans Visibility March.
vote; it is so important. There are
so many policies in place that are
discriminating and taking rights
away from us, and that Black trans
vote is important.”
That emphasis on voting was
further echoed by Human Rights
Campaign President Alphonso David,
who addressed the imminent
election, saying the need for change
is even more pressing in the face of
systemic racism, the coronavirus
death toll, and attacks on Black
YOUTUBE/ NATIONAL TRANS VISIBILITY MARCH
transgender individuals.
“Vote not just for the top of the
ticket. You’re voting for your senators,
your representatives, your city
councilmembers,” David said during
a speech interrupted by technical
diffi culties. He emphasized
that voters are making choices
that will ultimately impact the fate
of non-discrimination protections
in many states and shape the future
of our healthcare system. He
encouraged folks to tap into their
respective social networks and ask
friends and loved ones to step up.
“I know so many of us feel
tired and discouraged, but I fi nd
strength and hope in the amazing
fi ghters and changemakers that
are here with us today, and I fi nd
strength in those who were fi ghting
with us before,” David added.
“Because our history tells us that
we can do this.”
The election remained in focus
as Giselle and others on the bus
made their fi nal stop at the US Supreme
Court just one week after
President Donald Trump nominated
a right-wing conservative, Amy
Coney Barrett, to replace the late
Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Marissa Miller, the founder
of the National Trans Visibility
March, stood in front of the court
and pointed directly at it and made
concluding remarks about the importance
of voting.
“We’ve done everything that we
need to do, but it’s here that makes
a difference,” Miller said. “If we
don’t come out on November 3 and
vote, then none of this makes a difference.”
BO ROUGH O F MANHAT TAN C OMMUNI T Y C O L L EGE
Virtual
Open House
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Visit:
www.bmcc.cuny.edu/cng
GayCityNews.com | October 8 - October 22, 2020 15
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/cng
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