Jaci Adams, a longtime volunteer with the AIDS Law Project of Philadelphia, died Saturday, February 15, after a struggle with cancer, according to a statement from the organization. She was 56. As a transgender woman with AIDS, Adams became an advocate for both LGBT and HIV/AIDS issues. Widely known as “Miss Jaci,” she was born in West Virginia, but moved with her family to Philadelphia as a child. Adams dealt with abuse as a child, followed by drug abuse, sex work and prison as an adult. She earned her GED in prison, which started her on a path to activism. Adams shared her story over the years as she became an active member of several community groups in Philadelphia. In 2013, Adams was named to the POZ 100 list of unsung heroes.

To read the statement, click here.