Transgender Inclusion and Acceptance - Transgender HIV Testing Day 4/18

In thinking of the importance of knowing one’s status, we must also take this time to think of recent legislation made in this country and the local conversation on acceptance and inclusion of the transgender community. We here at Nebraska AIDS Project (NAP) want to affirm the dignity, value, and personhood of all our sisters and brothers in the transgender community.

We’ve decided to show our support to the trans community by joining a local advocate, Eris Koleszar, in her bathroom selfie campaign. We want the communities that NAP represents to understand our commitment to inclusion and providing safe spaces. We provide services, education, and advocacy to community members and we strive to honor and celebrate the identities of the community that we serve. We thank Eris for her work in advocating for safe spaces within our community and we stand behind her commitment to affect positive change. #‎shebelongs‬ ‪#‎shejustwantstopee‬ ‪#‎transwomenAREwomen‬

On Monday, April 18^th, the nation acknowledges the National Transgender HIV Testing Day. According to the Center of Excellence for Transgender Health, the day is “a day to recognize the importance of routine HIV testing, status awareness and continued focus on HIV prevention and treatment efforts among transgender people”. In light of the recent conversation surrounding the trans community within Omaha, NAP is promoting April 18^th as a day to reiterate the agency’s focus on prevention and education surrounding HIV/AIDS, and their stance as a safe space in which all are welcome and encouraged to take part in free HIV testing services offered onsite.

At NAP, we know it’s very important that we continue to be mindful of how the intersections of racial, sexual, and gender identity affect healthcare experiences and perceptions. We understand the problems associated with stigma and we hope to provide always-free and always-confidential testing in an environment where everyone can feel comfortable coming to access our services.

NAP provides free and confidential HIV testing at the following locations every week.

At the Omaha NAP Office (250 S 77^th St, Ste A, Omaha, NE 68114)

Monday through Thursday 1:00pm – 3:00pm by appointment

Tuesday through Thursday 5:00pm – 8:00pm walk-in testing

Saturdays 11:00am – 2:00pm walk-in testing

At Flixx Lounge (1019 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108)

1^st & 3^rd Mondays of each month from 8:00pm – 10:00pm walk-in testing

At Respect Clinic – UNMC (42nd and Emile, Omaha, NE 68198)

2^nd & 4^th Mondays of each month from 5:30pm – 7:00pm walk-in testing

In addition to the National Transgender HIV Testing Day, April also marks the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Sexually Transmitted Disease/Infection Awareness month. Throughout the month of April, NAP will also provide free onsite testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia at all testing locations. NAP also offers testing in its Lincoln & Kearney, Nebraska office locations.

 

London Woolman is the Accounting & HR Manager for the Nebraska AIDS Project, overseeing the financials, human resources, and operations of all NAP offices across Nebraska. In addition to her work at NAP, London is a runner/trapeze school graduate/Night Court rerun watcher.