PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An area LGBTQ nonprofit has launched a one-stop spot for resources, focused on those who they say are the most vulnerable within the LGBTQ communities.
The Gay and Lesbian AIDS Education Initiative (GALAEI) has introduced TINGS, their new full service hub. TINGS links trans, intersex, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming Latinx people and other community members of color to necessary opportunities and services.
Program coordinator Ebony Ali, also known as Ebony Fierce, is a high profile LGBTQ advocate and trans performer within the communities. She said TINGS is just as much about advocacy for queer Latinx people as it is about direct care, because both matter — especially to those who are often forgotten, falling by the wayside within the already marginalized LGBTQ communities.
"We believe advocacy and opportunities are important," said Ali, "especially with those intersections in communities."
So TINGS offers programming and referral for basic healthcare and specialized therapies, including primary care physicians, trans-competent therapists and staffing intricacies, according to Ali.
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Ali stressed the importance of their programming and group meeting, such as biweekly meetings for trans-masculine and trans-feminine groups, and weekly nonbinary group meetings, while offering inclusive and exclusive programming for TINGS youth. She said the program is just in time, with Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing.
"We will continue to uplift and support Latinx communities, especially Afro-Latinx communities," she said, adding there will also be networking and workshops, with a little drag glamour and flair.
"Also opportunities for people to perform," said Ali. "For our drag performers in our community, we are offering work and services for performers as well."
She said the priority of GALAEI and TINGS is ultimately to bring awareness to the injustices that disportionately affect TINGS individuals of color, and that their goals are about organizing, creating a space of healing — and building visions.
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