TIP: transhealth information project

What is TIP? The Trans-health Information Project (TIP) is a comprehensive HIV prevention and health education project designed by and for transgendered, transsexual, and gender-variant people in Philadelphia. TIP puts accurate information about safer sex and safer injection techniques into the hands of trans people in order to encourage less risky behaviors and to foster advocacy on our own behalf regarding our healthcare needs.

Why is it important? Transgendered, transsexual, and gender-variant individuals are among the most underserved people in Philadelphia. Too often, trans people are met with barriers to housing, education, health services, employment opportunities and social services. In addition, many of us lack access to culturally competent healthcare and may be injecting drugs, silicone, and/or hormones obtained on the street. Some of us also engage in sex work. All these factors increase our risk for HIV and Hepatitis C infection, as well as other complicated health issues.

What does it provide?

Outreach: Our outreach workers distribute safer sex and injection packets and a pocket resource guide to link people to healthcare, social services, legal advocacy and support groups.

Drop-In Hours: TIP helps trans people build relationships across the divisions that have kept us isolated—from each other and from information and services. Visit TIP during drop-in hours (TBA) at the trans-friendly Washington West Project (at 12th and Locust Streets) to get tested for HIV, get trans-specific information on healthcare, social services and events in the community, connect with PPP’s Syringe Exchange Program, learn about safer injection techniques or just hang out.

Individual Counseling: Our harm reduction caseworker works with individuals on a one-on-one, confidential basis to help them reduce their risk for HIV and address survival needs like housing and public benefits. They also link people to trans-sensitive healthcare, social services and other community resources.

Group Workshops: TIP runs trans-specific workshops focusing on safer hormone access and use; HIV and Hepatitis risks involved in sharing needles, safer techniques for hormone injection and cleaning needles; safer sex; and STI risk reduction education. (Please email us with your workshops ideas.)

Materials and Publications: TIP has created trans-specific educational materials on safer injection techniques, a Philadelphia trans-health resource guide, and safer sex packets for people on both the MTF and FTM spectrums.