In August, Arianna’s Center, a unique community group, held a forum on programs that are available to members of the transgender community ages 50 years old and older. Located in the United Church of Christ office in Fort Lauderdale, Arianna’s Center is a non-profit organization that empowers and uplifts the trans-Latinx community, undocumented immigrants, people living with HIV/AIDS, and those who have been incarcerated.
In attendance were representatives from the LGBTQ community, activists, and Arianna’s Center founder Arianna Lint who spoke passionately to the group about her journey as a trans-activist.
“This month marks seven years that we have been providing services to the community to show that we can be independent, we can be financially stable, and we can thrive,” said Lint.
“Many providers when they come to Fort Lauderdale who want to work in the trans community have to contact us and have to know about us and we are very proud of that.”
Rajee Narinesingh, a transgender actress, author, and activist spoke to the crowd about her experience working with Arianna’s Center over the years.
“Arianna and I travel to different conferences, and we represent the trans-community because one of the key components of our cause is visibility,” said Narinesingh.
South Florida hosts one of the second largest transgender communities in the nation along with Texas, New York, and Georgia.
Arianna’s Center is just one of the few organizations in South Florida that provide access to legal name and gender change services and transition-related care for individuals who are transgender in the community.
Keila Moreno Coleman who has been volunteering with Arianna’s Center since its inception in 2015 says that the center has especially helped many marginalized citizens in the trans-community who are transitioning from incarceration back to civilian life.
“When transitioning it’s already tough because you don’t have that open community as you would have if you’re gay or straight,” said Coleman. “To be able to have Arianna’s Center which helps in that transition for trans people is necessary for our community.”
The event was coordinated by Kendra Hayes and included food and education on how to get your name changed or access to medical care for the senior citizens in the trans community.
“If I can make a difference in one person’s life, I can just imagine the impact they can make in other’s lives,” said Hayes.
For more information, you can reach Arianna’s Center at www.ariannas-center.org or on Instagram @ariannascenter.
