AIDS activists launch Central Mass. transgender fund

A group of HIV/AIDS advocates will hold a drag fundraiser in Worcester on April 19 to raise money for a new fund designed to help transgender people facing financial distress.

Jesse Pack, founder of the Transgender Emergency Fund and a staff member at AIDS Project Worcester, said that the fund will help low-income transgender people pay vital expenses like healthcare co-pays and utility bills. Pack created the fund as a response to the hardships that he has seen his clients at AIDS Project Worcester face. He said as a result of discrimination many of his clients have lost their jobs and their housing, and without legal protections against discrimination his clients have few options for protecting themselves.

"I'm hoping that it will provide people relief and they won't have to turn to underground economies, so to speak, to get help and raise money. ... When people get desperate, they turn to sex work or selling drugs, which puts them in more dangerous situations," said Pack.

He said AIDS Project Worcester has agreed to be the fiscal sponsor for the fund, and Pack is working to raise money for the fund before opening the application process for people to ask for assistance. He said he and the other activists organizing the fund hope to raise about $10,000 to start; when they raise at least $25,000 they will begin disbursements.

Pack said those wishing to apply for funding will fill out a short application form and provide proof of income and copies of the bills they hope to pay with money from the fund. Only transgender people from Central Massachusetts are eligible. A not-yet-formed board, including members of the transgender community and allies, will review applications and determine awards based on need.

"We're going to try to make it as streamlined, as easy as possible for people," said Pack.

For those interested in donating to the fund, Pack said people can write checks to AIDS Project Worcester and specify in the memo line that they are earmarked for the Transgender Emergency Fund.

The fundraiser, called "Divas Live," will take place at the Hotel Vernon in Worcester. Cha Cha Connor, another AIDS Project Worcester staff member and lead organizer of the fundraiser, said that the event will feature a large line-up of drag and other performers, including Megan DaSilva and drag artists Nikita Le Femme, Viola Fields, Amber Rockwell, Victoria, Jessica Montgomery. Connor said the hotel allowed the use of the space free of charge, and all of the performers are donating their time to put on the event.

Pack, who is transgender, said that he felt it was important that the impetus for creating the fund came from himself and other members and allies of the trans community.

"I myself personally, as a trans person, I transitioned out in Worcester. I had a difficult time with my own experience. This fund is coming from a place of love within the community itself," said Pack.

Divas Live takes place April 19 starting at 9 p.m. at the Hotel Vernon, 1 Millbury Street, Worcester. The cover is $6, event is 21+.