How often does an individual who possess a sharp wit, unique charm, intelligence, timeless beauty, and a commitment to the greater good comes along? TITA AIDA, as we all know her, is the answer.In the early 90’s as the AIDS epidemic was affecting every community on every level, the Asian & Pacific Islander (A&PI) communities was searching for a role model, someone who truly understood the issues and the devastating impact in our communities. Given that A&PIs are a caring and nurturing community, they needed someone with a “softer yet bold†approach in dealing with HIV/AIDS. It was at that time that TITA AIDA was born.“Tita†in Hawaiian means “big sister.†In the Philippines, Tita means “aunt.†Both meanings have a clear cultural references to what Tita Aida is all about to this very day. Tita Aida embraced this role and extended her open arms to care for those in her communities impacted by HIV/AIDS. Identifying as a Filipina transgender woman, she was ready to face the obstacles ahead of her. Armed with her compassion, Tita Aida worked at Asian AIDS Project (one of the agencies that later became A&PI Wellness Center) to join the fight to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS.Tita Aida was instrumental in raising awareness and bridging access for members of our communities to vital HIV education and prevention information and services. She tirelessly de-stigmatized this disease called AIDS to ensure that services were not denied and made readily available to all who needed support. She actively participated in numerous visibility campaigns, hosted transgender beauty pageants, and organized outreach and educational efforts in the form of entertainment in various bars and establishments where A&PIs congregate.Throughout the years, Tita Aida has taken on the role of advocate, activist and local celebrity. Tita Aida has become a sought-after personality in the queer Asian & Pacific Islander communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.Right now, she is wearing a few “hats†in the public eye. Tita Aida’s time is mostly spent at Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center where she is the Program Coordinator of three Health Education Programs, namely raMEN Program, RICE Program and the ATE(TG) Program.Somewhere in between the moments of Tita Aida’s schedule that doesn’t quit, she is also Madame Vice President of the SF PRIDE Committee Board of Directors. Her most assignment is her recent appointment by Mayor Gavin Newsom to sit as a City Commissioner in the Commission of Status of Women.However, she makes it a point to bring her creativity to the community. She is one of the lead " gender illusionists" of the world famous 3- star restaurant, Asia SF. You can catch her Every Friday and other Saturday in the local hot spot! In 2007, she was one of the models for the AIDS Housing Alliance's Desperate DIVAS Calendar 2008.Her most visible hosting gigs every year would be the the A&PI Pride Stage and GAPA’s RUNWAY Pageant. For more info, check out TITA AIDA at www.titaaida.com.You are guaranteed to be entertained by a class act!
