5 minute read
Meet Trans Activist
GRACE DETREVARAH
TUV NY Correspondent Monick Monell shares and An Intimate Conversation with Trans Activist Grace Detrevarah. Grace is known as the voice for the TGNC
community especially those returning back to the community post-incarceration or who are experiencing homelessness. and or donate to community agencies such as Sylvia Rivera Law Project, Legal Aids Society, American Civil Liberties Union, and other agencies, locally, or regionally.
Q: Statistics for 2022 have shown that nearly 5,000 transgender people are incarcerated in state prisons. However, we know very little about their experiences during incarceration. Can you educate us on how the community can offer help in this area? Transgender detainees/prisoners continue to receive systematic problems: regarding fair, just and humane treatment while in custody. However, there are certain regional correctional in systems, that have begun to address Transgender prisoner medical, educational, and mental health treatment through and within the CJ system.
Q: How can the LGBTQIA community support Transgender prisoners in custody?
Support can be done by becoming affiliated, volunteer, Q: How does it feel to be the blueprint for trans women of color, particularly black women and watching them thrive? You are an inspiration to many in the community. Can you share with us your barriers you experienced as a TGNC individual who were once affected by the criminal justice system? Do you feel your hard work is acknowledged? Oh WOW… My visibility on addressing the survival, existence, and safety of Transgender folx, continues to be important. I am humbled that the TGNCNBI community respects me, as well as seek me out, for assistance and my views. Yet, I do believe that my work has been, and continued to be empowering for the community. I also believe this is because I've revealed so much of my life. History has taught me that Transgender folks are affected by the criminal justice system and health disparities differently than our cis-gendered peers.
Acknowledging these disparities continue to evolve in certain regions and demographics.
The TGNCNBI have always had leaders to represent them: Miss Major, Chase Strangio, Lala Zannel, Cece Thompson, and others. I've been fortunate, as
well as outspoken, visible, and to some even impactful, with my advocacy. As far as barriers: I realized that my history of incarceration, long-term HIV diagnoses (35 yrs.), lack of education, and relevant work history, would only change me for the best. Once I decided to publicly release the "personal stigma" of those circumstances, I was able to lighten the load of those statuses. First, by following my medical regimen (16 yrs. undetectable) and obtaining education on HIV, STI's, HepC, and other disparities, which affected me. While in custody I was able to acquire secondary education (Community college), and certifications in various
trades. I've been fortunate in my 10 years of advocacy. Let me say this: I receive so many letters, cards, and direct communication with individuals and families, of those affected by the criminal justice system. Yet, the most impactful gesture I’ve received is when I am approached in public, on social media, and at governmental offices. My story is in A&U magazine's 2/22 issue and the HULU DocuSeries: PRIDE episode #4. Often, people tell me how my story has motivated them to get tested and empower themselves, their families, and their communities. Today, the one quote I rest my advocacy on: "Saving Lives to Save my Own.
Q: This World AIDS Day Issue which is a public health issue one that we are personally passionate about. We have found that many people are still not educated about HIV/ AIDS due to fear, stigma, and ignorance. With all the prevention options (athome tests, and a range of prevention such as Preexposure prophylaxis or PREP), and services that’s offered, why do you feel we still have to educate people in 2022 and what else can we do to reach our communities?
Well, frankly most advocates and service providers had to accept the hard fact that HIV/ AIDS is still serious. In 2022, far too many LGBTQIA folx and our heterosexual brothers/sisters
are still getting diagnosed! My advocacy continues. I want to spread the information that HIV can be chronic and deadly, still!
I've been successful combining facts in my presentations. When I present, I start with HIV. then move on to STI's, HepC, and currently MPV (monkeypox) with groups, young people, and adults. My advocacy in 2022 comes with using narratives that are realistic and lifesaving. As a Transgender woman, it is vital that I take the initiative to use my story, diagnosis, and criminal history as an education weapon for those who are finding their way.
Q: Should straight actors play queer Trans people in the film industry, considering there is still struggle for content of TGNC people playing themselves? We know that representation is important because it serves a facet of support and validation. Tell us about the many films and documentaries you are being featured in so we can make sure to watch and learn.
Entertainment is a business. It has been uncomfortable to observe cis-gendered performers taking on roles that depict LGBTQIA+ lives and stories. As a colleague of LGBTQIA+ actors and entertainers, I've had the opportunity to hear and know their distaste for being "looked over" by their Cis-gendered peers. Then there is the "stigma" most don't want to encounter. What do I mean? Well, many actors, and entertainers simply "want to work their craft." Many don't want to be typecast as "The Gay Actor" or specifically/ solely LGBTQIA+, so it's a catch 22. In a just, fair, and reflective society: if we could attend a movie, play, musical, video, or concert, and NOT get into the "performer’s" life or sexual identity, it would be refreshing.
Q: Please share with us the purpose and mission of The Osborne Association?
Our Mission statement: Transforming lives, communities, and the criminal justice system. To care, assist and be of service to one's community. This agency has and continues to be the organization that has supported my advocacy in an impactful way. Osborne hired me in 2016, after years of transforming various parts of my life. From a parolee, Intern, P/T worker, then F/T worker 4
years later. I held a full-time position as a LGBT Liaison for the Bronx office and then
throughout all Osborne offices. As a former incarcerated Black Transgender woman- Osborne has been instrumental in providing space to the LGBTQIA in all its services. Advocacy has many levels. I aim to encourage Transgender folx, as well as LGBQ - NBNBI folx to
absorb that advocacy often starts in a simple way. I’m appreciative and humbled that I've had the opportunities to represent TGNCNBI folx on topics: Re-entry, Health Disparities, Education, and everything “human.”
