Transcending Identities is an organization committed to improving the quality of life of those impacted by discrimination, including individuals with disabilities, racial and ethnic minoritized groups (REMGs), transgender, gender-diverse individuals, and those with variations of sex anatomy.

Transcending Identities supports private and nonprofit organizations in creating a safer and more welcoming environment for their employees, students, customers, and those receiving healthcare services through bilingual (English and Spanish) training, educational workshops, and consulting in the United States, Puerto Rico, and abroad.

Vision: Transcending Identities vision is a world where the psychological, medical, professional, economic, and social needs of individuals with disabilities, racial and ethnic minoritized groups (REMGs), transgender and gender-diverse individuals, and those with variations in sex anatomy are met with sensitivity and competence, free from discrimination.

Mission: Transcending Identities' mission is to help eradicate discrimination and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, racial and ethnic minoritized groups (REMGs), transgender and gender-diverse individuals, and those with variations in sex anatomy through education, professional training, and consulting with companies, organizations, corporations, and groups that employ and provide services to these individuals.

Dr. Eunice Avilés Faría, Founder

Dr. Eunice Avilés Faría is a pioneering human rights advocate, visionary educator, and policy influencer informed by 18+ years of clinical practice with a wide variety of cisgender, transgender, gender diverse, and queer individuals across the lifespan from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. As a certified sex therapist with the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, & Therapists (AASECT), Dr. Avilés brings a wealth of knowledge to her specialized practice.

With a Doctorate in Psychology, Dr. Avilés is renowned for her expertise in gender identity, sex therapy, and the impact of minority stressors on the mental health of LGBTQI+ individuals.  Her focus extends to addressing the psychological effects of racial, ethnic, and disability-related discrimination.  Drawing on her training in cognitive behavioral therapy from the Albert Ellis Institute, she expertly navigates issues of depression, anxiety, and gambling disorders through tailored interventions. 

A dedicated humanities scholar, Dr. Avilés is committed to amplifying the voices of individuals who are marginalized.  She uses her platform to share these experiences through insightful publications, evocative photography, and compelling narratives.

Dr. Avilés’ advocacy has taken her to prominent media platforms, where she sheds light on gender identity and the repercussions of societal violence and discrimination. Her impactful work includes a notable interview with the LGBTQ Policy Journal at Harvard Kennedy School, contributions to Amnesty International, and significant influence in shaping healthcare policies for the transgender community. Her report, presented at Public Hearings by the Amnesty International in Puerto Rico, has been instrumental in urging policy changes to ensure access to gender-affirming treatments, highlighting human rights violations, and advocating for essential healthcare access.

Recognized for her leadership, Dr. Avilés was a featured speaker at Amnesty International Puerto Rico’s 2015/2016 Annual Report on global human rights and was an expert for Telemundo 47’s award-winning series “Orgullo LGBTQ: 52 años de lucha y evolución.” She was also featured by Telemundo 47 during “Puerto Rican Heritage Month,” where they presented the segment, “The example of Dr. Eunice Avilés Faría,” underscoring her significant impact on the LGBTQ community.   Dr. Avilés was honored to receive the 2023 Denise Phillips Community Outreach and Multicultural Wellness Award from the National Council on Problem Gambling, recognizing her outstanding public awareness efforts in communities that have been marginalized, among other reasons, due to racial and ethnic discrimination.

As the founder of Transcending Identities, Dr. Avilés is committed to improving the quality of life of those impacted by discrimination, including individuals with disabilities, racial and ethnic minoritized groups, and transgender and gender-diverse and intersex individuals. Her innovative “Diversity, Inclusion, Justice, and Equity (DIJE) for All” curriculum aims to bridge disparities and promote inclusivity.

Dr. Avilés’ ongoing mission is to ensure that every human, regardless of their identity or background, is treated with dignity and respect.

She is licensed in Puerto Rico, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York and offers in-person and online training and consulting services in English and Spanish domestically and internationally.

Philanthropic Work

2024

TRANScend Massachusetts (Collaboration with Transhealth, a clinic located in Massachusetts; Photographer: Angélica Allen; Curator: Juan Luis Martínez)

Dr. Eunice Avilés is the creator and program director of TRANScend Massachusetts, a documentary photography and narrative exhibition designed to bring visibility to the real-life stories of Latinx transgender and gender-diverse individuals living in Western Massachusetts. This unique portrait collection captures the lives of transgender and gender-diverse individuals while shedding light on their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in Massachusetts and beyond. It emphasizes the intersectionality of identities and experiences.

Each portrait tells a distinct story, and together, TRANScend Massachusetts highlights the diversity within the Latinx trans and gender-diverse community.

The participants' narratives enhance our understanding of how these individuals are just as human as those who are not transgender or gender-diverse, highlighting their importance as productive members of society.

Physical exhibit: Holyoke Public Library

November 4 - December 20, 2024

Online exhibition: Website coming soon.

2017

Transciende (Puerto Rico)

In collaboration with Amnesty International Puerto Rico and photographer Angelica Allen, Dr. Avilés documented the lives of transgender and gender-diverse individuals from Puerto Rico.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ONiOUwyIFlM?si=oeVl2bsKPEG_OqXh

Awards

2023
Denise Phillips Community Outreach and Multicultural Wellness Award

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

Washington, DC

2022
“Recognition” for the support provided to the LGBTQI+ community of Puerto Rico 

Nuestra Familia, LGBTT, Puerto Rico

2016
Certificate of Appreciation for publicly helping and supporting the transgender community in Puerto Rico

Nuestra Familia, LGBTT, Puerto Rico