RAD Remedy is pleased to announce the open beta launch of the Referral Aggregator Database ( RAD ), a Yelp-style database designed specifically to connect trans, gender non-conforming, intersex, and queer people to safe, affirming, and comprehensive care nationwide. This project is the first of RAD Remedy's initiatives that address the significant health disparities and care barriers faced by these communities.
"As a community, quite a lot of us have faced trauma around getting care," said Riley Johnson, RAD Remedy's Executive Director.
He further explains, "while many providers may self-identify as LGBT-friendly, they sometimes lack the expertise or structures to support trans, gender non-conforming, intersex, and queer people in the way they do those who are gay or lesbian. By giving people a clear understanding of what they are walking into, RAD will give folks all the information they need to make the decisions that best suit their needs."
RAD's open beta launch is a working prototype that allows community members to access the database while providing feedback, bug reports, and feature suggestions that will allow RAD to be further developed by our communities. In its current launch, RAD has a wide variety of care providers included, from medical care, housing, and legal services to yoga and massage. Users can search and review current providers as well as suggest a new provider by submitting a review. RAD Remedy is constantly adding new providers, both through the continued data entry of referral lists compiled by community organizations and through individual community member's reviews of new providers. Thus far, RAD Remedy has strategically prioritized outreach efforts and the data entry of providers in rural and under-resourced areas of the country, where adding even one provider can make a significant difference.
"RAD's goal is not to impose upon folks what we feel affirming care looks like, but to connect folks to as much relevant information as possible so that each of us can make the best decision for our own care and feel comfortable and confident walking into the office of a new care provider." Riley Johnson said.
In support of the database launch and in celebration of Pride, RAD Remedy will be hosting a charity bingo event at Hamburger Mary's in Chicago, 5400 N. Clark, on Sunday, June 28 at 8:00pm after the Pride Parade. The winner of each game will receive a prize, and one lucky winner will receive an Against Me! t-shirt autographed by Laura Jane Grace. Additional prizes have been provided by Early to Bed and The Pleasure Chest Chicago. All proceeds of this event will go towards furthering RAD Remedy's mission.
About RAD Remedy:
Based in Chicago, Illinois, RAD Remedy got its start at a technology development event, Trans*H4ck, in 2014. RAD Remedy's mission is to connect trans, gender non-conforming, intersex, and queer folks to accurate, safe, respectful, and comprehensive care in order to improve individual and community health. As a collectively-operated and community-driven nonprofit, RAD Remedy eagerly welcomes the feedback and participation of interested folks across the country. For more information, please check out www.radremedy.org .
