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.
In the late 1990's, Ramirez-Valles became interested in how HIV/AIDS patients transformed their lives by becoming activists -- from protesting against the inaction of the federal government to volunteering in the neighborhood to distribute food and take care of patients.
He soon realized there were positive effects on self esteem, decreased depression, and improved health outcomes associated with volunteerism and activism, and he began writing about the subjective experiences of these individuals, or compañeros.
Ramirez-Valles hopes the book will change negative attitudes, particularly in the heterosexual community, about HIV/AIDS and that readers will find inspiration in the personal stories.
"Unlike other works, 'Compañeros' succeeds in allowing the activists to speak for themselves and shares with readers an intimate connection to their lives, thoughts, and emotions," said Rafael M. Díaz, author of "Latino Gay Men and HIV: Culture, Sexuality, and Risk Behavior," in writing about the book. "The life stories of gay men and transgender women are movingly presented with both passion and clarity, giving a feeling of great respect and admiration for a group who heroically turns oppression into a source of resilience and strength, as well as a solidarity seldom seen in contemporary social movements."
A book signing will be held Nov. 3 at the Center on Halsted, John Baran Senior Center, 3656 N. Halsted St. from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The book is available at:www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/54qmf8px9780252036446.html.
Photos of Ramirez-Valles are available at newsphoto.lib.uic.edu/v/Compañeros/.
Audio of Ramirez-Valles is available at: https://blackboard.uic.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/web/news/podcasts/PdCst86-Oct5%2711-Ramirez-Valles.mp3. (Spanish version available upon request)
For more information about UIC, visit www.uic.edu.
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