New Book Explores Latino Gay Activists

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.newswise.com/articles/new-book-explores-latino-gay-activists

Newswise — A new book by a University of Illinois at Chicago health sociologist and educator examines how gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) Latino activists and volunteers are transformed by the AIDS epidemic.

In "Compañeros: Latino Activists in the Face of AIDS" (University of Illinois Press, 2011), Jesus Ramirez-Valles, UIC professor of community health sciences, writes about the life histories of GBT Latinos who come together to fight racism and homophobia, and in the process change themselves.

"'Compañeros' tells us what it's like to be an activist, a volunteer, and get involved in community affairs," says Ramirez-Valles. "The book is about Latino gay men and transgender individuals, but it speaks to the broader idea of getting involved in the community -- not only to change major social forces that shape our lives, but to change ourselves, to connect with others, and in the process become better individuals and better citizens."

As a public health researcher, Ramirez-Valles has studied gender and race in health promotion and HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention in the United States and Latin America.

"The voices of Latino gay men in the AIDS epidemic have not been heard, and in many instances have been distorted. I felt a responsibility to share them with a larger audience," said Ramirez-Valles, who also produced a documentary, funded by the National Institutes of Health, featuring individuals in his book.

The book and film are based on scientific research on discrimination and stigma and the consequences of these behaviors on GBT Latinos.