TAP Virginia

My name is Shawnon Corprew, and I've been a volunteer for TAP VA since January of 2018. I'm a writer and proofreader, so I help a lot with editing grant applications and other materials. I've also helped with tabling at events. I'm an ally, and a driving force beside my husband, Jay Corprew. He is my constant inspiration.  As a board member, Jay is constantly coming up with ideas to extend TAP VA's resources. He's contacted many companies, and was able to get essential items donated to the community, such as skin care products, binders, and even TAP-exclusive coupon codes for some online stores. As a trans man of color, Jay knows about the struggles firsthand. As his wife of 1 1/2 years, I've seen the many hardships he's faced, and I know of what he went through concerning coming into his true identity before meeting me. He knows strength beyond anyone else I know. Jay is a light within the community. He's spoken at medical and trans inc

Equality Virginia is pleased to announce an important update to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s policy on gender transitions of state employees. After collaborating with Equality Virginia, Governor Ralph Northam’s Secretary of Administration, Keyanna Conner, has directed the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) to update its policy on gender transitions. This updated guidance for state employees will go far in creating a more welcoming workplace environment for transitioning state employees in many ways, including: Clarifying the process of transition as it relates to their employment Putting in place a protocol for name change, restroom/facilities usage, and privacy concerns Providing other much-needed direction for the transitioning employee and their colleagues. Read the full updated policy here Ted Heck, who serves as an HIV Prevention Contract Monitor for the Virginia Department of Health, said, of this policy update “As a trans man working at VDH since

The re has been concern recently about transgender folks having trouble at the voting polls due to Voter ID laws. We already know that the only purpose of these laws is to make voting more difficult, especially people of color, poor folks, and trans people.We all know that identity documents (drivers’ license, birth certificates, passports, etc.) can be a problem area for transgender folks. However, there is no valid reason that a poll worker can deny you from voting based on any discrepancy between the gender marker or gender presentation on your photo ID and your gender identity or current gender presentation. More than ever, we need transgender voices to be heard in the voting booths! First, the deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 15 , so don’t wait! You can register to vote online here.   Second, the upcoming election is on Tuesday, November 6 th from 6:00am-7:00pm . You can find your polling place, double check if you are registered, and request an absentee b

Hi Everyone, Equality Virginia has developed a Community Education Program because we know that first-hand, personal stories are essential to building support for LGBT-inclusive bills. In particular, we are prioritizing non-discrimination legislation in housing and public employment in the 2019 General Assembly, and your voice will make a difference. Our program focuses on prepping trans individuals, families, and allies to tell their story, so that our lawmakers know that Virginians care about protecting the trans community in housing and public employment. If you’re interested, I invite you to register for one or both of these webinars this month: 1. How to Tell Your Advocacy Story 101 on Thursday, September 13, 2018 (The 3PM and 7PM trainings are the same, so you only need to register for one.) Personal stories are some of the most powerful tools for advocacy and social change.  And, our lawmakers need to hear stories from people who know that protect

Nyonna Byers is a TAPVA volunteer, trans activist and trans advocate. In this video, Nyonna captures the true essence of why unity is so important for the trans community. Nyonna is also producing a documentary where the survivors of transphobic violence can share their stories.  This film will be released at the Hampton Roads, Va.  Transgender Day of Remembrance - TDOR on Tuesday, November 20, 2018. If you, your family, or your friends would like to share your stories, Nyonna can be reached at  nyonna21@gmail.com.  for more information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 9/5/2018 September 5, 2018 News from the 2017 Regional HIV/AIDS Policy and Planning Summit Recommendations McLean, VA (September 5, 2018) -- At the 2017 Regional HIV/AIDS Policy and Planning Summit (RHAPPS Summit) conducted in Alexandria, VA at the Hilton Mark Center attracted over 50 public health professionals, community advocates, activists, and faith leaders from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The RHAPPS Summit focused on collaboration towards key policy and strategic issues facing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the regional eligible metropolitan area (EMA) in DC, MD, VA and WV. The one-day summit focused discussions led by experts on Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), The Past, Current, and Future of HIV Clinical Trials, Transgender Health - Culturally Competent Healthcare, Mental Health and HIV Care and Treatment, CBO Program Sustainability, Sex Workers and HIV, and Ending HI