Rudy JK, Davis G, Rudy DC, Williams N; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. TuOrE1160.

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States

ISSUES: Since the epidemic began, people with HIV/AIDS have been rejected by mainstream society because of fear and misunderstanding. Perhaps no other group has felt this stigma more than transsexual people with AIDS. Born physically one sex, but emotionally the other, transsexual people are often outcast from their families and mainstream society. The despair of this struggle often leads them to find solace in drug or alcohol use and prostitution. DESCRIPTION: A "Tear for Lucinda" is an autobiographical film recounting the story of Lucinda Anderson, a transsexual who died of AIDS. Particularly dramatic in the film is Lucinda's description of the dehumanizing treatment she encountered in jail as a transsexual person with AIDS. Discriminated against by all around her, including other gay and transgender inmates, Lucinda vowed to become an activist to improve the treatment of transgender people with AIDS. After her release from jail, and until her death, she dedicated her life to education of the gay and heterosexual community about the needs of transsexual people with HIV/AIDS. LESSONS LEARNED: This film poignantly portrays the struggle of one person to find acceptance as a transsexual person with AIDS. It also clearly outlines actions that can be taken to improve the care of transsexual people with AIDS in jails and prisons and in the general community. RECOMMENDATIONS: Increase awareness of discrimination against transsexuals, particularly in the jail setting. This awareness raising can be done especially though media and art forms such as film. Broad distribution of these films to jails, prisons, health departments and community advocates will assist in improving the attitudes about transsexuals. This will also improve AIDS care for transsexuals, particularly those incarcerated in jails and prisons.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Disease Outbreaks
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Services Needs and Demand
• Humans
• Male
• Prisoners
• Prisons
• Prostitution
• Transsexualism
• education

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0013109

UI: 102250607

From Meeting Abstracts