The Knights & Orchids Society Inc

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.

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.