Please enjoy this special segment in celebration of International Trans Day of Visibility. The segment features three public health leaders in a discussion about what this day means to them, how their communities have come together during the COVID-19 global pandemic,why the COVID-19 vaccination matters to them, the complex realities LGBTQIA+ folks have endured within the health care system, their hope for the future, and more. Shor Salkas (they/them, or their name) is the Health Equity Planner & Program Manager with the Minnesota Department of Health. In this role, Shor develops initiatives to improve diversity, inclusion, and health equity through facilitation and policy assessment. Shor’s work centers on racial justice, health equity, LGBTQ issues, and other core competencies of inclusion strategies within the Minnesota Department of Health and beyond.

    Nathalie Crowley (she/her) is the Associate Executive Director at Family Tree Clinic, a regional leader in LGBTQ health care, evidence-based comprehensive sex education, and culturally responsive care. Over the last 18 years, Nathalie has used her experience working in healthcare systems as a queer and trans woman of color to educate medical providers and increase access to quality wellness care for trans people living in Minnesota.

Reneka Evans (she/her, they/them) is a proud African American-Transgender member of the LGBTQAI+ community with a focus on achieving Health Equity by eliminating disparities and improving the health of all communities. She comes to you with 23 years of experience working in Community Health. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Art from Metropolitan State University and specializes in event development and outreach programming.She has created, developed, and implement the first transgender award ceremony in Minnesota (Transgender Stellar Awards). Today, she works with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to act as a bridge to close the gap between community liaison and COVID-19 response work. In her personal time, she loves playing with her puppy “Tangee” and beading dresses when time allows. Her appearance on KFAI is a part of her life’s and work goals: to fight tirelessly against COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS until they no longer exist!     Opening and closing musical tracks by Shea Diamond, an American singer, songwriter, and transgender rights activist. You can find out more about her here. Shea Diamond – “Seen It All” (Acoustic Performance) Shea Diamond – “So Lucky” (Full Performance)