New Transgender Empowerment Center Honors the Late Trans Icon Connie Norman

The trans community and AIDS activist Connie Norman has left a legacy that will stand forever: and now, West Hollywood, CA has commemorated her life’s work by opening The Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center, which aims to support transgender people with job training, health advice, and wellness services. The Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center will also be a home to those who protect and serve the trans community: Nonprofits, private organizations, and even individuals who empower trans people will be included in the hub.

The FLUX team was behind the creation of the center. FLUX is a division of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), and its president, Queen Victoria Ortega, whom we’ve had the pleasure of speaking with at a celebration that took place at Nobu in West Hollywood and was co-produced by The Q Agenda’s own, Enrique Sapene, has played a big role in bringing this dream to fruition in a relatively fast timeline along with Michael Weinstein, the founder and President of AHF.

“Where the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center is going to be was formerly an AID hospice,” says Michael Weinstein, AHF President. Connie Norman passed away in a hospice, which makes it special for this location to be named after the late trans activist.  

“When she passed away, she made me promise I would take care of her sh*t, so I thought it was really important that an ensemble of Connie lived. Transforming an AIDS hospice in a living and breathing institution that serves the transgender community. I can’t think of anything better.”

Michael Weinstein speaks at the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center

Members of the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center will have the chance to get involved in local politics, learn how to manage their money, build outstanding credit, get jobs, own or rent a home or a place to call home, and plan a future. 

Tenants of the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center include the Unique Women’s Coalition and Trans Can Work, among others.

LATV’s The Q Agenda Team at The Connie Normen Transgender Empowerment Center Celebration

About AHF:

AHF Federation is a consortium of AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) and community groups committed to HIV/AIDS education, prevention, advocacy, medical treatment, and support for underserved populations across the nation. Through the collective, organizations work to build upon their regional knowledge, experience, and operations within AHF’s innovative network of support to expand their capacity to meet the growing needs of people in the communities they serve.

About Flux:

Flux aims to raise the profile of the trans* and gender-nonconforming community by leveraging social events, creating safe spaces, and innovative advocacy initiatives.