Equitas' transgender wellness program now serving a more diverse community on East Side
When Shuayb Jama walked into Mozaic's space, they immediately felt welcome.
"I did feel a sense that 'Oh, this is the space I belong,'" said Jama, who goes by Jet and whose pronouns are they/them. "It was so welcoming and it was so open and you could see that they were actually doing work to support the community."
Mozaic, a project of Equitas Health, is a community wellness program for transgender, gender nonconforming and nonbinary individuals, said Dr. Teagan Vaughn, director of gender-affirming care at Equitas.
Photos: "This Is Trans" project the product of Columbus photographer, activist
It began in 2018 in the University District as an HIV testing center with grant-funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now, the program has grown to offer more care for a person's whole health, and is continuing to expand its services, said Vaughn, whose pronouns are she/her.
In the fall, the program's location moved to the third floor of the Equitas Health King-Lincoln Medical Center, at 750 E. Long Street, in the historically Black King-Lincoln/Bronzeville neighborhood. The goal was to reach a more diverse community, said J Harley, the program manager.
Mozaic moves to Equitas' King-Lincoln Medical Center
The move also allowed Mozaic to be more integrated with other Equitas services, said Harley, whose pronouns are they/them.
The location is also easier to navigate to than the University District location; it is on the bus line and has a parking lot, Vaughn said.
It no longer offers HIV testing, though it can connect people with resources for that, but instead is a program that offers a safe space, monthly events, clothing and support for transgender people of color.
The third floor location is open for drop-in visits from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
February 2023: Ohio GOP reintroduces bill banning surgery, hormones for transgender minors
The new location of Mozaic means an easier opportunity to connect those who come in to therapists, health advocates, case managers, doctors and dentists in the same building, as Harley and others at Mozaic can simply walk down the hall and introduce clients to other care providers.
This is important because many transgender people don't see healthcare providers due to fear of discrimination or past experiences, Vaughn said.
"It's really that gateway to good health," Vaughn said.
The King-Lincoln Medical Center also has a pharmacy and café, she said.
"It's more of a one-stop shop," Vaughn said. "I think about it like a community center."
Supporting the transgender community
Jama, 27, of the North Side, learned about Mozaic when they were struggling to find community after not being accepted by their parents.
They started volunteering and will share their story of telling other people who they are on May 10 at 3 p.m. during a "Nonbinary Chat" event on Mozaic's Facebook page.
Politics: Ohio House rejects bill to ban transgender girls from female sports, overhaul public education
"It's just really difficult for the queer community to find, sometimes, where to fit in or to find a safe space and I feel like that is Mozaic," Jama said.
It's important that Mozaic exists for visibility and to show transgender and nonbinary people that they are not alone and they have representation, they said.
"It is a place where folks can take a breath of relief," Vaughn said. "When we think about healthcare, that's the whole point, right?"
What's next for Mozaic?
Research shows that transgender people experience disproportionate rates of discrimination, violence and poverty — meaning safe and affordable housing is a key need, Harley said.
That's part of the reason Mozaic hopes to expand into offering housing assistance for transgender people locally, they said.
Plans are still in progress for what the assistance will look like, they added.
October 2022: A year after charges of racism, Equitas Health looks forward with new leadership
Mozaic is also hiring two new staff members to work with the Equitas Health Mobile Outreach Vehicles to offer pop-up clinics and outreach services in different Ohio cities, they said.
Other upcoming changes include a renovated space for Mozaic, said Harley. The program is now on the third floor, but there are plans for it to have a larger space on the ground floor with a community center, showers, a washer and dryer, kitchen, a dedicated closet for clothing, and a multipurpose room and stage, they said.
"Our mission statement is to foster the success and overall well-being of the trans community, and what we hope that people feel when they come to the space is welcomed, supported and affirmed," Harley said.
For information, visit mozaicohio.org or call 614-572-0820.
dking@dispatch.com
@DanaeKing
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: King-Lincoln Medical Center now home to transgender wellness program
