Donna Weinberger is the founder of Transpire Help, a nonprofit focused on substance abuse recovery for members of the LGBTQ+ community. They are also the CEO of Inspire Recovery, an LGBTQ-affirming addiction rehabilitation center, as well as the CEO of Pride Detox, an LGBTQ-affirming detox and rehabilitation center. They also recently opened an LGBTQ-affirming detox and rehabilitation center in Homestead called Q Space Detox.

Weinberger reflects on the importance of safe spaces for LGBTQ people undergoing addiction treatment. 

“A lot of times, when they go to a center that's not specific, which there aren't any centers like that," Weinberger said. “Most of the time they're outed, especially if they're trans, because for some reason, the centers think they have to use their documented name like on their group sign in sheet and stuff like that. They also have an issue with rooming when they go to these outside places. So they can't relate, they don't feel comfortable opening up when they're in a place like that.”

Weinberger grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey and is originally from the Bronx. They moved down to Florida and attended FAU. They were working in marketing and eventually made their way into the addiction recovery space.

“I started working with the community, and really like hearing all the stories and seeing what was happening. And of course, now more than ever, we're really like an oasis. Because, especially being in Florida and with how things are here, I think it's even more important that we exist so that you know the clients can come and be in a safe space.”

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