Jessica Xavier Oral History

Jessica Xavier was born in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1952. From age 7, she realized she was not a boy but struggled to find a label to define herself. At age 39, she began her medical transition. Jessica’s life has revolved around three main axes: political advocacy, healthcare, and music. Her dedication to transgender-related data collection led her to work in HIV care for many years, including completing the Transgender Needs Assessment Survey (WTNAS), which she considers one of her greatest achievements. Her advocacy led to the establishment of trans-specific HIV care programs, making significant contributions to the health and well-being of transgender communities. In 1999 she became the first openly transgender artist to release a CD. Her work as an activist, scholar, and artist has garnered recognitions such as the Public Service Award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Sex and the Distinguished Service Award from the Gay and Lesbian Activist Alliance.

Item Actions

View At: https://theoutwordsarchive.org/interview/jessica-xavier/
Share
Citation: Cite

Item Information:

Identifier: 4q77fr74v
Collection: Audio and Video Clips and Transcripts
Institution: OUTWORDS
Creator(s): Xavier, Jessica M.
MacCarthy, Jack
Contributor(s): Ramos, Juan Raymundo
Date Created: Jul. 5, 2022
Dates Covered: 1991
Apr. 1993
1985
Genre: Oral Histories
Subject(s): Gender Education and Advocacy (GEA)
It’s Time, America!
Jessica Xavier
Leslie Feinberg
March on Washington for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Rights
Phyllis Randolph Frye
Transgender Educational Association
Transgender Needs Assessment Survey (WTNAS)
Places: Washington, D.C. > Washington County > Washington
Maryland > Montgomery > Bethesda
Topic(s): AIDS awareness
Trans women
Transitioning (Gender)
Resource Type: Moving image
Language: English
Rights: In copyright
For more information on copyright, please read our policies