It’s a simple thing: marching in a Pride parade. Until cynical political candidates reactivated the anti-LGBTQ “culture wars,” it was easy to forget that this simple act could be “controversial.”
Here are some other simple things: getting checked for STDs, getting on PrEP (the pill or injection that prevents HIV), or getting into HIV care. It’s easy to forget that for many in South Florida, each of these simple acts seems intimidating, expensive, or difficult to schedule.
Finding community, finding care. Those are the hallmarks of Pride month. And one agency is delivering in a big way, with whole-person, wraparound services that literally change–and often save — lives.
Francisco Funes shared his story with OutClique. “I have been coming to Latinos Salud for 6 months, and I am very grateful to the organization because they have helped me get my PrEP medication, despite not having health insurance, and being a person with a short time in the country.”
Francisco noted that the support he receives at the Wilton Manors location goes much further than just getting free PrEP, “I greatly appreciate that my counselor is always checking up on me regarding my medication by calling me every month and making sure everything is fine with my treatment.”
Being new to the country, Francisco was also surprised to learn that Latinos Salud offers so much more than convenient clinical services. Through the agency’s free community programs, Francisco has built a circle of friends and support in his new home: “I’m also so fortunate to be a member of the Youth Group, because I have been allowed to enjoy various activities, meet new people, and have different experiences. I am very grateful for the beautiful service that Latinos Salud provides.”
Another Latinos Salud member from the agency’s North Miami location also described how the free community events and support helped him take a milestone step toward acceptance: “When I arrived in this country with my parents, I was still in the closet, and I had not told them that I was gay. One day I went to Latinos Salud to get tested for the first time, and I was surprised to know that PrEP was available for free. Not only did the staff give me PrEP, they also invited me to join their Health & Culture group events, where I found community and new friends and that gave me strength to open up to my parents and tell them that I am gay.” While this member does not yet want to announce his name in a publication, the support he’s found at Latinos Salud is helping him build confidence for a healthy and happy life here in South Florida.
Gabriel also shared his story with OutClique, “Two years ago, when I was diagnosed HIV positive, I was afraid, confused, and not knowing what to do because of my immigrant situation. A friend advised me to come to Latinos Salud to seek help because I do not have insurance or enough money to pay for the treatment.”
Gabriel explains that Latinos Salud’s counselors helped him with multiple needs: “From the first day I arrived at Latinos Salud in Wilton Manors, the entire team of workers treated me with respect, cordiality, and empathy for my situation. They helped me enter the Ryan White program and currently, thanks to all the support and guidance I received, I have several benefits such as visits to the Doctor, medication for HIV treatment, and a Food Bank. I am eternally grateful to Latinos Salud, and I hope to be able to collaborate or serve in the activities they carry out for the benefit of the community and give back a little of everything they have done for me and how they helped me improve my quality of life.”
Another member summarized his feelings in an anonymous letter: “Coming to Latinos Salud felt like home. It was amazing, feeling comfortable and feeling like I was amongst friends. Most places make me feel like a number, but at Latinos Salud, I feel like family. The services are great, and I am always seen super quick! So it makes it easy to go in and out and not be late for any errands I need to attend.”
Pride in service, during Pride month and every month.
Content Courtesy of OutClique Staff writer
