If only there was a remedy for loneliness, an antidote to anxiousness, a formula to fix fatigue. Here’s a hint: hours lost scrolling social media or swiping on the apps are not the solution.
One local non-profit seems to have found the magic elixir to building resiliency and confidence amongst its members. Now in its third year, the Health & Culture program in both Broward and Miami Dade is bringing guys together for healthy fun, sometimes a dozen at a time, sometimes hundreds. All these free events are coordinated and hosted by the area’s most innovative non-profit community clinic, Latinos Salud.
You might ask, what is a community clinic doing . . . well, leaning into fun? That’s what OutClique magazine asked Angel Virla and Gerardo Ruiz, the staff who head up the programs in each county. Ruiz said, “The Health & Culture program is a great way for people—whether they’re new to the county or new to the country— to find other queer people, in a safe space, while having fun. It’s also a great way for local community members to create a social circle that starts with positive energy.”
In just the past two months, Health & Culture members have filled the agency’s events by:
- Marveling at the colors in the new Balloon Museum,
- Soaking in the sun while kayaking on the intercoastal,
- Engaging with other diverse LGBT community programs at the Perez Art Museum,
- Enjoying a blockbuster movie on the big screen,
- Finding balance while ice skating, and
- Thrilling to the drama in a play at Island City Stage.
Virla added that other events last month included a summer pool party, full moon yoga on the beach, and a kickboxing class. Other smaller events this season have included meditation and candle making.
This month, the Heath & Culture members will visit the booths at the PrideFête festival, share a potluck picnic, tour Flamingo Gardens, and take on some classic field day games with a loud and proud twist.
What do members have to do? “Participate and enjoy. That’s it,” said Virla. Of course, if any participant wants to get screened, get on PrEP or into HIV care, or sign up for case management, Latinos Salud’s staff are also cross trained to help.
While some events are specifically for the Youth Services program (ages 18 – 29), most Health and Culture events are open to all ages. Want to get involved? Check out Latinos Salud’s social media or visit the agency’s website by scanning the QR code here, and then selecting Events.
Content Courtesy of OutClique Staff writer
