Our work

reclaim pride

 

STARR fights for minority voices to be heard in LGBTQ activism—it's a real problem.

 

PRIDE was founded as a means to protect vulnerable transgender women of color. It has since changed into a platform for gains toward LGBTQ equality in many areas, but the focus has changed and our fight is not over. In fact, violence toward transgender people is only on the increase.

 

2019 was the first year seeing a decline in transgender civil liberties since Stonewall. It's time to take back PRIDE.

 

We're gathering resources and allies for some major PRIDE 2020 plans. To get involved, stay tuned and contact us for information.

 

Brooke Thomas and Ashlee Marie Preston discussed the essence of the problem on the Young Turks.

 

See the STARR press release:

New York’s most influential trans activist group excluded from world PRIDE organization

halt HIV transmission

 

For 2018 PRIDE, we partnered with Harlem United in creating Swallow This, a campaign to reduce HIV transmission by increasing awareness of the once-daily and super-effective PrEP pill. Targeting high risk groups including men of color in Harlem and Manhattan, we spread the message against the spread of HIV.

Support the vulnerable

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STARR is proud to provide unwavering support for some of the most vulnerable transgender people of all.

 

Decriminalization of sex work is the only safe way forward for sex workers, transgender or otherwise. STARR members have responded to emergencies involving sex workers for close to 50 years, providing assistance through:

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• Rights education

• Violence prevention

• Housing provision

• Legal referrals

 

See the New Yorker article:

After the closure of Backpage, increasingly vulnerable sex workers are demanding their rights

END AIDS, realistically

 

STARR strongly believes that pharmaceuticals are not a singular solution to AIDS and HIV transmission. Effectively eradicating HIV and AIDS requires social services and medical incentives that match the needs of high-risk individuals. Authored by STARR leader Mariah Lopez, REACH is the report that  proved this point.

 

The REACH report has enabled the establishment of youth, transgender and women-of-color focused PEP-centric prevention strategies.

 

These connect high-risk HIV-negative individuals to healthcare and social services, and are:

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• Free to implement

• Testing-focused

• Provide clinical follow-up and PEP or PEP on an emergency basis

• Emphasize patient responsibility for constant risk assessment

• Incentivize engagement in a continual plan

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While there's no miracle cure yet, these two effective drugs are part of our multipronged effort to increase awareness and reduce transmission.