QC eyes clinic for transgenders

Alarmed by the rising number of HIV and AIDS cases, the Quezon City government has announced plans to set up a medical facility for transgender residents.

City health officer Dr. Verdades Linga said the clinic would conduct screening and testing for sexually transmitted infections, health checkups, social and psychological services, as well as life coaching and counseling for transgenders.

Dr. Rolly Cruz, the city’s HIV/AIDS program coordinator, noted that transgender women—persons who changed their sexual orientation from male to female—make up the second largest group undergoing HIV testing in the city, next to MSMs or males who have sex with males.