AT WORK IN THE TRANS COMMUNITY

The Transgender Health and Wellness Center provides workplace and cultural sensitivity training and education to businesses, public agencies, and healthcare and service organizations across the Inland Empire. We do this in order to ensure everyone meets their legal obligations of public accommodation. We also strive to ensure that organizations embody the highest standards of dignity and respect for their employees, clients, and customers. The TH&WC offers education on such topics as transitioning in the workplace, creating welcoming environments, mitigating sexual harassment, reducing bias, legal issues, health equity, and much more.

LINKAGE TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES

The TH&WC provides assistance, information, and advocacy to help navigate the complex and often confusing healthcare system. By providing referrals to knowledgeable and culturally competent physicians and providers, and by assisting with securing health insurance (government-sponsored Medi-Cal, IEHP, Medicare, V.A., and Covered California health plans), the Center removes hurdles for those seeking access to care. We educate members on their healthcare coverage rights, and show them how to appeal discriminatory denials of coverage.

PrEP AND PEP EDUCATION AND LINKAGE

The TH&WC provides education and information on HIV/AIDS. We partner with other and LGBTQ organizations in the Coachella Valley to provide HIV, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) education to members of the TGI community in an effort to mitigate new HIV diagnoses in at-risk populations.

NAME AND GENDER CHANGE NAVIGATION

The TH&WC helps you navigate complex name and gender change forms and procedural requirements. We also provide peer support to those who are required to appear in court to complete the process. Detailed info can be found here.

SOBRIETY AND ADDICTION

The TH&WC provides referrals to—and works closely with—local recovery programs, rehabilitation, and sober-living facilities to support Trans people who are struggling with alcoholism and substance abuse issues. The Center also provides peer support for personal recovery journeys.

PRISON ADVOCACY AND PREA (PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT)

Recognizing a long history of criminalization of TGI people, the TH&WC advocates for rehabilitation programs, community re-entry facilities, and the continuation of medically necessary hormone treatments for incarcerated community members. We have an LGBTQ inmate letter program that provides inmates with social support, resources, and a connection with the larger Trans community. This affords those in need much-needed visibility, which ensures that TGI inmates are not sexually assaulted or abused while incarcerated.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT, COALITION AND LEADERSHIP

The TH&WC advances and develops public policies which help people overcome hurdles to accessing equal employment, housing, and healthcare services. The Center nurtures and mentors new leaders and grassroots advocates within the community. We do this to support coalition-building, service growth, and to provide legal protection to those who need it.

SOCIAL EVENTS AND PEER SUPPORT

Providing opportunities to meet others of like mind and circumstance helps to build friendships, self-esteem, and emotional health. In this spirit, the TH&WC hosts the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, Trans Equality March, a Healing Rainbows support group, and the monthly Trans Tuesdays social hour. The Center recognizes that dynamic social support is connected not only to authentic living, it can also prevent and reduce the instances of isolation, suicide and depression. These are problems that disproportionately affect the TGI population; and we are here to help.

EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING

The TH&WC is an advocate for employment access and housing equity. The Center provides TGI people with referrals to housing and employment opportunities, as well as to outside programs. We are proud of our role in reducing Transgender unemployment across the Inland Empire.

HIV/STI PREVENTION AND EDUCATION

The TH&WC understands the impact that HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have had on the LGBTQ community. With this in mind, the Center provides education and information to educate high-risk, economically-displaced communities. We are dedicated to the reduction of HIV/STI new infections. The Center’s locations provide free condoms and lube in each bathroom to ensure privacy.