The San Diego LGBT Community Center
Latin@x Services 20th Anniversary
VEINTEAÑERA

Saturday | October 12, 2024 | 5-8 PM (PT)

The Center’s Auditorium

3909 Centre Street

San Diego, CA 92103

Honoring 20 Years of Latin@x Services: A Journey of Community, Compassion, and Progress

By Karla Quezada Torres

As I reflect on the 20th anniversary of Latin@x Services at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the people who have shaped this gathering place for the community. I met Carolina Alcoser Ramos and Ricardo Gallego, two individuals whose warmth and compassion left an indelible mark on my life, before Latin@x Services at The Center was founded, and it was Carolina’s nurturing spirit, paired with a fierce protective strength, that drew me in from the very beginning of Latin@x Services in 2004.

At the time, I was pregnant and feeling uncertain about my future. I walked into their small office and was welcomed with open arms. Their office became so much more than a place to meet; it became a refuge for me and my family. It was the first place in San Diego where I truly felt at home. Latin@x Services staff, along with the community they built, provided a sanctuary of love and support—something that had been missing for me until that point.

When they shared the news that they would be establishing Latin@x Services at The Center, I knew that their move to The Center was the beginning of something extraordinary. The Center, a leading organization in the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality, was investing in, embracing, and uplifting our Latin@x community in a way that felt monumental. I had the privilege of being there for the opening of Latin@x Services, and to this day, I speak with admiration and pride about the love, kindness, and dedication Carolina and her team have poured into their work.

This 20th anniversary is more than just a milestone; it is a testament to the power of community. As we celebrate two decades of Latin@x Services, it’s important to recognize that while we’ve made incredible progress, there is still so much more work to be done.

As a Community Liaison for Gilead Sciences, it is an honor to celebrate our Latine leaders, who inspire us all as we work together to raise awareness about the issues facing the LGBTQIA+ and HIV communities.

At Gilead, we understand that medicine alone is not enough. It’s the fusion of science and community that will bring about the change we all seek. Gilead’s community-focused efforts empower members of the LGBTQIA+ and HIV communities with knowledge, resources, and programs that help make a difference.

With the power of many working together as one, we are making great strides in raising awareness, pushing for equality, increasing access to healthcare where it’s needed most, and help erase the stigma that has kept us from living the life we all deserve.

To The San Diego LGBT Community Center’s Latin@x Services, thank you for making us part of your community. Together, we can reach our collective goal of bringing the HIV epidemic to an end for everyone, everywhere.

About the Author:

Karla Quezada Torres is an HIV Community Liaison with Gilead Sciences, Inc., bringing over 25 years of experience in HIV-related community service. She is a passionate advocate for the Latin@ and LGBTQIA+ communities, working to raise awareness and end disparities in HIV treatment, prevention, and care.