Philadelphia's Latino LGBT Organization GALAEI Celebrates New Space Outside Center City

Philadelphia's GALAEI, the city's only queer Latino social justice organization, has celebrated the opening of its new space in the West Kensington neighborhood.

According to Philly.com, GALAEI began in 1989 at 1207 Chestnut St. in light of the lack of attention and services given to gay Latino men during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. GALAEI executive director Elicia Gonzales said that the organization started out with a "social justice framework," which includes poverty, education, language, and immigration status. Gonzales said that these factors all contribute to HIV cases.

The transfer to Center City was planned for 20 years, the exec said. Up to now, the organization gives HIV services such as check-ups, condom distribution, workshops, and sexual health counseling, GALAEI's official site listed.

"We are the only queer organization that doesn't reside in Center City. We knew that there was a gap in services outside of Center City," Gonzales told Philly.com. "We are excited to help fill that gap slightly in North Philly and in our Latino community."

Transgender communities are also being targeted by GALAEI through a peer-based program about broad sexual health and social support services. In addition, the group has a youth sector that offers leadership experiences, art and activism, and coaching from resume building to overcoming challenging life situations, the news outlet further reported.

"The Trans-Health Information Project of GALAEI is the only 'by trans/for trans' program that's run in our city, and one of only a handful in our country," Gonzales explained to Philly.com.

GALAEI's project allows transgenders to discuss gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality, such as HIV prevention and care, the organization's official page wrote. TIP coordinators are guaranteed to provide safe, asserting, and non-judgmental pieces of advice for transgenders.

Notable names in the LGBT community were present in Tuesday's event on Norris Park at 149 W. Susquehanna Ave., Philly.com reported. This includes Nellie Fitzpatrick, the director of LGBT Affairs for the City of Philadelphia. Mayoral candidate Jim Kenney was there as well.

"It was wonderful to see so many come together tonight to celebrate the work of GALAEI and welcome them to their new location," Fitzpatrick said, as quoted by Philly.com. "The entire house was filled with positive energy, love and community."

Gonzales remarked that GALAEI is working alongside the community to guarantee social justice for the members of the LGBT community that are going through difficult circumstances, Philly.com further reported.

She continued, "We are now literally and figuratively a home for queer Latinos. We are occupying this space that is a beautiful old home so when people walk through the doors, they are actually going to feel like they are part of this family."