Presente! The Ongoing Story of Latino AIDS Activism in NYC (2014)

Presente! is a two-panel program dedicated to telling the ongoing story of Latino AIDS activism in New York City. Since the onset of HIV/AIDS activism, the characteristics and disproportionate rates of infection in the city’s Latino community have elicited unique strategies and conversations that have addressed pertinent issues of immigration, intravenous substance use, religion and cultural imperialism. This forum seeks to uncover the stories of the individuals, networks and events that framed Latino AIDS activist work in the 80s and 90s, and to trace the many ways in which these elements continue to manifest today. The first panel will reunite members of the Latino Caucus of ACT UP New York, while a second panel will serve as a platform for activists to discuss the crisis and their work today. As part of this event, CHLP's Legal Director Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal will be discussing the current HIV-related challenges facing Latino and immigrant communities. This event will take place at the New York Public Library Main Branch on 42 Street and 5th Avenue on February 22, 2014.