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 How often does an individual who possess a sharp wit, unique charm, intelligence, timeless beauty, and a commitment to the greater good come along? TITA AIDA, as we all know her, is the answer.
In the early 90's as the AIDS epidemic was affecting every community on every level, the Asian & Pacific Islander (A&PI) communities was searching for a role model, someone who truly understood the issues and the devastating impact in our communities. Given that A&PIs are a caring and nurturing community, they needed someone with a “softer yet bold” approach in dealing with HIV/AIDS. It was at that time that TITA AIDA was born.
“Tita” in Hawaiian means “ big sister .” In the Philippines , Tita means “aunt.” Both meanings have a clear cultural references to what Tita Aida is all about to this very day. Tita Aida embraced this role and extended her open arms to care for those in her communities impacted by HIV/AIDS. Identifying as a Filipina transgender woman, she was ready to face the obstacles ahead of her. Armed with her compassion, Tita Aida worked at Asian AIDS Project (one of the agencies that later became A&PI Wellness Center ) to join the fight to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS.
Tita Aida was instrumental in raising awareness and bridging access for members of our communities to vital HIV education and prevention information and services. She tirelessly de-stigmatized this disease called AIDS to ensure that services were not denied and made readily available to all who needed support. She actively participated in numerous visibility campaigns, hosted transgender beauty pageants, and organized outreach and educational efforts in the form of entertainment in various bars and establishments where A&PIs congregate.
Throughout the years, Tita Aida has taken on the role of advocate, activist and familiar personality. Tita Aida has become a sought-after personality in the queer Asian & Pacific Islander communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Right now, she is wearing a few “hats” in the public eye. Tita Aida's time is mostly spent at Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center where she is a Program Supervisor for 3 unique programs serving A&PI Men who have sex with men (MSM) and the Transgender community. Secondly, she is one of the elite gender illusionists at the world famous restaurant, Asia SF.
Somewhere in between the moments of Tita Aida's schedule that doesn't quit, she has spent the past 8 years as a Board Member and is now serving as Vice President for the San Francisco LGBT PRIDE Committee. In February 2008, Tita was identified and appointed by Mayor Gavin Newsom to be the first transgender woman to sit on the Commission of Status of Women.
Aside from all these activities, she finds time to stay in touch with the community with her column in the SF based club magazine, GLOSS MAGAZINE. Her column is entitiled, “ Asia it!” Recently, Tita formed a production company that showcases LGBT's events. She recently produced and hosted, CATWALK '08 and will be producing Goddess of the World in 2009.
So weather it's rushing on the staircase of City Hall for a Commission meeting or, hosting a community event to raise funds and awareness, check out TITA AIDA. You are guaranteed to be enlightened and entertained by a class act! Check out TITA's calendar where she is performing or appearing!
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