Oral History Interview with Jessica Xavier, 1952-

Jessica Xavier is a trans health activist living in Rockville, MD. She is interview by Bryan Schwartz.

Jessica (who uses the pronouns: she, her, hers) picked up where she left off in her interview with the Rainbow History Project in 1998. In the first half hour of this recording, Jessica describes the employment discrimination that she faced, due to her trans identity, in the late 90s and early 2000s. She also outlines her work as a trans political activist in the 90s including, but not limited to, her work with the Lesbian Avengers and GLAAD.

The bulk of this recording, particularly in the last half, is focused on Jessica’s work as a trans public health advocate in the early 2000s. Jessica was responsible for some of the first data driven reports on the trans populations in Virginia and Washington, DC. The first of these reports, the Washington, DC Transgender Needs Assessment Survey (or WTNAS), resulted in the first transgender specific HIV/AIDS prevention funding from the DC government.

In the final half hour of this recording, Jessica briefly discusses her Wiccan faith and its place in her life.

Rockville, MD

Not yet transcribed.

Yes, recording available (.mp3, 93 MB)

1:49:36