Compiled and edited by Martin Flynn
Many gay community and HIV prevention activists remain
uncomfortable with transgender people, according to Jessica Xavier of
the Washington DC Whitman Walker Clinic.
"Most people look between their legs and know what they are, but
it's not so easy for transgender people," Xavier said. "There's
a reluctance on the part of gay men and lesbians to embrace the transgender
community."
Christine Burns, a prominent UK transgender activist with the pressure
group 'Press for Change', explained to Positive Nation that the situation
for transgender people in the UK is now much better than in the rest of
the world, since their employment rights were protected by the 1999 Sex
Discrimination Act.
"This makes it less necessary for transsexuals in the UK to work
in the sex industry to fund their sex change treatment," Burns explained,
"and sex change procedures are available on the NHS."
"The risks of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
are much higher among transgenders. Artificially constructed vaginas are
less protective than those in naturally born women," Burns added.
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The producers of South Africa's version of 'Sesame Street' last month unveiled Kami, a mustard coloured furry creature who likes nature and telling stories, and who also happens to be the world's first Muppet with HIV. Kami, whose name means acceptance, was created at the urging of the South African government in an attempt to reduce stigma about HIV and Aids. The female character Kami, who is a five-year-old orphan living with the virus, will teach young viewers about coping with the illness and loss. Various right-wing Republican Congressmen in the USA are lobbying the US producers of 'Sesame Street' to ban
Kami from the American version of the show.
