Every day, Latinos Salud delivers vital HIV and STD prevention, testing, and linkage services to South Florida’s gay Latinos, to all persons living with HIV, and to everyone who identifies as transgender. Once a year, the agency throws down the red carpet to welcome the community to “the event of the season.”
“DiversiSAFE is about community, hope, and most of all celebration,” says the agency’s co-founder, Rafaelé Narváez. “Everyone in the community is invited to our celebration.” Last year’s kick-off DiversiSAFE brought hundreds of guests of all ages, to enjoy an evening of fine food, drinks, and entertainment. This year, Narváez says, “We’re pulling out all the stops. This one is going to be the most fun by far.”
So on Saturday, November 18th, at 7p.m., the non-profit will literally light up the Miami Tower, and deliver everything from top notch hors d’oeuvres by Junior’s Catering to the evening’s upbeat soundtrack, provided by local favorite, DJ AJ Reddy. TP Lords will wow the crowd.
Hotspots magazine, Mark’s List, and South Florida Gay News have all signed on as media sponsors, and others have provided free or discounted services and gifts to ensure that everyone has a great evening.
So how much is entry? “DiversiSAFE is unique among all non-profit gala events, because we don’t break your wallet,” says Board chair, Will Portalatin. “In fact, you get to Pick Your Pledge to register. That’s right: you donate whatever amount you feel is right, and you’ve got your entry.” Space is limited, though, Portalatin noted so register right NOW at www.bit.ly/LATINOSSALUD.
Pre-registered guests will receive gift bags with some very cool items, open bar, and some other surprises that are … well, hot! You can see photos of last year’s DIversiSAFE event and a video at the link.
Amidst the fun, the event will also serve the community. “We’ve updated our DiversiSAFE brochure, and it will be included in everyone’s gift bag. This resource, created by Latinos Salud, has exciting news and great tips for everyone, whether HIV-negative or HIV-positive, Latino or not, young or experienced,” said Dr. Stephen Fallon, the agency’s Executive Director. “We’re out to defeat stigma, homophobia, and most of all, HIV,” Fallon noted. “Who says you can’t come for the fun, and leave with a little information?”
