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Hermanos
de Luna y Sol: Creating Community as an Effective
Prevention Strategy for Recent Latino Immigrants
Ramón
Ramírez
Hermanos
de Luna y Sol Program
San
Francisco
(Estados
Unidos)
The
Hermanos de Luna y Sol (HLS) Program is based on the
research findings and recommendations of Rafael M. Diaz,
PhD (César Chavez Institute/San Francisco State
University), the Theory of Self-regulation (Bandura, 1994)
and the principles of Empowerment Education (Freire, 1992;
Shor, 1992; Wallerstein et. Al.,1994). As suggested by the
model of empowerment education, group session facilitators
“transmit” neither information nor resources, unless
specifically requested by the participants. Rather,
facilitators engage participants in the reflective
dialogue that promotes critical thinking and
self-observation on matters of crucial importance to the
group members. The program aims to intervene in a
culturally-appropriate manner to promote a sense of social
support, increase perceptions of sexual control, and
reduce perceptions and beliefs about the inevitability of
HIV infection. The HLS model employs the
psycho-cultural approach to HIV prevention. Díaz’
studies found that the sociocultural oppressive factors of
machismo, homophobia, family loyalty, poverty, racism, and
sexual silence have an adverse psychosocial impact on gay
Latino men and lead to feelings of social isolation and
low self-esteem, which in turn lead to high risk behaviors.
HLS applies these findings to the physho-cultural model of
HIV prevention by addressing the way in which these
oppressive factors promote risky behavior. All services
are conducted in Spanish by the program staff whom is
representative of the target population.
There are four interventions
which constitute the Hermanos de Luna y Sol Program, these
are: Initial Sessions (7 two-hour weekly sessions).
Drop-in Sessions (bi weekly less structured sessions).
Follow-up Sessions. (two-hour weekly sessions with topics
suggested by participants). Individual Risk Reduction
Counseling (One-on-One harm reduction counseling)
About Ramón
Ramírez
Born in México
City this 35 Gay Latino Male immigrated with his family to
the United States in 1988. After coming out to his family
at the age of 19 and from whom he receives complete
support, Ramón wanted to make a difference and help his
community as volunteer at various non profit organizations
such as: AIDS Project Los Angeles, Family Conservation
Center, and others. Mr. Ramírez started working in the
HIV Prevention Field as health educator, HIV Testing
Counselor and Program Manager for several agencies en Los
Angeles such as: Clínica Para Las Americas, AIDS Service
Center, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Los Angeles Shantí.
In 2005 Mr. Ramirez moved to San Francisco working
as Program Manager for HIV Prevention and Testing Programs
for AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Gente Latina de Ambiente (GELAAM)
and at the present time he manages de Hermanos de Luan y
Sol Program.
In the
community Ramón has become an entertainer and a performer
as a hobby. Mr. Ramírez danced for the International
Ethnic Dance Festival. And performed for local clubs and
community events such as: Pendulum, Clitch, Harveys, and
he is the winner of 2006 Mr. and Miss Safe Sex Latino.
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