Andres Magana

  • published STAFF 2024-02-16 15:20:30 -0800

    MEET THE TEAM

    Administration

    Joseph Ortega Enrique Topete
    Richard Zaldivar
    Joseph Ortega
    Enrique Topete
    Executive Director / Founder
    323-257-1056 Ex 27
    [email protected]
    Senior Program Assistant
    323-257-1056 Ex 23
    [email protected]
    Finance and Grants Director
    323-257-1056 Ex 24
    [email protected]

     

     

     

    Erika Reyes

    Guilmar Perdomo

    Stevie Barron

    Erika Reyes
    Guilmar Perdomo
    Stevie C. Barron
    Human Resources 
    323-257-1056 Ex 29
    [email protected]
    Senior Program Manager
    323-257-1056 Ex 38
    [email protected]
    Marketing and
    Outreach Coordinator
    323-257-1056 Ex 31
    [email protected]
         
    David Lujan    
    Patrick Sirois
       
    Director of Development
    323-257-1056 Ex 41
    [email protected]
       

     

     

    Volunteer Coordinator

    Thalia Camargo
    Thalia Camargo
    Volunteer Coordinator
    323-257-1056 Ex 28
    [email protected]
     

    HIV Prevention

    Mikey Rodriguez Luis Hererra Bernie Gomez
    Miguel Lopez-Rodriguez
    Luis Herrera
    Bernardo Gomez
    PrEP Program Coordinator
    PrEP Navigation

    HIV Testing & Prevention
    323-257-1056 Ex 49
    [email protected]
    Program Coordinator
    Social Sexual Networks
    323-257-1056 Ex 47
    [email protected]
    Senior Program Coordinator &
    HIV Counselor, PrEP Navigator
    323-257-1056 Ex 26
    [email protected]

     

     

     

    Eddie Bañuelos

    Timothy Carpio

    Julian Lazo

    Eddie Bañuelos
    Timothy Carpio
    Julian Loza
    Senior Program Coordinator
    HIV Testing & Prevention
    323-257-1056 Ex 45
    [email protected]
    PrEP Navigator
    HIV Testing & Prevention
    323-257-1056 Ex 42
    [email protected]
    Lead Community Organizer
    Vulnerable Populations
    323-257-1056 Ex 51
    [email protected]

     

     

     

    David Lujan David Lujan  
    David Lujan
    Cristian Alexander
     
    Community Organizer
    Health Restoration Network
    323-257-1056 Ex 22
    [email protected]
    PrEP Navigator
    323-257-1056 Ex 35
    [email protected]
     

     

     

     

    Youth Programs

    Paul Vallejo Elba Miguel Villegas
    Paul Vallejo
    Elba Aguilar
    Miguel Villegas
    Senior Youth
    Programs Coordinator

    323-257-1056 Ex 25
    [email protected]
    Community Organizer
    SUD SPA 7
    323-257-1056 Ex 36
    [email protected]
    Program Coordinator
    SUD Youth Programs
    323-257-1056 Ex 46
    [email protected]

     

     

     

    Mark Gonzalez    
    Mark Gonzalez
       
    Community Organizer
    SUD Youth Programs
    323-257-1056 Ex 30
    [email protected]
       

     

     

    Substance Use Prevention

    MOnica Reyes Lester Gamez Gabriel Arellano
    Monica Reyes
    Lester Gamez
    Gabriel Arellano
    Substance Use Prevention
    Program Manager

    323-257-1056 Ex 33
    [email protected]
    Community Organizer
    SUD SPA 4
    323-257-1056 Ex 39
    [email protected]
    Community Organizer
    Stop the Gondola 
    323-257-1056 Ex 21
    [email protected]
         
    Cristopher Chagolla    
    Cristopher Chagolla
       
    Project Coordinator
    EHE HIV/SUD
    323-257-1056 Ex 37
    [email protected]
       

     

     

    Board Members

  • published Events 2022 in EVENTS 2022-08-23 13:37:55 -0700

    YOU'RE INVITED TO

     

     

    Join us at our Healthy Neighborhoods Resource Fair on Saturday, September 17th from 4-7 p.m. for a fun afternoon at Lincoln Park! Meet local organizations serving your community and be sure to stay for our first Movie Night at the Monument screening of the film "In The Heights" immediately following the resource fair. There will be a food truck for your picnic needs and a DJ to keep the energy going into the evening. We will be offering tours of our AIDS Monument as well!

    Register Here

    Registration for the event is mandatory.

     


     

     

    Join us for our first Movie Night at the Monument on Saturday, September 17th from 7-9:30 p.m. We will be screening the highly-acclaimed musical “In the Heights,” a vibrant celebration of community, hope and heritage based on the Tony Award winning Broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Bring blankets, pillows and low picnic chairs for a late-summer evening at the park. Be sure to arrive early to take part in our Healthy Neighborhoods Resource Fair from 4-7 p.m.

    Register Here

    Registration for the event is mandatory.

     
     

     

    Sponsored By

     

    Resources Booth

    The Wall Las Memorias (HIV Testing & Meth/Tobacco Cessation) | Los Angeles County (*Monkeypox Vaccines by appointment and COVID-19 Vaccines) | East LA Women's Center (Women's Health/Wellness) | Women's March Foundation (Reproductive Health) | Lincoln Heights Youth Arts Center (Arts and Culture) | Office of LA City Councilmember Kevin de Leon (Local Resources) | CASA Los Angeles (Domestic Violence Resources)

     

    Community Partners

    Plaza de la Raza | Lincoln High School | El Arca | USC-Keck Medical School | Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council | Church of the Epiphany | Rainbow Labs | Equality California | Office of LA City Councilmember Kevin de Leon

  • published Voices that Lead: A Workshop Series in EVENTS 2022-08-10 16:55:57 -0700

    Voices that Lead: A Workshop Series

    presented by The POZ Group Social Support Group

     

    As part of our mission to build the next generation of leadership, The Wall Las Memorias' (TWLM) POZ Group is excited to host the first ever Voices that Lead: A Workshop Series — an exciting lineup of leadership building trainings and discussions for HIV positive individuals! The virtual workshop series includes free community meetings intended to build leadership and advocacy skills. As part of the 4-part workshop series, TWLM will also provide a special training on LA County's Commission on HIV, its mission, and how to join and be active members that shape the healthcare system of the HIV positive community! Be sure to join us for the chance to connect, reflect, and learn how to use your voice to lead. Registration is required, click below to rsvp.

     

    WEDNESDAY,

    JAN. 26

     

    Leadership Workshop

    7:30 - 9:00 p.m. (RSVP here)

    Join us as we host a discussion on leadership development and the importance representation of HIV positive individuals in shaping policies and securing services for the greater community. As part of this workshop, we will share helpful tips on being an effective leaders and talk about how your voice can impact community health.

     

     

     

    WEDNESDAY,

    FEB. 2

     

    Advocacy Workshop

    7:30 - 9:00 p.m. (RSVP here)

    Advocacy plays an important role in shaping policy and bringing to light the concerns and needs of community members. This advocacy workshop will include an indepth conversation on individual empowerment and the importance of voices that lead.

     

     

     

    WEDNESDAY,

    FEB. 9

     

    Community Engagement & LA County Commission on HIV Workshop

    7:30 - 9:00 p.m. (RSVP here)

    Serving one of the largest counties in the United States, the LA County Commission on HIV helps shape policies and influences the development of various healthcare programs and services for HIV positive individuals throughout the county. Join us to learn about the in and outs of the LAC-Commission on HIV, as well as insight on how to become an active member of the commission!

    Featuring Guest Speaker: Everardo Alvizo, LCSW (HIV/STD Strategic Implementation Specialist) - Commissioner and City of Long Beach Representative on the Los Angeles County Commission on HIV.

     

     

     

    WEDNESDAY,

    FEB. 16

     

    Social Media Workshop

    7:30 - 9:00 p.m. (RSVP here)

    Wrapping up the 4-part workshop series, The POZ Group will host a special social media workshop facilitated by TWLM's Rise Up & Act team. Learn how to harness your individual voice to influence community health and wellness using online platforms and tools!

     

  • published LA Downtown News in TWLM in the News 2022-07-18 14:50:30 -0700

    The Wall Las Memorias Brings Health, Wellness to Underserved Communities

    "By serving low-income and hard-to-reach communities across LA and raising awareness about HIV and AIDS, substance-abuse prevention, mental health stigma, and transgender and nonbinary health and wellness, The Wall Las Memorias has served as both a safe place where people of all backgrounds can seek support and education as well as an organization fighting for social change."

    Read the full article by LA Downtown News, click here.

  • TWLM Fights for Abortion Rights

     


     

    The action last week by the conservative justices of the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the national ban on abortion is not based on law or the Constitution but is based on politics. It is disgusting, and our community is hurt by this decision.

    This action represents the ability for this court to use their legal rationale to take away other rights such as gay marriage. It is clear, that this is part of a larger agenda by the right wing.

    Please know that you are not alone in your anger and sadness regarding the court's decision. In the end, we have much to do for equality and justice.

    We can and we will work together to strengthen our freedoms that are provided under our Constitution.

     

    Sincerely, 

    Richard Zaldivar

    TWLM Executive Director

     

  • published Pride Chat Series 2022 in EVENTS 2022-05-25 13:34:15 -0700

    Pride Chat Series 2022

     

    As part of Pride Month, The Wall Las Memorias (TWLM) team is hosting its 3rd Annual Pride Chat Series— an exciting lineup of pride themed events happening throughout the month of June! The virtual series includes free community events showcasing the best of our LGBTQ culture, lifestyle, and history. Be sure to join us for the chance to connect, reflect, and enjoy the pride of being part of our colorful LGBTQ community. Registration is required, click below to rsvp.

     

    Conecta2

    El Amor es Neutral y Tiene Mil Colores

    El universo es diverso y se manifiesta de muchas formas. The Wall Las Memorias te invita a un taller vivencial para honrar y reconocer las distintas formas en que el amor se expresa. Evento en persona.

    Click here to register!

     
     

    She Her Hers

    Trans Pride Glam 101

    The She Her Hers support group is hosting a Trans Pride Glam 101 with special guests Rouge and Jennifer Bianchi. Participants are invited to participate in this hands-on tutorial on everything you'll need to look glamorous this Pride season!

    Click here to register!

     
     

    Men's Talk

    Lights On: A Look into Queer Night Life

    We're turning the lights on and pulling back the curtain on queer night life at this special Pride Chat Series Men's Talk meeting! Participants will get the chance to listen to stories of the past and hear about the night life that defined the gay community!

    Click here to register!

     
     

    POZ Power

    Legacy & History of Pride

    POZ Power hosts a special edition Pride Month workshop as we reflect on those who came before us to create safe spaces, encouraging a new generation to live comfortably in our own skin and free of insecurities.

    Click here to register!

     
     

    Rise Up & Act - Youth for Change

    Queer Friends Mixer

    A new queer platonic social meetup for LGBTQIA2S youth in Los Angeles. Meet new friends, focus on building community, and share life experiences!

    Click here to register!

     
     

    Beyond Safe Spaces

    A New "Happily Ever After": Exploring Queer Characters in Modern Media

    Join the Beyond Safe Spaces team and the LGBTQI2-S youth community for a virtual workshop exploring queer and trans representation in modern media.

    Click here to register!

     

  • published BH Grand Opening in EVENTS 2022-05-13 14:15:50 -0700

     
     

    Join The Wall Las Memorias (TWLM) for the Grand Opening of our Boyle Heights HUB!

     
     

    Join The Wall Las Memorias (TWLM) for an evening of community fun as we celebrate our new community space in the heart of Boyle Heights and get the chance to meet our friendly staff, tour our new home, and learn all about our programs and services

     

    The TWLM Boyle Heights HUB - located at 2020 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033 - will be home to 15 team members and will allow us to continue providing free HIV testing and counseling, substance use and meth prevention, and mental health supportive services to community members county wide!

     
     

    Event Details

     

    Registration

    Networking & Office Tours

    Photo Booth, Music, Food, & Drinks

    Program

    TWLM Executive Director Welcome

    Acknowledgements

    Presentations by Elected Officials

    Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council Welcomes TWLM

    Special Announcement

    Closing Remarks

     
     

    Register Here!

     
     

    This is a hybrid indoor and outdoor in-person event. All guests will be required to provide proof of vaccination or present a recent negative test result within 72 hours upon entry. Masks will be required inside the facility during tours.

     
     

    Sponsored By

     
     

             

     

  • published Memo on Ukraine Invasion in TWLM in the News 2022-02-28 15:30:48 -0800

    TWLM Stands with Ukraine

     

     

    The world is much more dangerous today.

    Russia has invaded Ukraine and has violated international order. An attack against innocent people is an attack against each of us.

    The Russian leader needs to be held accountable for his actions. No dictator should have the right to enter another country to kill them or to control their freedoms.

    As the world watches in shock in the developments on television, we invite you to join the membership of The Wall Las Memorias in praying for the people of Ukraine and the leaders of the free world to work for peace and resolve.

    In addition to prayer, you can also make donations to the many charities of Ukraine to help support the people in need.

    Let us send our love, support and prayer as we stand with Ukraine.

     

    Sincerely, 

    Richard Zaldivar

    TWLM Executive Director

     

  • published AIDS United Awards TWLM in TWLM in the News 2021-10-15 17:14:33 -0700

    AIDS United Awards $100,000 to Support Leadership Development for Hispanic/Latinx People Living with HIV

     

     

    AIDS United has awarded grants totaling $100,000 to five community-based organizations, including The Wall Las Memorias (TWLM), to help end HIV stigma and discrimination while building leadership among Hispanic/Latinx people living with HIV in a new pilot initiative. Please click here to read the full article.

     

  • published Making Waves in TWLM in the News 2021-09-27 10:37:41 -0700

    Making Waves: Hispanic Heritage Month

     

    In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, 94.7 The Wave is recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of four members of the Hispanic community who have made a difference as part of their “Making Waves” campaign. Our Founder and Executive Director, Richard Zaldivar, was selected as one of this year’s honorees highlighting all that he has done to help the community through his work, philanthropy, and community outreach. We are thrilled about this and are excited to share the interview. Please click here to hear the full interview.

  • published TWLM in the News 2021-09-22 07:35:07 -0700
  • LA Football Club Honors TWLM with Community Spotlight at Pride Celebration

    The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) will recognize The Wall Las Memorias (TWLM) as their Community Spotlight on Saturday, July 17th, during their game against Real Salt Lake.

    For more than 26 years, The Wall Las Memories has worked tirelessly to serve as a community health and wellness organization for Latino, LGBTQ and other under-served populations through advocacy, education and building the next generation of leadership. “It is an incredible honor for us to be recognized for our work by the Los Angeles Football Club,,” says Richard Zaldivar, founder and executive director of TWLM, “The support from LAFC and their fans is a wonderful way for us to reach a wider audience and help even more community members. We look forward to Saturday’s event as well as continuing to foster our relationship with LAFC and its fans.”

  • published Let's Talk About HPV Series 2021 in EVENTS 2021-07-07 12:25:16 -0700

    As part of our HPV community advocacy efforts, The Wall Las Memorias (TWLM) team is hosting a new workshop series called Let's Talk About...HPV— an exciting lineup of conversations happening throughout the month of July! The virtual series includes free community events exploring HPV awareness and prevention. Be sure to join us for the chance to get informed, engage, and learn about HPV and supportive resources. Registration is required, click below to rsvp.

     
     

    Men's Group

    TUESDAY, 7/13 at 7:30 PM (PT)

     

    The Men’s Group support group will host a discussion on facts and resources surrounding HPV and HPV vaccinations! Join in as we discuss common misconceptions, learn about available services, and talk about how the HPV vaccine can positively impacted the lives and health of queer men.

    Click here to register.

     

     

     

     

    Beyond Safe Spaces

    TUESDAY, 7/20 at 3:30 PM (PT)

     

    Beyond Safe Spaces support group is a space for transitional age youth (TAY) to receive opportunities for leadership, support, training and skills necessary to develop their voice and perspective to local policy. We'll be exploring the impact of HPV in marginalized communities in this special themed July meeting-- don't miss out!

    Click here to register.

     

     

     

     

    Rise Up & Act

    THURSDAY, 7/22 at 5:00 PM (PT)

     

    Rise Up & Act hosts a special edition HPV workshop exploring the impact of HPV in younger populations. Join us as we learn important information on HPV and reflect on how we can ensure that our marginalized communities are kept safe and healthy.

    Click here to register.

     

     

     

     

     

    Men's Talk

    TUESDAY, 7/27 at 6:00 PM (PT)

     

    Our peer-led community support group provides space for men who identify as gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning for the purpose of building brotherhood, creating change, and nourishing leadership. During the "Let's Talk About...HPV" chat series, the group will explore the impact of HPV and the importance of getting vaccinated in the queer POC community. 

    Click here to register.

     

     

     

     

    She Her Hers

    WEDNESDAY, 7/28 at 6:00 PM (PT)

     

    During weekly meetings, transgender women of color come together to support each other with a compassionate safe space for growth and leadership development at the She Her Hers support group. Be sure to join us for this engaging community conversation on HPV and its impact on the trans community!

    Click here to register. 

     

     

     

     

    Enby Entities

    THURSDAY, 7/29 at 6:00 PM (PT)

     

    This peer-led community support group provides space for individuals who identify as nonbinary, gender non-conforming, and questioning for the purpose of building community, creating change, and nourishing leadership. Join us in July as Enby Entities hosts a thoughtful conversation on HVP!

    Click here to register.

     

     

  • published Pride Chat Series 2021 in TWLM in the News 2021-05-26 17:26:20 -0700

    TWLM's Pride Chat Series 2021

     

     

     

    The Wall Las Memorias (TWLM) team invites you to this year's Pride Chat Series happening throughout the month of June! Join the team as we hold space for our colorful LGBTQ community in celebration of Pride Month. 

    Look out for our special Pride Chat Series logo on various events throughout the month to learn about fun & educational Pride themed events! To see the full lineup, click here.

     

  • published Pride Chat Series 2021 in EVENTS 2021-05-24 11:55:16 -0700

     

    As part of Pride Month, The Wall Las Memorias (TWLM) team is hosting its 2nd Annual Pride Chat Series— an exciting lineup of pride themed events happening throughout the month of June! The virtual series includes free community events showcasing the best of our LGBTQ culture, lifestyle, and history. Be sure to join us for the chance to connect, reflect, and enjoy the pride of being part of our colorful LGBTQ community. Registration is required, click below to rsvp.

     
     

    Men's Talk

    Trivia Night: Name that Queer Cult Classic

     

    The Men’s Talk support group will host a discussion on popular queer cult classic films in celebration of Pride Month! Join in as we discuss queer cinema, play trivia with movie clips, and talk about how these films have impacted the lives and culture of queer men.

     

     

     

     

    Enby Entities

    Pride Movie Party & Virtual Potluck (Screening: Legendary)

     

    Join Enby Entities and our non-binary community for a virtual movie night featuring a special screening of “Legendary,” the HBO series that “lifts the veil off the underground ballroom culture,” and the stories of Black and Latino LGBTQ youth that made it what it is.

     

     

     

     

    Beyond Safe Spaces

    Queer Poetry Slam

     

    In this Pride Month Queer Poetry Slam participants will get the chance to listen to the voices of young queer folks who are shaping our community. All poets, creative writers, singers, and artists are welcomed— it is your time to share your artistic voice amongst our queer community! Come for the poetry and you may leave with a raffled poetry book!

     

     

     

     

    Men's Group

    TWLM Men’s Group Presents: Handsome (The Web Series)

     

    The Men’s Group invites you to the first virtual audience screening of “Handsome,” an original 6-episode queer web series about a gay man in his early 30’s coming out of a 10-year relationship who now has to navigate a dating scene he knows nothing about. Be sure to stay after the screening for a special Q&A with the creator and director of the series, Devon O’Kane! Running time: 25 mins (2-6 minutes per episode). Click here to watch the trailer.

     

     

     

     

    Rise Up & Act

    Hot Queer Summer: Living in Our Fierce Truth

     

    Rise Up & Act hosts a special edition Pride Month workshop exploring inspiring queer and trans icons in popular culture. Join us as we’ll recollect and reflect on those who came before us to create space and encouraged a new generation to live comfortably in our own skin and free of insecurities.

     

     

     

     

    She Her Hers

    Trans Pride Prom: The Re-Do

     

    The TWLM She Her Hers support group is hosting its first Trans Pride Prom. Guests are invited to dress up and bask in the nostalgia of high school prom…this time as their true authentic selves! Get ready for a night of music, community, and you might even be crowned as part of the She Her Hers Royal Court! To register for the event, click here.

     

  • published TWLM In The News 4_13_21 in TWLM in the News 2021-04-13 11:04:51 -0700

    As Trial Unfolds in Death of George Floyd, Faith Leaders Join Police in Urging Calm in Los Angeles

     

     

    [The Wall Las Memorias Project] Founder Richard Zaldivar said at the news conference they believe it is possible to advance social justice without resorting to violence or destruction. Zaldival cited the historic examples of Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Mother Teresa and others.

    “We can change our community. We can speak up with respect. But we ask no violence,” Zaldivar said.

     

    Read the full story in the Los Angeles Daily News (click here).

  • published Statement on Stop AAPI Hate in TWLM in the News 2021-03-19 14:47:21 -0700

    Statement on Stop AAPI Hate

     

    For too long the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has experienced prejudice in our nation. That prejudice and hatred has been increased by the former presidential administration by calling them names and making them responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    Today we see increases of attacks, hatred, verbal violence, white supremacy and bigotry against that community in Los Angeles, San Francisco and throughout our nation. Those attacks reflect the smallness of the human capacity to accept all humanity as God’s children and it must stop. 

    We must stop the ignorance. We must stop the hate. We must educate our community about the uniqueness of our different cultures. We must all come together to hold those accountable for the destruction of body and soul.

    The members and supporters of The Wall Las Memorias say NO to hate! We stand with our brothers and sisters from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community to support them during these difficult and challenging times.

    We are ready to walk with you side by side to fight this hate.

    Together we will overcome.

     

    Statement by The Wall Las Memorias (TWLM)

  • Statement on US Citizenship Act of 2021

    Yesterday, Thursday, February 18, 2021, Rep. Linda Sanchez of California and Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey introduced the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, which if passed, would provide an eight-year citizenship path to over 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States.

    In response, President Joe Biden reiterated that the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 is part of his administration’s commitment to modernize the current flawed immigration system and provide a clear roadmap to citizenship for undocumented individuals. The proposed bill will not only, “restore humanity and American values to our immigration system,” but also “[provide] hardworking people who enrich our communities every day and who have lived here for years, in some cases for decades, an opportunity to earn citizenship,” according to the Biden Administration.

    “The bill will stimulate our economy while ensuring that every worker is protected. The bill creates an earned path of citizenship for our immigrant neighbors, colleagues, parishioners, community leaders, friends, and loved ones – including Dreamers and the essential workers who have risked their lives to serve and protect American communities,” as noted on The White House official website.  

    “We applaud the action of congress members Representative Linda Sanchez and Senator Bob Menendez for their vision in bringing justice to the American dream for so many of our brothers and sisters,” said Richard Zaldivar, executive director of The Wall Las Memorias. “This legislation will help our country heal from the suffering of the past and help provide clarity to live the American dream.”

    Under the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, modernization of the current U.S. Immigration System would include clearer pathways to citizenship and strengthened labor protections, prioritization of smarter border controls, and addressing root causes of migration.

     

    Statement by The Wall Las Memorias (TWLM)

  • published Protect LA...Vaccinate! in COMMUNITY HEALTH 2021-01-14 14:15:26 -0800

    Protect LA...Vaccinate!

    The Wall Las Memorias' (TWLM) Protect LA...Vaccinate! campaign is part of a county-wide effort to stop COVID-19 from further impacting our most vulnerable communities. Our educational and grassroots campaign provides the most current information on COVID-19 from the Public Health Department, and offers systems navigation in order to build community capacity for health and wellness during this pandemic.

    Protect LA...Vaccinate! welcomes all community partners to participate in this prevention campaign! In an effort to be inclusive of all community members, we welcome all types of community-based organizations, faith institutions, education groups and academia, businesses, neighborhood councils, law enforcement groups, unions and labor groups to get involved in our efforts to keep our communities safe and healthy.

    Community members can benefit from vaccination opportunitiesCOVID-19 educational trainings, and linkage to TWLM's menu of services including mental health services, substance abuse prevention, HIV testing, counseling services, and more. All program services can be provided with Spanish translation upon request.

     

    REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE

    >> Community Partners Sign-Up Form (click here)

     

    RESOURCES

    >> COVID-19 Resources - TWLM is hard at work to keep our community members safe and healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to find a list of accurate, up to date, local resources and services to help. For assistance navigating through these resources, call (323) 257-1056 or email us at [email protected] for more information.

    >> Protect LA...Vaccinate! Overview (click here) en Español (haga clic aquí)

     

    UPCOMING EVENTS

    >> COVID-19 Vaccine Pop-Up - May 4th and 5th - Join the TWLM team for a free vaccination event in Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights, offering vaccines and boosters. We'll be sharing important tips on how to keep safe and healthy through the COVID-19 epidemic. Los participantes que hablan español son bienvenidos!

     

    CONTACT US

    Angie Jimenez - [email protected]

    Mari Mercado - [email protected]

     

  • Statement on Pope Francis Acknowledgement on Gay Civil Unions

    On behalf of so many LGBTQ members of the Roman Catholic community, we welcome the statement by Pope Francis on the acknowledgment and acceptance of gay civil unions.

    As a Catholic gay community leader, my fiancé and I attend our local parish church on a weekly basis. You can usually find us at 10:00 a.m. mass every Sunday sitting in the front row on the side of the altar. We sit there purposely.

    For too long we would sit in the rear of a church for fear of rejection as a gay couple. We quickly understood the importance of challenging that fear and took ownership of our place in our church. This simple act, albeit intentionally personal, went on to show to others that each of us should be proud of our love and devotion to God. It is just to believe that everyone is deserving of sitting in the front row.

    Today, we are often stopped by parishioners asking for our assistance to help host discussions with family members so they can become more accepting of their gay children. We see too often that families are torn apart because the authenticity of their child is often questioned. In having these discussions, so many members of our community can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.

    Since the beginning, we have heard statements from clergy condemning homosexuality as sinful and intrinsically evil. In our Latino community, many still believe that whatever the local priest says is the literal word of God. Today, we have hope. We have a compassionate and loving Pope Francis who is leading the church through difficult times to bring healing to the many who have been disregarded by church leaders as sinners. Pope Francis truly cares about humanity and the sanctity of our spirit.

    We know that the conservative and fringe groups of the Catholic Church will disagree with our Pope and possibly attack him for it. Let it be clear, we are here to defend him. It is important that we come out to families and our parish priests, educating them about who we are. For you see, we are the church.

    As LGBTQ Catholics, we pray for continued strength for our Pope Francis to continue to lead our church through these challenging times. And as soon as we are able to attend service in person, we invite you to join us in the front row where we all belong.

     

    Statement by Richard L. Zaldivar, Executive Director / Founder

Andres Magana

Andres Magana 2230sc