South Florida AIDS Network

01/21/2026

We’re thrilled to announce that The McKenzie Project is officially a Florida AIDS Walk 2026 Beneficiary! This year, 12 trans-led organizations across Florida are joining forces with us to raise awareness, raise funds, and raise the stakes for our people.

Our theme this year is:
B**M: “Breaking Down Systems that Marginalize Us” ✊🏾
And we’re calling on the community to show up and show OUT in lingerie, anime fits, leather, fishnets, and red umbrellas as we take back power, pleasure, and visibility.

WHY THIS MATTERS
HIV has always been political, but today’s climate is actively harming our communities through stigma, criminalization, funding cuts, and misinformation.

S*x work + HIV stigma
Trans women, especially Black trans women, are disproportionately pushed into survival economies due to discrimination in housing, healthcare, and employment. Studies show:

✨ Over 40–60% of Black trans women have engaged in s*x work at some point for survival.
✨ Trans s*x workers experience HIV rates nearly 10x higher than the general population.
✨ Criminalization of s*x work increases exposure to violence, HIV risk, and decreases access to healthcare and prevention.
✨ Anti-trans legislation and recent budget cuts in s*xual health + HIV services are making conditions even more dangerous.

Instead of protection and care, our people get policed, punished, and pathologized. We reject that.

Red Umbrellas Up. Shame Down. Stigma Nowhere.

WHAT WE’RE WALKING FOR
This year we’re raising $500,000 to sustain housing, transportation, food access, mental health support, harm reduction, and life-saving services for Black TGNCNB+ people living with and impacted by HIV across the entire state of Florida.

Every dollar raised is MATCHED, meaning your contribution literally multiplies our impact.

WE WALK BECAUSE…
🏳️‍⚧️ Black trans people deserve to live long, joyful lives
🏳️‍⚧️ S*x workers deserve safety, dignity, and decriminalization
🏳️‍⚧️ HIV care should never depend on politics
🏳️‍⚧️ Our bodies are not disposable
🏳️‍⚧️ Our survival is not negotiable

This year, we’re not just walking: we’re breaking down systems that marginalize us.

Join us. Donate. Share. Walk with us.
Florida, we’re coming.

**M2026
*xWork

01/21/2026

01/20/2026

🚨 Urgent public health warning

Florida’s ADAP changes are moving forward and the consequences are serious.

Biktarvy is being removed from the ADAP formulary.

Along with:
• Reduced eligibility thresholds
• Elimination or restriction of insurance premium assistance
• Increased out of pocket costs

These changes are not abstract policy shifts. They directly impact treatment continuity and community health outcomes.

When HIV care is disrupted:
• Viral suppression can be lost
• Risk of drug resistance increases
• Community transmission risk rises

This is a public health issue with real consequences for people’s lives.

What you can do right now:
• Learn what’s changing
• Contact your elected officials
• Join community calls
• Share accurate information

Clear actions and resources are outlined in our latest Substack post.

🔗 Read and share:
https://riseuptohiv.substack.com/p/what-can-i-do-right-now

01/20/2026

First 40 RSVPs to attend get a free lavender box (to destress) and a meal

01/09/2026

The Pride Center’s Wellness Program is hosting a SMART Recovery Meeting tonight, offering a free, weekly, peer-led support group focused on building a life beyond addiction.

SMART Recovery is a science-based, non-judgmental approach that uses practical tools for self-management and personal growth. There are no labels or shame—just a welcoming space for people overcoming any type of addictive behavior.

The meeting takes place on Fridays from 7:15–8:45 PM, beginning January 9, 2026, at The Pride Center at Equality Park, Building B – Main Hall. The group is facilitated by Tim M. and is open to anyone seeking support.

You don’t have to face recovery alone. 💙

01/06/2026

Our Fund Foundation are gathering important input through a very brief Broward County LGBTQ+ Food Security Survey, and they’re inviting community members to share their experiences. If you live in Broward County and identify as LGBTQ+, we encourage you to take a few minutes to participate. The survey is completely anonymous and confidential, and your responses help highlight real needs around food access and support in our community!

Taking part is one small way to help shape more informed resources for LGBTQ+ folks in Broward County. To take the survey, scan the QR code

12/19/2025

Leslie Washington passed on Saturday Dec 13th

After a long time in the hospital, he was pronounced dead early that Sunday

Besides being an employee member of SFAN he was also a community member.

Nicole Burrel of Broward House will send out any information on any memorial service.

On a personal note, not only was Leslie a co worker but friend and his presence is missed

Robert Hadley, Mdiv
Education/Outreach/Testing/Support
Phone 954-568-7373 x2252
Fax 954-563-5923

12/18/2025

Here is a list of the locations where Kwanzaa will be celebrated. Please make sure to mark your calendars. We want to see you at these events. Kwanzaa is a holiday to build momentum for a brighter new year. If you were to apply the seven principles of Kwanzaa to your life, it would be incredible. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are pillars of a greater community for us by us. For more information, contact us at 954-533-9139 or conference@ujimamen.net.