Callen-Lorde to Host Annual Event Celebrating Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Leaders

On Thursday, September 29, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center will host Transcendence, the organization's annual celebration of trans and gender non-conforming communities in support of Callen-Lorde's pioneering Transgender Health Program. It will be held from 6 PM to 9 PM at Picture Ray Studio at 245 West 18th Street in Chelsea.

This year Callen-Lorde will honor bklyn boihood for their work in building community and self-empowerment for transmasculine people of color alongside actress, writer and model Hari Nef. Honorees are chosen for their contributions to the wellness and visibility of TGNC people. Past honorees include author, playwright and theorist Kate Bornstein; the team behind the groundbreaking work "Trans Bodies, Trans Selves"; President of the NYC Stonewall Democratic Club, Melissa Sklarz; photographer, writer and publisher, Amos Mac; and artist, poet, and performer, Juliana Huxtable.

Callen-Lorde strives to create an environment that affirms humanity and individuality and promotes health and wellness. Of its 17,000 patients, more than 3,500 are of transgender or gender non-conforming experience, and come to the agency seeking basic primary care and many other specialized services, including mental health care.

Callen-Lorde's hormone therapy protocols serve as a worldwide model for educational organizations as well as medical and mental health providers, helping to remove institutional barriers so that people can get the care they need. And all services are provided regardless of ability to pay.