The City of Houston held a cultural training session at the Transgender Center in Houston, Texas on October 20th, 2008.

Several panelists spoke to a packed house on cultural diversity issues. Approximately 60 individuals came out to learn more about diversity focusing on HIV risk-reduction in GLBT populations. Many of the attendees were from faith-based, community-based and university-based organizations.

For many, the Transgender Center represents the face of the transgender community. Over and over again, many expressed their amazement over what they perceived to be the home of the transgender community. Several individuals connected to more conservative organizations were extremely interested in learning as much as possible about the transgender community and its history.

“The City of Houston is blessed to have a resource like this.” said Beau Mitts, Manager of HIV Prevention efforts for the City of Houston. Indeed, Houston is home to the only center of its kind in the world. The Transgender Center in Houston, Texas is a project of the Transgender Foundation of America.