Media Contact:
Joe Hui
Director of Communications
jhui@aplahealth.org
213.201.1342
6.1.2021
This June, APLA Health celebrates Pride Month by applauding LGBTQ+ activists and their allies, who are working to ensure that every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, receives the full protection of the law.
Pride began as a series of protests, led in large part by transgender women of color, resisting police brutality and violence. That it is now celebrated around the world, is a testament to the extraordinary progress we have achieved and a reminder of the important work that remains.
In too many places, LGBTQ+ Americans endure continued violence and harassment, particularly trans women of color who suffer a disproportionately high rate of homelessness, drug addiction, HIV, sexual assault and murder. Millions of LGBTQ+ Americans continue to be at risk of discrimination in areas of housing, education, employment, personal finance, jury service, and public accommodation.
“While COVID-19 continues to prevent Pride celebrations from happening as they normally would, we still celebrate the progress we’ve made toward equality and commit ourselves to the important work that lies ahead,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “In this moment, we must unite like never before and take action to finally achieve full equality for LGBTQ+ people and all Americans, demanding that our country lives up to its founding principles.”
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APLA Health (formerly AIDS Project Los Angeles) restores dignity and trust within underserved communities by providing world-class LGBTQ+ empowering healthcare, HIV specialty care, food, housing, and other essential support services. Since our founding in 1983, APLA Health has remained steadfast in our commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in our lifetime. We operate eight Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) locations in Los Angeles County, serving more than 19,000 people annually, regardless of ability to pay. Our list of comprehensive services includes LGBTQ+ primary care, dental care, behavioral healthcare, HIV specialty care, and Out Here Sexual Health services (PrEP, STD screening & treatment, DoxyPEP, and PEP). For people with HIV, our wraparound support services include housing assistance through the Alliance for Housing & Healing and nutritional support via the Vance North Necessities of Life Program, the largest food pantry in the United States for people with HIV, distributing over 800,000 meals annually. APLA Health’s annual fundraisers include AIDS Walk LA — the world's first and oldest AIDS Walk — and Best in Drag Show. We are leaders in advocating for policy and legislation at the local, state and Federal levels that positively impact the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities. For more information, visit aplahealth.org.
