Our community often utilizes sex work for income due to rejection and stigma in so many other work industries. In Tennessee, sex work is considered a felony for a person who knows they are living with HIV, but a misdemeanor for everyone else. Additionally, those convicted are forced to register as violent sex offenders for the rest of their lives, a status that restricts where someone can live and work, their ability to spend time with family and friends, and more. The state has no comparable law for infectious conditions that are even more prevalent than HIV.
Tennessee’s archaic law makes life harder for our communities, and intensifies the barriers trans people face in building a life for ourselves. It creates more harm and danger for marginalized people who deserve protections.
Positively Trans (T+) and TLC’s legal team have made it a priority to challenge the criminalization of HIV and to address discrimination nationally and in our local communities. We are fighting alongside local partners, including OUTMemphis, to change the landscape.
Join us in condemning this Tennessee law by sharing our graphics on social media.
In solidarity,
Tiommi Luckett
Senior National Organizer, Positively Trans
