THE ANGEL–(BUSINESS WIRE) – The Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Heart – believed to be the primary of its sort nationwide for trans and non-binary folks and communities by and for trans and non-binary folks – is positioned in Los Angeles, California (1001 N. Martel Ave ., 90046) – TODAY– Friday, September 10, 2021, with a ceremonial severing of the ribbon, reception and guided excursions by way of the power between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. PT. NOTE: The ribbon reducing occasion will happen at 4:45 p.m.
The ability is known as and devoted in honor of Connie Norman, referred to as “AIDS Diva,” a fearless transgender and AIDS activist who died of the illness in 1996. The Connie Norman Trans Empowerment Heart will serve a number of trans-led organizations reminiscent of FLUX and the Distinctive Girl’s Coalition (UWC). The middle will give attention to capability constructing, advocacy, and total well being and wellbeing of transgender and non-binary communities. This 20,000 sq. foot constructing was constructed and initially operated by AHF within the Nineteen Nineties as Linn Home, a hospice for folks dying of AIDS, doing its job, rising and sustaining it.
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WHAT: |
Ribbon reducing and inauguration of the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Heart |
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Friday, September 10, 2021. 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. NOTE: Ribbon reducing, speeches @ 4:45 p.m. |
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WHERE: |
Connie Norman Trans Empowerment Heart, 1001 N. Martel St. (Cross Avenue: Romaine), Los Angeles, 90046 |
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WHO: |
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B-Roll: There might be excursions of the power, elements of that are nonetheless being reworked, and occasion attendees may even get replicas of Connie Norman’s beloved childhood teddy bear
AIDS Healthcare Basis (AHF), FLUX, an AHF affinity group devoted to creating secure areas for trans and gender impartial folks by way of lobbying and outreach, and Distinctive Girl’s Coalition (UWC), a collective voice on the narratives and desires of Black Centered Transculture and a bunch devoted to nurturing the subsequent technology of black trans leaders work collectively on this modern heart to create a long-term house for trans-led organizations and communities.
“Named after a diva like Connie Norman, supported by an establishment like AHF and managed by two revered trans organizations like UWC and FLUX – that is historic! A complete constructing during which transsexuals are on the helm, making choices and innovating, ”mentioned Queen Victoria Ortega, founder and worldwide president of FLUX. “We’re dedicated to making sure that our group has a voice. Now now we have this unimaginable constructing as a house for these voices. I consider that nice issues will occur right here, actually nice ones! ”
“Distinctive Girl’s Coalition is worked up to enter into this unimaginable new partnership. This facility brings us one step nearer to reaching justice for trans and non-binary communities right here in Southern California and I hope it will possibly additionally function a mannequin for such trans service amenities throughout the nation, ”mentioned Chela Demuir, Pioneer, Founder and Government Director of Distinctive Girl’s Coalition and Worldwide Vice President of FLUX.
Connie Norman, the self-proclaimed “AIDS diva,” was a fearless “transgender” AIDS activist who was so forward of her time that her life expertise and tireless activism preceded the widespread use of the time period transgender. A member of Act Up Los Angeles and a passionate advocate of founding AHF’s first AIDS care facility, the Chris Brownlie Hospice, the place she died of AIDS after admission, she mentioned in a last act of LA Weekly in 1996 of “self-loving me.” self”.
Director Dante Allencastre was so intrigued by Norman’s groundbreaking story that he researched, produced and directed AIDS Diva: The Legend of Connie Norman, a brand new documentary lately proven on the Administrators Guild as a part of OUTFEST. All through the movie, Norman’s activism, passions, and larger-than-life persona – in addition to her humanity – are mirrored in outstanding archive footage and fascinating interviews with many who knew and beloved her. In a clip, Norman notes, “I usually inform people who I’m an ex-drag queen, ex-hooker, ex-IV drug consumer, ex-high-risk adolescent, and present post-operative transgender HIV constructive girl” and simply “an individual.” who seeks my humanity. ”
“When Connie Norman was spending her last days at AHF’s Chris Brownlie Hospice, she bequeathed me her childhood teddy bears and requested me to take care of the trans sisters and brothers she left behind. I am unable to consider a greater approach to adjust to this request than with this Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Heart we’re dedicating at present, ”mentioned Michael Weinstein, President of AHF and a great pal of Norman.
Norman’s teddy bear will now additionally take up residence within the new facility in a memorial showcase made from Plexiglas. As well as, September 10, 2021 may even be referred to as Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Day by way of the proclamation of the Metropolis of West Hollywood.
The ability may even host the opening of an on-site blackboard on Monday September thirteenth (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM). A “wardrobe” to assist trans and different folks may even be opened on web site sooner or later, and an AHF well being heart serving the wants of trans and non-binary sufferers is because of open in 2022.
A earlier excessive profile gala kick-off reception for the Connie Norman Trans Empowerment Heart was held at Nobu in West Hollywood on Monday, August 23 (to view pictures from the Nobu occasion, click on right here).
Name to Motion: Donate to the trans organizations on the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Heart to make sure their success. Web site: www.FLUXidentity.org
