About Us
Eboni Sims
Founder/Executive Director
Eboni Sims is a highly dedicated and experienced individual who serves as the Executive Director of The Ladies Room. With over 25 years of advocacy experience, Eboni brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She is also an Outreach Specialist at Aid Upstate, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting marginalized communities. As a 55-year-old Trans Woman of Color (TWOC), Eboni's personal experiences shape her understanding of the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. Her lived experiences bring a valuable perspective to her work, allowing her to connect deeply with the individuals she serves and advocate effectively on their behalf. Eboni's passion for social justice, advocacy, and uplifting marginalized voices is evident in her longstanding commitment to community work.
In addition to her role at The Ladies Room, Eboni also serves on the Board of Directors for the Upstate LGBT Chamber of Commerce, where she contributes her insights and leadership to foster inclusivity and economic empowerment for LGBTQIA individuals. Eboni's extensive involvement in the community showcases her dedication to creating positive change and supporting marginalized communities. Through her roles at The Ladies Room, Aid Upstate, and other organizations, she continues to make a significant impact in the lives of LGBTQIA individuals, particularly Trans Women of Color. Eboni's dedication, expertise, and shared life experiences make her an invaluable asset to the organizations she serves and the communities she represents.
OUR APPROACH
The Ladies Room was founded by Eboni Sims, a Trans Woman of Color, who recognized the significant gaps in services for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. We are proud to be the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center in Upstate South Carolina, serving primarily black and brown trans and non-binary people. Our mission is to create a safe and empowering space that provides affirming, culturally competent resources, programming, and services.
MUTUAL AID AS AN ORGANIZING STRATEGY
At The Ladies Room, we believe in the power of mutual aid as an organizing strategy. We recognize that systems and institutions often fail to meet the needs of marginalized communities. Instead, we emphasize the strength and resilience within our own community. Through mutual aid, we foster collaboration, support, and the sharing of resources and knowledge. We believe that by working together, we can create sustainable solutions and empower individuals to thrive on their own terms.
PARTNERING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
As an organization led by BIPOC individuals of trans experience, we understand the importance of centering the expertise and voices of our community members. We actively involve our community in the development and implementation of our programs and services. By partnering with our allies and the wider LGBTQ+ community, we create spaces for collective growth, learning, and advocacy.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Health & Wellness: We take a holistic approach to health and wellness, addressing the unique barriers faced by queer and trans individuals. Our programs focus on healthcare access, food and housing insecurity, economic justice, and overall well-being.
Visibility & Expansion: We strive to amplify the visibility of Black and Brown queer and trans people. Our goal is to expand our programming to reach all parts of South Carolina, ensuring accessible services in the neighborhoods where our community resides.
Bravery & Solidarity: Rather than relying on the concept of safety, which can be elusive for trans and non-binary individuals, we emphasize bravery and solidarity. We encourage our community to live authentically and bravely, while fostering solidarity to support each other's liberation.
JOIN US
We invite members of the BIPOC Trans and Non-Binary community to connect with us and access our services. If you are a service provider or resource organization interested in partnering with us, we would love to collaborate to better serve our community.
Donations are essential to sustaining our work, and every dollar counts. If you would like to contribute, please visit our fiscal sponsor, Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, at the provided link. Your support will directly impact the lives of those we serve.
Together, we can create a community that uplifts, supports, and empowers BIPOC Trans and Non-Binary individuals. Join us in our mission to advocate for equality, celebrate diversity, and build a more inclusive society for all.