Workshops

Magical Transformations: work done by, for and with Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Immigrants

Andres Hoyos and Luis Nava Molero, LGBT Community Center in NYC

This interactive workshop will explore the unique challenges and strengths of working with GBT immigrants in a community based organization in NYC and the different modalities of work done with them. Those include: outreach, assessment, referrals, individual counseling and support groups, support for asylum seekers based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, community events, trainings and advocacy using peers, peer-professionals and professionals. The impact of substance abuse and HIV prevention (primary and secondary) on the population will be discussed, as well as the overall impact of moving people from a place of need to empowerment and finally to becoming agents of change. The presentation is based on the knowledge gained after working seven years with more than 600 immigrants from over 50 different countries, where a considerable amount of the work has been providing support for asylum seekers and fighting isolation through promoting community building.