HRC's Tori Cooper Appointed to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS

by Madeleine Roberts •

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, responded to the news that Tori Cooper, Director of Community Engagement for HRC Foundation’s Transgender Justice Initiative, has joined the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) and was sworn in earlier today. This historic appointment marks the first time that an out Black transgender woman, and an HRC staff member, will serve on PACHA. Human Rights Campaign Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative Tori Cooper issued the following statement regarding her appointment:

I could not be more proud to serve on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. We are honored and excited that the Biden-Harris Administration is recognizing the importance of including transgender people, especially Black transgender women, in this life-saving work. I am eager to advocate on behalf of all transgender and non-binary people, including all trans and non-binary people who are living with HIV. This work has never been more critical, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on PACHA to help bring an end to the HIV epidemic.

Tori Cooper, Human Rights Campaign Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative

According to research, at least 1 in 20 transgender women are living with HIV. Black transgender women are at least three times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV, and Latinx transgender women are at least one and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV. According to a recent CDC study in seven U.S. cities, 42% of transgender women interviewed had HIV, with 62% of Black transgender women and 35% of Latinx transgender women already living with HIV.

The Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) was originally formed in 1995. PACHA provides advice, information and recommendations to the Secretary of Health & Human Services regarding programs, policies and research to promote effective treatment, prevention and cure of HIV and AIDS.

The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that are of interest to the general public and further our common mission to support the LGBTQ community.

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Topics:
HIV & AIDS
Transgender