The Knights and Orchids Society

FAITH has expanded its services to encompass mental health, health and wellness, gardening activities, and direct access to primary care physicians, in addition to its core function of facilitating linkage to care. The program has achieved several key outcomes, including the distribution of 8,000 condoms and 800 safer sex kits (containing 10 condoms each) to FAITH clients and the broader Black TGNC/GBQ/SGL community. Furthermore, 30 clients have actively maintained membership with quarterly testing, and all 30 HIV-negative FAITH clients have been successfully linked to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Similarly, all 7 HIV-positive FAITH clients have been connected to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and ongoing HIV care.Additionally, the program ensures that all 30 FAITH clients receive continuous case management, with each client achieving 183 hours of support, surpassing the established goal. Importantly, every TGNC FAITH client requiring gender-affirming care is linked to such services. Beyond medical support, 12 FAITH clients are connected to essential support services tailored to their specific needs. Moreover, a significant aspect of the program involves fostering community through bi-monthly peer support groups, with 12 FAITH clients committed to attending these groups throughout the 18-month program duration. This includes one support group exclusively for TGNC clients and another for GBQ/SGL clients, creating a supportive space for shared experiences and mutual assistance. Through these comprehensive initiatives, FAITH strives to address the diverse needs of its clients and promote overall well-being throughout the program.

The Reproductive Justice program has evolved beyond its initial focus on a food bank and free store catering to low-income communities, with a particular emphasis on supporting Queer and Trans communities. Over time, we expanded our services to encompass essential items like free diapers, formula, plan B, condoms, and more. Our commitment to inclusivity led us to integrate primary care providers into the program, who now play a pivotal role in guiding clients towards gender-affirming care.In our pursuit of benefiting the FAITH program, our ultimate objective is to ensure that all TGNC FAITH clients desiring access to gender-affirming care are seamlessly connected to and actively enrolled in such services (output 6). To achieve this, we have implemented various strategies. Firstly, we have eliminated economic barriers by offering gender-affirming medical care, including hormones and puberty blockers, free of charge. This financial relief is designed to facilitate the accessibility of these critical services.Recognizing the scarcity of gender-affirming care providers in Alabama and the potential legislative hurdles faced by TGNC individuals, TKO has entered into a partnership with QueerMed, a clinic based in Atlanta, GA. Through telehealth services, QueerMed can extend its expertise to FAITH clients in Alabama, circumventing local barriers and ensuring uninterrupted access to gender-affirming care.In summary, TKO is dedicated to expanding access to gender-affirming care, mitigating the impact of stigma and discrimination, and fostering a supportive environment for the well-being of TGNC FAITH clients. Through our multifaceted approach, we aim to create positive, lasting changes in the lives of those we serve.

Youth Ambassador Program TKO is a place where I can truly call home. The people over TKO are my family, and I can always find refuge within them without having to be judged. Queer visibility and representation matter for many reasons. Being Queer is not easyespecially when a lot of us were taught to hate that part of ourselves. Being Queer is not a taboo. Weve always been here, except now we refuse to let society silence our identities. - DaQuon Allen (Pronoun Indifferent), TKO Ambassador & Peer Navigator.