By Megan Fitzgerald
Latinos Salud was founded to create a safe space for: gay Latinos to access HIV/STD services specifically in their own language, and from peers who could relate to their experiences as gay men, and often as immigrants to the U.S.
During Latinos Salud’s first years, when the agency was only offering condoms and safer sex workshops, their focus on gay Latinos didn’t leave anyone feeling left out. Who couldn’t find free condoms in the 2010s?
With the launch of their Wellness Clinic in 2020, Latinos Salud added vital new services that are in high demand throughout the LGBT community. People who couldn’t get an appointment at other clinics for PrEP (the pill that prevents HIV), for vaccines for COVID, MPOX, and meningitis, or even for HIV care started asking, “Am I allowed to get services there even if I’m not Latino?” Latinos Salud’s reply: of course you are!
This month, Latinos Salud kicked off a campaign to emphasize its inclusive approach. Renowned photographer Dennis Dean (Executive Director of Arts United https://artsunitedflorida.com/) staged a fabulous photo shoot with a half a dozen of Latinos Salud’s patients. No stock photos or airbrushed influencers here. The day’s shoot mirrored the welcoming feeling that community members of all backgrounds experience when they enter the doors at any of Latinos Salud’s four locations.
Matthew, one of the models and a patient, was surprised when he first learned that PrEP was accessible and free at Latinos Salud. He also recalls the comfort he felt.
“The place is very welcoming. Sam helped me through the whole process. Getting PrEP at Latinos Salud is so easy because you get it right away. There’s a pharmacy right next door where you can pick it up the same day. Any questions you might have, they are more than willing to help you with anything,” he said.
Doug, another model and patient, feels that being on PrEP has been life changing.
“To me, PrEP means freedom and enjoying more of your life,” Doug said.
Latinos Salud provides a safe space for all patients to receive healthcare.
“I don’t have insurance, because I’m not a big believer in the health system in this country, but thanks to Latinos Salud I was able to have confidence, get checked every three months and control everything that happens in my system,” said Rodolpho, model and Latinos Salud patient. “And, obviously, thanks to PrEP I protect myself. So, it was very easy to get it, and that’s what I liked the most: I don’t have insurance, but I feel safe at Latinos Salud.”
Author: Megan Fitzgerald, PhD, Associate Professor
