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Latin American & Caribbean Transgender Rights Advocacy Organization Wins Clarence H. Moore Award for Voluntary Service
Media Contact: Ashley Gatewood
202-974-3727
gatewooa@pahef.org
WASHINGTON, DC (September 30, 2009) — An Argentina-based transgender rights advocacy organization was honored last night with the prestigious Clarence H. Moore Award for Voluntary Service at the Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health event. The Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) gave the award to REDLACTRANS (Latin American and Caribbean Transgender Network) in recognition of the organization’s work in advancing acceptance and human rights for transgendered people in the region—and making serious headway.
REDLACTRANS was the catalyst for a regional civic movement which spurred a dialogue with governments and international organizations to strengthen the rights of transgender people in the region. As a result of the staff and volunteers’ dedicated advocacy efforts, the Organization of American States approved a resolution last year. Within the resolution, the countries of the Americas expressed concern about acts of violence and human rights abuses that were committed against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Ms. Marcela Romero, REDLACTRANS’ regional coordinator, accepted the award on the organization’s behalf. Ms. Romero is a transsexual who fought for 10 years to be legally recognized as a woman in Argentina. Upon accepting the award, she said, “This award belongs to the entire transgender community. We are working for an inclusive Latin America and Caribbean that offers equal rights for a better quality of life.”
In Latin America and the Caribbean, as in many other regions of the world, transgender people are frequently threatened emotionally as well as physically. Many are ostracized by their own families.
To meet the unique emotional and physical health needs of the transgender population, REDLACTRANS was formed in 2004. Today, the organization boasts 95 volunteers and three staff in 18 countries throughout the region. It has been through the dedication and perseverance of their volunteers and staff that REDLACTRANS has grown into a vibrant organization working on the front line of transgender rights.
“The people who make up the volunteers, advocates, and staff of REDLACTRANS have tirelessly worked to advance acceptance of transgender people in Latin America and the Caribbean. We commend them for their selfless voluntary service,” said Edward Kadunc, executive director of PAHEF.
Since 1989, the Clarence H. Moore Award for Voluntary Service has been given each year to recognize and celebrate the public health achievements of nongovernmental organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Founded in 1968, the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) is a public 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to fostering public health programs in the Americas that address major health concerns. PAHEF improves the lives of people throughout the Americas by working with the public and private sectors as well as major public health research, policy, and development groups.
PAHEF enjoys a unique relationship with PAHO, the Pan American Health Organization, which serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization.
Since 1975, the Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health have been stimulating the growth of the next and rising generation of leaders working together to improve health and health care in the Americas. The Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health is a partnership between the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). A jury of distinguished public health professionals reviews nominations and recommends a candidate for each award to the board of trustees of the Foundation for final selection. The awards have the unique distinction of recognizing both established and emerging contributors to the field of public health within the Western Hemisphere. Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, they are recognized as a career-defining achievement that brings honor and recognition.
www.pahef.org
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