About Us

Caprice Carthans is a prominent transgender advocate and long-term HIV survivor based in Chicago, Illinois. She began her journey of self-discovery at the age of 11, coming out to her supportive mother and initiating her transition.

Carthans pursued higher education at Chicago State University before relocating to New York City, where she lived for approximately three decades. In 1985, she was diagnosed with HIV, a pivotal moment that deepened her commitment to advocacy. Due to the high cost of living in New York, she returned to Chicago, seeking support from the Christian Community Health Center. 

Her experiences fueled her dedication to community service. Carthans has volunteered with numerous organizations, including the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), Chicago House, and Heartland Alliance. At Heartland Alliance, she served as an Affordable Care Act healthcare navigator, assisting transgender women and sex workers in accessing healthcare services. 

In 2020, Carthans joined the AFC Board of Directors, bringing over 30 years of experience in HIV and LGBTQ+ advocacy.  Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the 2017 National Transgender Testing Day Advocate, the 2018 Betty Smith Award, and the Chicago Department of Public Health HIV Trailblazer. She was also featured in the 2018 book "To Survive on This Shore." In 2019, she was honored during the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Carthans' story was highlighted in the documentary "HIV and the Journey Toward Zero," which explores the lives of long-term HIV survivors and their perspectives on initiatives aimed at ending the HIV epidemic.

Her enduring commitment to advocacy and support for the transgender community continues to inspire and effect positive change in Chicago and beyond.