As 2024 kicks off, GMHC’s Coordinator of Prevention Services Luna Luis Ortiz is feeling new energy. He is busy planning our storied Latex Ball and facilitating Clubhouse GMHC, a weekly drop-in space for youth and young adults. The Clubhouse just relaunched after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Latex Ball combines showstopping performances from the House and Ball community with a sexual health fair. It will be held June 22 at Terminal 5 in Hell’s Kitchen and is free to the community.
“GMHC made a promise that as long as HIV and AIDS are in our lives, there will be a ball specifically for the House and Ball community through our Latex Ball project,” said Ortiz, noting that GMHC held the first Latex Ball in 1993.
“The Ballroom community was one of the hardest hit by the HIV and AIDS epidemic,” he explained, adding that youth in New York City, especially those who are homeless, have some of the highest rates of HIV infection.
“The Latex Ball helps break down stigma around HIV. Usually stigma is from the unknown, so the Latex Ball project is about educating communities. We want to encourage people to take care of their sexual health and wellness,” Ortiz said. “Everything we do at GMHC is in the voice of community for those we’re trying to support.”
Our generous sponsors allow us to hold the Latex Ball as a free community event. Please email Kimberly John at kimberlyj@GMHC.org for sponsorship information or download The Latex Ball 2024 sponsorship deck.
Clubhouse GMHC Is Back!
Clubhouse GMHC is another way that we reach younger LGBTQ+ people. Ortiz has relaunched this hospitable and lively drop-in space on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“It’s a relaxed environment with group discussions, workshops, and art projects, as well as sexual health and wellness education services,” he said. All are welcome!
Clubhouse GMHC debuted January 9 with a “hot topics” discussion, ranging from pop culture to sexual health. “It was planned, but not planned,” Ortiz said. “I have an idea for the discussions, like a workshop or an art project, but the participants really determine the flow.”
Ortiz, a photographer and artist, enjoys doing collages to get things going. “While we’re painting and drawing together, people start expressing themselves and talking about what’s on their mind,” he said. “They need to feel comfortable before bringing up things like housing problems or HIV testing. Art has a way of supporting the soul. Maybe they’re sleeping on the train but afraid to share that information. Art allows them to open up.”
The Clubhouse offers an entry point to GMHC’s HIV navigation services, no matter someone’s status. Ortiz can connect people who are HIV-negative with PrEP services or link people living with HIV to support and treatment. He also helps participants access other GMHC services, such as workforce development or supportive housing.
To attend, contact Ortiz at lunao@gmhc.org or just drop by GMHC at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays. We are located at 307 West 38th Street.
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