Center Blog

Last week staff members from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center participated in New York State’s Latino AIDS Advocacy Day in Albany. George Fesser, LMSW, coordinator of the Center’s LGBT Immigrant Services, along with other activists from across the state urged the Governor, members of the Assembly, state senators, and officials from the New York State Department of Health to increase their commitment to maintaining a healthy New York, specifically focusing on Latinos impacted by HIV/AIDS and other health conditions. 

Latino Commision on AIDS

According to 2008 data, there are 126,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in New York, and Latinos make up 31percent of this population despite making up only 16.3 percent of all New Yorkers. In our current political and economic environment, it is important to enhance the state’s comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention efforts, and our staff reminded members of the new Cuomo Administration of the necessity to respond to the public health crisis fueled by HIV/AIDS and other health challenges. 

In addition to participating in Latino Advocacy Day, the Center’s George Fesser and his colleague Cristina Herrera, a Gender Identity Project Counselor, also delivered workshops at the Latino Commission on AIDS Reunion Latina 2011 Training Institute.  This year’s theme:  “Addressing HIV/AIDS in the Context of Health Care Reform.” Herrera’s workshop focused on working with adolescents, TransLatina health and sexuality and building unity within our diversity.  Fesser presented information on HIV prevention and treatment; healthcare and public policy; and migrant/immigrant health issues.

The Center is committed to sharing our expertise on vital topics that directly affect our diverse constituency and building a wider community of support at conferences and gatherings like those held in Albany last week. We can make significant change in our world through sustained education and advocacy efforts.