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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Zephyr Merkur Herrera, Outreach Coordinator at GMHC's Testing Center
1:18:13
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151 sec
Zephyr Merkur Herrera, Outreach Coordinator at GMHC's Testing Center, testifies on GMHC's commitment to serving TGNCNB New Yorkers and expresses support for several introductions and resolutions. They provide an overview of GMHC's services, client demographics, and specific programs for the TGNCNB community.
- GMHC serves a high proportion of TGNCNB clients, with 5% of their clients identifying as TGNCNB or questioning their gender.
- The organization offers comprehensive services including the TGNC hub, Project Transcend, and support for immigrant TGNCNB individuals.
- GMHC supports Introductions 1200, 1201, 1203, and 1204, and advocates for increasing the Trans Equity Initiative funding to $10 million.
Zephyr Merkur Herrera (they/them)
1:18:13
Thank you Chair Lewis, members of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity and other esteemed council members for the opportunity to testify.
1:18:19
My name is Zephyr Mirka Herrera, and my pronouns are they, them, theirs.
1:18:23
I am outreach coordinator at GMHC's testing center.
1:18:25
I've been working at GMHC for five years starting in our transgender, gender, non binary, and gender nonconforming or t g n c n b hub as an HIV testing counselor.
1:18:33
I'm here to update you on g m h c's ongoing commitment to serving t g n c n b New Yorkers to express their support for the introductions and resolutions on today's agenda.
1:18:43
Founded in 1982 as Gay Men's Health Crisis, the world's first HIV AIDS service organization, GMHC provides comprehensive services to nearly 5,600 New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV and AIDS every year.
1:18:54
Our clients represent populations at the high risk of HIV infection.
1:18:58
In 2024 on intake over seventy eight percent lived under the federal poverty level.
1:19:03
Over forty nine percent of all clients were people of color, nearly fifty percent were ages 50 and older, sixty five percent identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or questioning and five percent were TGNC and B or questioning on their gender.
1:19:15
Given that the New York City's estimate of this population is between 12%, GMHC is serving a high proportion of our city's population, an example of our reputation as a safe and affirming provider.
1:19:26
GMHC's TGNC hub provides comprehensive peer led case management and referrals including to project transcend, our support group that provides safe and affirming spaces where clients can feel seen, heard and valued in a judgment free and strength based environment.
1:19:38
Project transcend prioritizes community health by integrating HIV education with trans sensitive STI testing and PrEP education.
1:19:45
It recognizes the importance of communal experiences by hosting catered in person events.
1:19:49
These gatherings foster deeper connections among participants reducing isolation and strengthening support networks.
1:19:54
GMHC is grateful for the opportunity to support introductions 1,200, 12 o one, 12 o three, and 12 o four, all of which address critical issues our TGNC NB clients face.
1:20:03
A significant proportion are immigrants who flood their homes and countries due to anti trans violence.
1:20:07
Provide them with central resources including housing referrals, legal referrals and immigration support.
1:20:12
Continue to access gender affirming care is critical because it keeps TGNC and B clients in the medical system.
1:20:17
When unable to access legal care, they access other sources.
1:20:20
They increase their risk for HIV through shared needles.
1:20:22
I personally recall a client who was diagnosed with HIV and we linked her to treatment which was her first opportunity to access legal hormones.
1:20:30
Lastly, a member of New York City's Trans And Queer Advocacy Coalition, GMHC strongly supports the coalition's ask of the council to increase the trans equity initiative 10,000,000 in total funding with new funds to support trans led community based organizations.
1:20:43
Thank you again for the opportunity.
Victoria Ngo
1:20:44
Thank you.