Washington, DC, USA. September 22, 2006. The Transsexual Symposium has announced a joint project with "Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive (HIPS)".

 

Both TS-Si and HIPS recognize the need to address the needs of transsexual, and transgendered, individuals who engage in sex work.

 

TS-Si will sponsor a an urgently needed fundraiser, "Help TS Prostitutes Survive!", on Friday, Oct. 20, 2006 (5:00 - 8:30) at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia.

 

Name: TS-Si HIPS Project: "Help TS Prostitutes Survive!"

Location: Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, 555 South 23rd St. Arlington, VA (Between S. Fern & S. Eads Streets, near the Crystal City Metro)

Date and Time: Friday, Oct. 20, 2006 (5:00 - 8:30)

 

DETAILS
 
In making the announcement, Lisa Jain Thompson summed up the TS-Si commitment by stating that "We cannot stand by while people suffer for no good reason. We are proud to support HIPS at this critical point and help them get services out in the street where they are needed most". 
 
Transsexuals face serious obstacles to public acceptance, medical treatment, and legal protection as they transition into society. TS-Si has a strong focus on these issues with an innovative and non-partisan program for change. HIPS has a long and widely admired record of taking decisive and practical action to assist individuals engaging in sex work toward the goal of leading healthy lives.
 
Elizabeth Saracco, who serves as the Director of Peer Education at HIPS, knows all too well how the risks of sex work can take a toll on those involved, particularly her transsexual, and transgendered, clients. "Our clients not only face discrimination for being sex workers but also for being transsexual and transgender. That’s two strikes that make it that much harder to access social services, and that can take a huge physical and mental toll on an individual", says Saracco.
 
Sharon Gaughan says "Transsexual babies are born into every culture, without regard to ethnic origin, race, religion, income or social class, or any other arbitrary social classification." Gaughan is a TS-Si Co-founder and serves as Vice President and Executive Director of the new organization.
 
"Unfortunately", Gaughan went on, untreated "transsexuals die at alarming rates from careless living, suicide, & murder. Those who do not die a physical death face the likelihood of a death-in-life with severe emotional and mental disturbances."
 
Saracco knows that the combination of carefully crafted harm reduction model and positive support can get results. She went on to say that "HIPS is truly a unique and special organization because we really “meet our clients where they are at”. We aren’t out there passing judgment or discouraging anyone; we are out there giving unconditional support and assisting our clients to stay up to date with health and safety information, so when it comes to making their own decisions, they are well-informed.
 
Gaughan added that both organizations ". . . have the experience and support from key members of the community." However, she cautioned that "Much more needs to be done. The upcoming fundraiser on October 20th is an important step, but just one step, in the right direction." 

 

“HIPS faced a crisis when the DC Government decided to cut funding for prevention programs in July 2006.  HIPS has turned to the community to assist us in maintaining these critical services – and the Transsexual Symposium is answering that call. “ says Cyndee Clay, Executive Director of HIPS.

 

Clay then goes on to say, “Employment Discrimination against transsexual and transgender individuals forces many into sex work in order to survive. They face higher rates of arrest and violence than non-transgender or non-transsexual sex workers. Support from organizations such as the Transsexual Symposium is extremely important as HIPS works to address basic needs as well as advocate for change on the larger issues that put people at risk. “ 

BACKGROUND
 
The Transsexual Symposium (TS-Si) is dedicated to the acceptance, medical treatment, & legal protection of transsexuals as they transition into society. 
 
TS-Si is a tax-exempt, 501(c)3, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Springfield, Virginia USA. TS-Si is governed by a Board of Directors and advised by a group of caring professionals, people born transsexual, and other interested parties.
 
HIPS' mission is to assist female, male, and transgendered individuals engaging in sex work in Washington, DC in leading healthy lives. Utilizing a harm reduction model, HIPS' programs strive to address the impact that HIV/AIDS, STIs, discrimination, poverty, violence and drug use have on the lives of individuals engaging in sex work.
 
HIPS is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization that relies on support from over 100 dedicated volunteers, local community advocates, religious organizations, private foundations and businesses to support our work empowering people on the streets. HIPS was formed in 1993 by community and police representatives in response to the recognized need for specialized services for youth engaging in sex for gain in Washington, D.C.
 
RESOURCES
 
The TS-Si parent site at http://www.ts-si.org is the focal point for policy announcements, organizational activities, and fundraising.
 
The TS Policy Review (TSPR), located at http://www.ts-policyreview.org, provides breaking news & fact-based commentary, with analysis of policies that affect transsexuals. The TSPR site also provides an innovative wire service called the TSPR News Service that syndicates news, features, and other content to the press and media outlets around the world.
 
The HIPS parent site at http://www.hips.org provides extensive background information on the HIPS program and practical steps for potential volunteers and financial contributors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2006 

TS-Si (Transsexual Symposium, Inc., http://www.ts-si.org)

Sharon S. Gaughan, Vice President & Executive Director
 
Website: http://www.ts-si.org
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: 703-644-2545.
 
Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive (HIPS)
Elizabeth Saracco, Director of Peer Education
P.O. Box 21394 
Washington, DC 20009
 
Website: http://www.hips.oeg
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: 202-232-8150
Fax: 202-232-8304
Hotline: 1-800-676-HIPS

 

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