This Women’s History Month, GLAAD showcased three LGBTQ+ women who are making waves in HIV advocacy, especially in the Deep South. With HIV numbers increasing among both queer women and trans women at significant rates, a statistic not often seen in media, we understand how integral it is to showcase the work being done directly on the grounds of our community.
In January 2025, the administration announced a freeze on new funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that has invested over $110 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response and supports treatment for millions worldwide. This suspension has raised concerns about access to life-saving medications and the potential for increased HIV cases and fatalities. And budget reductions have already affected state and local surveillance programs, syringe services, and community outreach initiatives; contradicting previous commitments to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. by 2030.
Below meet these amazing women who haven’t given up in a current state of uncertainty and are deserving of all the flowers!
Daroneisha Duncan-Boyd
View this post on Instagram
Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd is an unapologetically Black, Southern, trans woman and a powerhouse advocate for racial, gender, and economic justice. As the Executive Director of TAKE Resource Center, a trans-led organization headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, she has dedicated her life to uplifting Black and Brown trans and non-binary communities through advocacy, direct services, and resource-building.
Daroneshia founded Transgender Advocates Knowledgeable Empowering (TAKE) Resource Center to create a sanctuary for trans individuals navigating systemic barriers. Her work is deeply personal—born and raised in Alabama, she has faced physical and sexual violence, workplace and housing discrimination, and exclusion from faith communities. She also knows the realities of survival, having experienced addiction and engaged in sex work while fighting for her own stability. These lived experiences fuel her unwavering commitment to ensuring no trans person is left without support, safety, or opportunity.
What began as a peer support group in 2013 evolved into one of the most impactful trans-led organizations in the South when Daroneshia opened TAKE’s physical location in 2017. Under her leadership, TAKE has built a robust team of trans leaders and offers critical programs addressing unemployment, incarceration and re-entry, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, addiction, mental health, and violence. The center also provides essential resources, including a clothing boutique, peer support, and food security assistance.
Though her work centers trans women of color, Daroneshia’s vision extends beyond—advancing the broader fight for racial, gender, economic, and LGBTQIA+ justice. Her leadership has been nationally recognized, earning her a feature on HBO’s Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas, an Alabama Champion of Pride honor, and recognition as one of The Advocate’s Top 7 Inspiring LGBTQ Leaders in Alabama.
Sinseriti Banks
View this post on Instagram
Sinseriti Banks is a passionate advocate for social justice, reproductive rights, and sex worker rights, with over six years of expertise in HIV and STI prevention. As a former team member at Birmingham AIDS Outreach, she has led and supported numerous community health initiatives, serving as a subject matter expert in harm reduction.
A prominent Black trans leader in Alabama, Sinseriti is deeply involved in shaping the future of advocacy. She is an active member of the ACLU’s Black Trans Future Leaders program, the Southern Voices Cohort of the Southern AIDS Coalition, and a past participant in the Human Rights Campaign’s Elevate/Activate Cohorts. Her commitment to advancing equity also extends to philanthropy—she has contributed to grantmaking for sex workers at the Third Wave Fund and played a pivotal role in program coordination, organizing, and community engagement efforts.
Recognized for her impact, Sinseriti has earned multiple honors, including the Miss Major Hero Award and the Bham Black Pride Gamechanger Award. A powerful public speaker, she has delivered keynote addresses at Montgomery Pride’s Trans March and served on panels advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and healthcare equity. She is also a current member of the UAB Gender Health Advisory Board, continuing her work to ensure inclusive and affirming care.
Rev. Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey
View this post on Instagram
Rev. Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey is a trailblazing minister, advocate, and public educator dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities. She made history as the first transgender person of color to serve in a leadership role at the Human Rights Campaign, formerly holding the position of Alabama State Director. With a background in public health and education, she has led critical initiatives to combat health disparities and expand access to equitable care.
A passionate champion for transgender rights, Carmarion has influenced policy at local, state, and national levels—including engagements with the White House. Her nationally recognized work advances equity, inclusion, and culturally competent healthcare for underserved populations.
Beyond advocacy, Carmarion is a dynamic speaker and educator, using platforms such as documentaries and major publications to drive awareness and meaningful change.
Raised in Dallas, Texas, with deep family ties to Natchez, Mississippi, she is also a devoted mother and grandmother. Her lifelong commitment to justice and inclusion continues to shape a more equitable future for all.
