Behind the scenes at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s location in South LA
BY MARK ARIEL
The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s location in South LA at 2313 W. MLK Jr. Blvd., offers primary care, mental health, sexual health, trans health, and general services—plus a variety of community support groups.
We met with a few of the dedicated folks who work at the Center to learn about their day-to-day activities and how it affects their lives.
Luna Fiumara (she/her) a Health Education Specialist, performs Rapid HIV testing and provides counseling and education to those at risk for HIV exposure. “One of my most fulfilling moments was when I received a call through our Sexual Health hot line. The caller had been sexually assaulted and was going through an emotional and trying time in their life. Having the privilege to be there for someone in such a difficult time is what I was put on this earth to do,” states Fiumara.
Darren Daniels-Stokes (he/they), a Linkage to Care Specialist, connects newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients, PrEP patients, and at-risk patients to resources and assists in transferring their medical care. Additionally, he co-facilitates a monthly intervention (Shades of Community) that discusses healthier sex practices and relationships. He also hosts a weekly group (Pozitve Vibez) for HIV positive men. “This position is emotional for me because I remember when I was diagnosed fresh out of high school at 18 years old and didn’t have any support,” he reveals.
Tracy Jemison (she/her/hers) a Patient Services Specialist, says that one of her most fulfilling moments “was when I was able to help an older woman from the neighborhood who was looking for community find our weekly seniors program.”
Irvin Jerez (he/him), the Center’s Outreach Supervisor, says that “one moment that really sticks out to me has been seeing one specific individual flourish and grow into himself by coming to our events and utilizing the safe space. I remember the first time he came to Center South, he wanted to talk with someone because he was questioning his sexuality and didn’t really have anyone else to talk to about this. Since then, we have seen him attend his first pride, go on his first date, get his first HIV test, practice his makeup skills, and join our community advisory board! I grew up right down the street from Center South before it opened and I never had a space like this.”
As part of their outreach, says Jerez, Center South is sponsoring South LA Pride on Saturday, July 13, 2024. “We are proud to represent the Center for South LA Pride when historically, there has been no other event quite like this.”
For more info on South LA Pride visit: www.southlapride.com.
For more info on the services offered at Center South call: 323-860-3799 (Dial Option 3).
