A RWJUH Somerset primary care practice pays tribute to a transgender activist.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset’s PROUD Center has a lot to be proud of. The center, which opened in 2017, is the first provider of specialized primary care services for the LBGTQ+ community in New Jersey. It offers hormone therapy and monitoring, HIV care, referrals for specialty services and health education and counseling. Now it has another claim to fame: In October, it was renamed the Babs Siperstein PROUD Center in memory of transgender activist Bararbra “Babs” Casbar Siperstein. “As a trailblazer in the area of LBGTQ+ health, we are excited to carry the name of another trailblazer,” says Anthony Cava, President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJUH Somerset.
“We will continue Babs’ legacy by providing a safe space where everyone can get the health care they need and is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve—regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
Standing up for transgender rights
Siperstein, who was well-known in New Jersey and nationally, supported a ban on conversion therapy (the attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity) and ending discrimination in health care. In 2018, shortly before her death, New Jersey passed legislation in her name allowing residents to change their gender on their birth certificate without providing proof of gender-confirming surgery.
Siperstein was also the first openly transgender member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). She served on the DNC’s executive committee from 2011 to 2017 and was a superdelegate for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in 2016. Her influence in the LBGTQ+ community earned her the top ranking in Insider NJ’s OUT 100 Power List in 2018.
As the former vice president of Garden State Equality and former political director for the Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey, Siperstein led efforts to include transgender rights in legislation concerning anti-bullying, bias crimes, employment and housing. The Center’s renaming was celebrated on October 30 at the Palace at Somerset Park. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy attended, as well as Siperstein ’s family. The event was presented by Garden State Equality, Sanofi and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
The Babs Siperstein PROUD Center offers appointments Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call 855.776.8334.