Today we’d like to introduce you to Prizila Vidal
Hi Prizila, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Name is Prizila Vidal, I am an HIV Positive Transgender Latinx Individual based out of San Diego County.
Since 2005, I have been Advocating for Equality, Equal Opportunities, Ending The Stigma within the LGBTQ Communities as well as Creating Service’s/ Resources and Partnering with other Organization’s such as San Ysidro Health, Proyecto Trans Latina, Trans Fronteras, Christie’s Place, and Many Other Amazing Organization’s.
I have been working/serving the LGBTQIA + Communities ever since I came out publicly as Transgender and HIV Positive.
The best way I can help decrease health disparities within my communities is by; Educating my community, disparities in the mental and physical well-being of the LGBT population when compared to the heterosexual population. Members of the LGBT population are less likely to have health insurance coverage and more likely to have to resort to visiting emergency rooms for care. They also have higher rates of some Illnesses, lower rates of testing and screening for certain illnesses like heart illnesses, and higher engagement in risky behaviors that can compromise overall health or well-being, such as alcohol and tobacco use.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing up in Foster Care and being Openly “Gay” made me a huge Target for Bullying, Harassment, and being Trafficked. Since Emancipating I’ve Dedicated My Life to Protect other LGBTQ+ Foster Youth. In 2019 I was Honored to Help Pass Assembly Bill 2119 by Mayor Todd Gloria; Foster care: gender affirming health care and mental health care.
I was Diagnosed in 2005 with HIV and that Halted Everything I had Planned; My Transition from Male to Female, I had to Drop Out of College.
Back in the Early 200’s there wasn’t that many Resources/ Service’s for Transgender Folx so I had to Get Whatever I Could or Stop and Wait.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Since 2016, I have been Organizing, Running the Annual National Transgender HIV Testing Day, an observance designed to recognize the importance of routine HIV testing, status awareness and continued focus on HIV prevention and treatment efforts among transgender people. The observance is organized by the Center of Excellence for Transgender Health. In 2023, Mayor Todd Gloria gave me An Official Proclamation making April 18th, National Transgender HIV Testing Day.
I also Run A Very Successful Clothing Swap focused on the Trans and Non-Binary Folx. Participants can trade as many new items as they want.
The event is open to the public, if people bring clothes to swap or canned goods to donate. Leftover clothing will be stored for our next meetings. Attendees may also bring fabric in any condition (such as worn-out clothing, shabby pillows and blankets, etc.) that participant’s can use.
We’ll also have different Workshops, Guest Speakers, to touch on array of topics such as: PrEP, HIV, and any other topics the attendees may want to hear about.
What matters most to you?
My Dedication within my communities is ensuring and assuring that folx get accessible and attainable healthcare coverage and educating them on the several options they have for insurance. Giving them the tools to advocate for themselves, I also educate medical providers who may not know that there are laws out there that protect our rights like anyone else as well as developing and using a Harm Reduction Approach. I also created a Training based off of Trauma Informed Care but mine is more focused on Trans Non-Binary Informed Care used worldwide. As a Medical Assistant I worked in the Coding and Billing for 5 years and learned the tricks for getting certain medical costs covered. Lastly, educating the community about being honest, Given the social stigma that leads members of the LGBT population to not disclose their minority status to health care providers, doctors and others are often unaware of their LGBT patients’ specific needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://prizilapoz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prizilapozitiva/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrizilaPozitiva
Image Credits
Mayor Todd Gloria
Union of Pan Asian Communities Homebound-Positive Solutions
UC San Diego AntiViral Research Center HQ
