Gay Men of Color Fellowship

Although not a native Austinite, Joe has fallen in love with the city he has called home for the past eight years and has invested countless hours in working to improve his new home. As the Director of Community Engagement at Texas Health Action, his primary work is focused on reducing HIV disparities, cultivating relationships with community members, and developing strategies to reduce stigma surrounding HIV and sexual health. His ultimate goal is to promote a shared sense of community pride and ensure that the City’s vision of making Austin the most livable city in the country is not just a slogan, but a reality. Joe is excited to continue his personal mission of empowering residents to have an active voice and role in advocating the needs of their community. Aside from trying to save the world, he likes theatre, playing volleyball, enjoying every brunch Austin has to offer, and asking the age-old question “What Would Beyonce do?

Xavier Chung is a Harm Reduction specialist with Kumukahi Health and Wellness, a Hawaii-based Harm reduction organization, and a lifelong learner. They head the only in-office syringe exchange program for West Hawaii, they also educate people on STI prevention and Narcan usage. Xavier is passionate about harm reduction and education in all forms. Whether that is within sexual health, sustainability best practices, and marine ecology, they bring curiosity and a desire to uplift and help their community.

An accomplished Program Manager specializing in community health and empowerment, I am deeply committed to advancing public health, sexual health, and food security initiatives. With extensive experience in developing and implementing impactful programs, I strive to foster inclusivity, health equity, and active community engagement. My work is underpinned by a strong foundation in policy advocacy, strategic planning, and financial management, enabling me to drive forward initiatives that address critical health challenges while promoting sustainable community empowerment. Recognized for my contributions to community advocacy, I leverage my expertise to create programs that not only meet immediate health needs but also build the groundwork for lasting positive change. My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, prioritizing the voices and needs of the communities I serve to ensure that every initiative is both impactful and aligned with broader health and wellness goals.

DeKeitra Griffin, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), started as an advocate for HIV/AIDS in high school by taking friends to their appointments and becoming informed about HIV. He volunteered with local organizations within the field of HIV in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, and continued the service while attending school in Pittsburgh, PA. DeKeitra experienced a traumatic event that led to his HIV diagnosis May 12, 2011. He moved home to Dallas and finished school while changing majors from neuroscience to psychology after health complications. DeKeitra studied at the University of Texas at Arlington by completing bachelor’s in psychology, Master of Social Work, and Master of Public Administration. He serves as a board member for the Professional Association of Social Workers in HIV/AIDS and steering committee member for the United States People Living with HIV Caucus. DeKeitra is currently attending Louisiana State University as a PhD student. He uses his lived experiences including living with HIV, survivor of date rape, former sex worker, and survivor of intimate partner violence to become a stronger advocate with his studies. DeKeitra aims to be a researcher for the LGBTQIA+ community by focusing on intimate partner violence, sex work, mental health, substance use, and HIV.

Carlos (Carlitos) Xavier Díaz-Rodríguez, a proud Boricua from Juncos, Puerto Rico, embodies the spirit of activism and artistic advocacy. With a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts & Digital Media from the University of Puerto Rico, Carlitos has garnered recognition for his exceptional contributions to advocacy and the creation of educational and artistic activism programs in Central Florida.

As the HIV Justice Program Manager and Resident Artist for Qlatinx, Carlitos employs innovative strategies to combat HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. He harnesses the power of social media and art as outreach tools, and his pioneering outreach strategies have been instrumental in educating and supporting the LGBTQ Latinx community in Central Florida.

Carlitos’s artistic endeavors focus on culturally relevant and effective marketing initiatives that promote positive behavioral change within Latino communities in Central Florida and across the United States. His work has successfully connected at-risk Latinx sub-populations, including youth, LGBTQ+, women, undocumented individuals, and more, to vital HIV prevention methods and quality medical care. His profound passion lies in using authentic artistic marketing to communicate directly with the QTPOC community.

In summary, Carlitos Xavier Díaz-Rodríguez, the outspoken Boricua with a deep commitment to advocacy and artistic activism, plays a crucial role in fostering positive change and supporting the LGBTQ Latinx community in Central Florida. His work as an HIV Justice Program Manager and Resident Artist at Qlatinx highlights his dedication to making a difference and his unwavering commitment to empowering and educating those in need.

Orgullosamente marica, I’m a journalist from México living in the US. After working in newspapers in both countries, I started connecting with activists and non-profit organizations in North Carolina, where I have lived since 2023. Living and working as a journalist has helped me identify some challenges for the local immigrant LGBTIAQ+ population. I believe in the power of the community to combat discrimination and overcome other obstacles against both freedom and a safe environment to grow. I like to go outdoors for hikes and other activities with my family (my husband and our cat and dog). I enjoy music, movies and pop culture through social media, where I spend a lot of free time. But also I like to spend some time with friends partying or at home playing video games and board games. I dream of having a big house with a farm where I will spend time taking care of animals and plants. I believe in a world where everyone would be free to just exist without oppression and violence.

Lashawn Hardy is a dedicated and accomplished community health worker, specializing in HIV outreach and education. With a foundation in human service outreach and community organizing, Lashawn aims to enhance the well-being of people, focusing on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. Lashawn holds certifications in HIV Testing & Counseling in Illinois and Missouri and is skilled in HIV Navigation Training. Besides being a D-Up! Intervention Facilitator, Lashawn is also a certified Community Health Worker. His skill set extends to social media marketing, PREP 101, transformational organizing, and social network strategy, coupled with an ability to do motivational interviewing and community organizing. Lashawn is truly a man of God. His faith is a major part of who he is. He is a servant leader. He is also a dedicated, loving father of 3 young men. He completed his high school education at Curtis Miller High School as a top graduate with a 4.0 GPA, finishing his coursework a semester early. He then pursued higher education at Wiley College, completing 60 credit hours before transferring. Professionally, Lashawn has been an outreach specialist at The Community Wellness Project since April 2020. In this role, he work to find high-risk individuals, including men seeking men (MSM) and high-risk heterosexuals (HRH), and collaborate with community partners to reduce the spread of HIV. Lashawn educates individuals about HIV prevention and treatment, provides HIV testing and risk reduction counseling, and distributes safer sex supplies. Notably, he has been a leading PREP navigator, referring over 100 high-risk individuals to PREP services in 2022. Previously, Lashawn served as a Direct Support Professional at Caritas Family Solutions, where he supported individuals with developmental disabilities, and held various roles in SEIU as a union organizer, showing a commitment to social and economic justice. Lashawn’s extensive experience and skills in community health, particularly in HIV outreach, reflect his dedication to making a significant impact on public health and community welfare.

Ben Ignalino (he/him/his) is a proud Asian American who has worked for over 20 years in the HIV field. He currently serves as the Program Manager for the Regional Office at the Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center housed at UCSF in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. He has a longstanding history as both a frontline team member and administrator of HIV prevention grants focused on PrEP, syringe service programs, and “Queer Care.” Ben has also served as the Director of Capacity Building Assistance where he facilitated high-impact HIV Prevention trainings and designed tailored HIV-specific content for CDC-funded community-based organizations. His expertise on HIV testing, prevention for people with HIV, condom distribution, and organizational development and management have helped shape HIV prevention efforts in communities across the country.

Hello everyone, I want to take the time out to thank everyone on the board for extending this opportunity to me. I am grateful because I not only see this as an opportunity to fellowship but, an opportunity to align my passions with an extraordinary organization. I am very proud to say that I am an Iowan born and raised. As of now I work as a Director of Events & Partnerships at Experience Waterloo which is my city’s local destination marketing organization. Unfortunately, I don’t work in the healthcare field, but I belong to several local and statewide public health organizations and initiatives that work to bend the curve of new HIV diagnoses. As well as retain individuals of color living with HIV. Additionally, I owned and operated a local bar and hookah lounge in Waterloo where I held three very successful public HIV testing events. I was also named Waterloo’s Public Health champion for my efforts. Once again, I am overjoyed to be a part of this collective of minds that is making great strides in formulating ways to make more equitable systems for people of color.

Boozhoo, My name is Deon Kirby. I’m an Afro Indigenous, Latin X LGBTQ man born and raised in Saint Paul Minnesota. I am always growing and continuing to learn each day, and I am inspired by the people I work with and for in the community. Beginning as a teen I’ve been involved in the community as a youth peer educator. I was a member of a small theater ensemble educating on HIV & sexual health prevention to other Native youth on reservations throughout the United States. Our message impacted Native youth in ways adults couldn’t get the message across about sexual health. From then on, I’ve been working to serve my community as an Afro-Indigenous LGBTQ man. Currently, I work for a community based nonprofit organization named Indigenous Peoples Task Force. I am the community engagement coordinator on the HIV prevention team. I’m a member of the Minnesota Council for HIV/AIDS Care and Prevention through Ryan White, I serve on the Membership and training committee as Co-chair. I facilitate a Native American LGBTQ+ community check-in board and the HIV prevention community advisory board. It is important to me to ensure that the community receives education and services around HIV/AIDS as we have been an underserved population for too long.

I am a passionate advocate for public health and social justice, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Originally from Mexico, my journey in this field began in the Mexican government in 2006, then in New York City, where I became deeply involved in community-based initiatives addressing the unique needs of marginalized populations, especially immigrants, LGBTQ+ community and sex workers. With a background in healthcare navigation and community outreach, I have worked on numerous programs aimed at increasing access to HIV prevention services, promoting testing initiatives, and providing support to those living with HIV. My dedication to the cause has led me to collaborate with local health departments, NGOs, and international organizations, including the Consulates of Colombia and Mexico in NYC, where I played a pivotal role in developing and implementing testing campaigns. Now based in Miami, I continue my advocacy work, leveraging my experience and expertise to bridge gaps in healthcare access, focusing on Telehealth and innovation. I am committed to raising awareness and mobilizing resources to combat the epidemic. My ultimate goal is to empower communities, reduce stigma, and contribute to the collective effort to end HIV/AIDS globally.

Raul is the Interim Director of Prevention for the Sexual and Behavioral Health program at the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Working in different areas of New York City has allowed him to learn about the different needs of our community. With over eight years of experience in HIV, he does field work with vulnerable populations, including immigrants and the LGBTQI+ community. Raul is working on his bachelor’s degree in Public Health at Hunter College. He is particularly interested in examining how social support networks can improve healthcare needs and social problems in the Latino community. Since 2021, he has participated in the CDC’s Stop HIV Together campaign as a community ambassador. Actively speaking about HIV allows him to raise awareness about U=U, HIV testing, and prevention options, such as PrEP, PEP, and HIV treatment as prevention. He has used social media to lessen the anxiety and stigma that people with HIV may face, and he advocates for universal access to prevention and treatment. Additionally, in 2023, he joined the NMAC Gay Men of Color Fellowship. Raul has participated in different conferences and summits that have helped him gain more tools to provide more services for the community. Raul remains a leader, supporter, and role model, inspiring others to continue their resilience.

Greetings! I’m Edgar Benjamin Meraz, a proud 31-year-old gay, first-generation Mexican American from Chicago. I have earned a master’s degree in psychology and currently work as a Lead Navigator at CALOR. As someone who is autistic, I am committed to breaking down barriers and encouraging individuals on the spectrum to embrace their sexuality and sexual expression. In my advocacy work, I aim to address the lack of representation of people with autism in public health messages, particularly within HIV prevention efforts. Historically, individuals on the autism spectrum have been unfairly stigmatized and marginalized, often being perceived as incapable of love and sexual expression. By challenging these misconceptions and promoting inclusivity, we can tap into the valuable insights and perspectives that my community can bring to the table, enhancing the effectiveness of our public health initiatives.

Andrew Ogata is a fourth-generation Japanese American who hails from the small town of Kealakekua, Hawai’i. With a deep-rooted connection to his heritage and community, Andrew works as the Director of Marketing & Development at the Hawai’i Health and Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC). This esteemed organization, born from the merger of the Life Foundation and the CHOW Project, stands as a beacon of support as the oldest and largest HIV service organization in the Pacific. At HHHRC, Andrew oversees comprehensive communications and digital marketing strategies, driving the mission forward with innovation and purpose. Beyond his professional endeavors, Andrew is a fervent advocate and leader within Hawaii’s LGBTQIA+ community. Holding the esteemed position of Vice Chairperson on the Board of Directors at the Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation, he channels his passion into impactful community outreach initiatives. Notably, Andrew spearheads the Honolulu PRIDE Parade, a monumental event that has blossomed into the largest parade in Honolulu for the past three consecutive years. Through these endeavors, Andrew works to unite diverse groups and foster a sense of belonging among LGBTQIA+ individuals and their ‘ohana, cultivating a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Christian “Rashad” Pollard is a Mississippi native who has been actively involved in helping to end the HIV epidemic for the past 12 years. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community himself, Rashad is an ally for those who need representation. Rashad worked several years as a senior HIV Outreach Specialist II at Adult Special Care Clinic, Mississippi’s largest Ryan White grant-funded clinic prior to transitioning to Express Personal Health Prevention Clinic. Both outpatient, ambulatory clinics are part of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the state’s only academic medical center. Rashad is certified through the NHA as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician, and holds a state certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Rashad has completed extensive training on important topics that impact both people with HIV and those at risk for HIV, including: Motivational Interviewing (MI), Counseling on HIV Prevention,Patient Advocacy, and the importance of HIV Prevention. Rashad has also obtained his HIV PrEP Navigation Certification (HIVPNC). Rashad lives in Jackson with his partner and three precious Yorkies: August, Ava, and Sophie.

Dana Rhone is a artist, LGBTQIA youth mentor, and HIV/AIDS advocate from Baltimore, MD.  Living and thriving with HIV for over a decade has inspired Dana to share his story and uplift his community. Dana uses his art as self expression with hopes to inspire queer people to love themselves and others. Dana’s mentorship program focuses on the empowerment of individuals who are newly positive, struggling with confidence, and disclosure. Dana’s mission is to cancel stigma and create a positive narrative around HIV/AIDS through art.

Justin “Jay” Roby is currently a doctoral candidate at Tiffin University in their Ph.D. program for Global Leadership and Change. He currently holds a BA and MS from Concordia University of Wisconsin. Jay’s dissertation is an ethnography on HIV in Milwaukee, WI titled What’s Tea on HIV. He has 16 years of nonprofit experience with increasing magnitude from front-line service to board service. His work covers public health, youth development, the arts, finance, and human resources. He became passionate about HIV in 2016 and since then he has: taught over 400 youth a culturally competent sexual and reproductive health curriculum, developed a nearly $1 million framework of HIV programming using a status-neutral lens to engage people living with HIV in care navigation alongside testing and other incentives, cochaired Wisconsin’s Statewide Action Planning Group on HIV/HCV/STIs bringing back our committee structures to advance subtopics of the larger work, and lastly situated his dissertation in current HIV research. He has guest lectured or presented at local colleges, conventions, organizations, and events on a variety of topics centering on the LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities. Jay has a tangibly positive energy and a thirst for knowledge, always ready to be a resource.

José Salgado – 34 – Boston, Massachusetts José Salgado, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to Dallas, Texas in 2013 when he was almost 24 years old, and he now resides in Massachusetts. Despite dealing with bullying while growing up, José didn’t deter from striving for personal growth. Moving away from his birthplace was tough, especially after he was diagnosed with HIV in December 2011. This diagnosis brought big challenges, including facing HIV stigma and even domestic abuse, which took a toll on his mental health. To turn his experiences into something positive, José decided to learn all he could about HIV prevention and treatment. He wanted to educate others and do more for his community. After a period of working on his own mental well-being and educating his friends and family, José took things further. He joined programs like ELEVATE and ESCALATE with NMAC, which opened new opportunities; also he is getting certificated as a CHW. José’s main goal is to fight HIV stigma through education and support. He’s taken part in events like the US Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA) and the Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit to spread important messages, including “U=U” (Undetectable equals Untransmittable). His ultimate hope is for a kinder and more understanding world that stands by those living and impacted by HIV.