Tal Como Somos Educational Campaign

The UIC School of Public Health was awarded a grant of $25,000 by the Chicago Community Foundation in support of the Tal Como Somos Educational Campaign.

At the center of this campaign is the film, Tal Como Somos, meaning Just As We Are, produced by Jesus Ramirez-Valles, PhD, as a result of his research in community health sciences at the school. The documentary, which was featured in the 24th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival, examines the impact of HIV/AIDS and the stigma faced by gay, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) persons in the Latino community.

The educational campaign includes discussion guides and community outreach activities. Ramirez-Valles said he hopes the support of the Chicago Community Foundation will further his mission to alleviate prejudice in the Latin community and provide one bright spot in the often bleak world of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. “This grant will allow us to collaborate with local organizations in an effort to reduce negative attitudes towards gay/bisexual men, transgender people and those living with HIV/AIDS; and, as a consequence, we can improve the health and well-being of those communities,” he said.

Additional information on the film and educational campaign can be found at www.juneteenthproductions.com.