Category: Blog

Isaac Lama is a Community Outreach Representative at SelectHealth. He instantly knew this was the job for him. He explains, “I loved the idea of working with an underserved community. I’ve been humbled to learn about and connect with transgender and gender-nonconforming people, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals living with HIV. Through outreach I’ve been deeply impacted by their many life experiences.”

What does a Community Outreach Representative do?

Isaac spends his day in the community talking with people. He listens to their needs and enrolls them in the SelectHealth plan. He approaches each interaction with genuine care and respect. Isaac makes a point to learn about each person’s unique situation. He does what he can to help, from simply listening to making sure providers use the correct pronouns. If he doesn’t know something he asks, listens, and learns.

How does Isaac go above and beyond?

Simply put, Isaac does it all. He helps manage the SelectHealth social media pages, making him a familiar face online and in the community. He initiated the hiring of two transgender outreach workers on the team. He even produces swag—including condoms—branded with the SelectHealth logo. Isaac’s goals are to make his five-year-old daughter proud and to make the world a better place.

Working for SelectHealth has been Isaac’s calling. He says, “I have lots of ideas and here my suggestions are taken into consideration. I feel so useful! It’s been a wonderful opportunity to grow. We are making a real difference for the population we serve.”

Community Events Assistants play a big role in supporting VNS Health’s outreach activities. On top of driving VNS Health’s vehicle fleet, Community Events Assistants have other responsibilities. They secure a spot for neighborhood outreach and set up the outreach table.

Demitrious Cáceres, a SelectHealth Community Events Assistant, operates the VNS Health SelectHealth van. He helps SelectHealth provide outreach to all corners of New York City.

“I’ve always been a people person, so I like engaging,” explains Demitrious. “I love talking with people out in the community. We deal with insurance, so people tend to share their life stories. You get insight into what people are going through, especially with SelectHealth. The people we work with—whether they’re homeless, transgender, or HIV-positive—are the ones we help.”

We followed Demitrious through a day of special events work for SelectHealth.

5:00 am – Morning routine

On a normal day, I wake up at 5:00 am and I’ll go through my morning routine and then pick up the SelectHealth van by 6:30 am. If it’s a special event day like today, then I’ll wake up, quickly get ready, and run to my car to get to the van by 6:00 am!

6:00 am-7:00 am – Pick up the van/Drive to the event

I start my day when I get into the van and text my supervisor that I’ve arrived. Then I drive to our location for the day, secure a parking spot, and wait for a Community Outreach Representative to arrive. After that, I’ll start setting up our table, tent, and signage.

10:00 am – Set up with outreach

I do take pride in the way I set up the table. I think I have an eye for aesthetic and try to set the table up nice.

10:30 am-1:30 pm – Tabling

I’ll work with the representatives and if needed, provide basic information about our health plans to people on the street. I’ll stay by the table and hold things down if one of the representatives needs to leave the table for any reason. I’ll also restock the table with giveaway items as they’re given out.

1:30 pm-2:45 pm – Next stop

Depending on the amount of traffic we’re getting in one location, we’ll move to a different location. Today for instance, after the main event ended, we went to the corner of 125^th Street and Lenox Avenue.

2:45 pm-4:00 pm ­– Harlem

There’s usually a lot more people walking in Harlem, and more people will stop at our table. We were able to enroll some new people in SelectHealth who came up to us while we were there.

End of the day

After breaking down the table and leaving Harlem, I was stuck in traffic for about an hour! I got back to the parking lot to drop off the van around 5:00 pm. After that I went back home and prepared a bible study for my cousins.

Prior to joining VNS Health, Demitrious was driving ambulances as an EMT in Manhattan. His EMT experience equipped him with a set of skills both as a driver and as a care person. Now, Demitrious works hand in hand with the entire VNS Health community outreach team to bring SelectHealth out into the community.

The B in LGBTQ stands for bisexual, but what does that really mean? Let’s talk about what bisexuality is, what it’s not, and what we can do to recognize and celebrate it. This blog serves as a guide to learn more about being bi and breakdown common myths.

Being bisexual means you can feel attraction toward more than one gender. Despite being one of the largest groups in the LGBTQ community, bi people are often subject to invisibility or erasure. This means that people often ignore or deny that bisexuality exists. Bisexual people also face biphobia or the fear of bisexuality. Erasure and negativity can have a serious impact on bisexual communities.

One way we hope to help spread awareness about bisexuality, bi-erasure, and biphobia is by busting myths about this sexual orientation. Here are five common myths we are going to bust.

Myth #1: “Bisexuality is just a phase before someone comes out as gay or lesbian.”

In some cases, people do identify as bisexual before identifying as gay, lesbian, or another sexuality. This does not make it any less real. Anyone who identifies as bisexual, at any point in their lives, deserves to have their identity respected.

Myth #2: “Bi people just want to pass as heterosexual to avoid trouble and maintain privilege.”

There are many out, proud, and politically active bi people. It’s true, some bi people may hide their sexual identity to avoid stigma and prejudice. This is also true for other members of the LGBTQ community. Feeling pressured to “pass” is not fair. As a society, it’s up to all of us to make the world a welcoming place to all people.

Myth #3: “The word ‘bisexual’ is transphobic.”

There’s a common misconception that bisexuality upholds the gender binary or the idea that there are only two genders, male and female. In reality, being bisexual is the capacity to love people of the same gender and of genders different from yours. This can include transgender and gender non-binary people. Many bisexual people are part of the transgender community, and many others date transgender people.

Myth #4: “Bisexuals are promiscuous.”

First, there’s nothing wrong with being promiscuous. Regardless of your sexual orientation, it is okay to enjoy and desire sex. Second, bisexual people are not automatically more promiscuous than gay or straight people.

Myth #5: “Bisexual people in relationships with the opposite gender are straight.”

Someone’s current partner being the opposite gender does not define their entire sexuality, nor does it take away their feelings for other genders. We can acknowledge the privilege of cis-appearing relationships without denying a person’s lived experience of bisexuality.

Bisexuality matters. It will always matter. We all deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion regardless of how we identify. It is on all of us to stop spreading misinformation that contributes to bi-erasure.

September is National Sexual Health Awareness Month! That means it’s the perfect time to talk about safe sex. Having sex is a healthy part of being human, but we want you to be informed and be able to make smart decisions about having sex. Sometimes it can be hard to have conversations about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). When’s the last time you were able to talk to your provider or your partner(s) about STDs and how much do you know? Let’s cover the basics!

STDs can also be known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and even though not talked about often they are actually very common. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of new infections occur every year in the United States.

How do people get STDs/STIs? They can be passed from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Some common STDs are Chlamydia, Herpes, and Gonorrhea. STDs don’t always cause symptoms, so you may not know you have one unless you get tested. It’s important to get tested regularly and have conversations about STDs with your partner(s) to make sure you are not at risk of getting one. STDs are preventable and can also be managed or cured altogether.

Why is it so important to know if you have an STD? If left untreated, STDs can cause serious health issues like blindness, infertility, mother-to-child transmission, or birth defects. Also, if you have an STD you are at a higher risk of getting HIV. This could be because of your sexual practices like not using protection or because you have symptoms of an STD that include an open sore.

If you are sexually active, you can prevent yourself from getting an STD with a couple of easy steps. So, let’s talk about real life things you can do to stay healthy!

1. Use protection. Wear a new condom each time you have sex and make sure you are using them correctly. Learn more about prevention methods with this safer sex tool box.
2. Get vaccinated. For some STDs such as HPV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B you can get a vaccine to protect yourself. However, there is an age limit on the HPV vaccine. Be sure to talk to your provider about what is available to you.
3. Get tested regularly. When you visit your doctor, ask them for STD testing including a test for HIV.
4. Talk to your doctor about HIV. If you receive an HIV diagnosis, ask your doctor about HIV treatment. HIV medicine is called antiretroviral therapy or ART, and if you take it regularly you can stay healthy and prevent the spread of HIV. If you are HIV negative, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent HIV. Ask about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PrEP and PEP are medications you can take to lower your risk of getting HIV. ART, PrEP, and PEP will not protect you against other STDs.
5. Talk with your partner(s). Having open and honest conversations about sex and health with your sexual partner(s) doesn’t have to be scary. There are fun ways to include STD prevention in your conversations. For example, you can ask your partner what their favorite condom brand is or what flavor lube they like the best. Starting the conversation with questions like this can help break the ice.

With these steps, you can take the guessing and the worrying out of sex and take control of your sex life! To learn more about STDs and STIs, safe sex, and HIV visit: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/stds_a_to_z/

Women’s Equality Day celebrates the court decision that gave women the right to vote in 1920. Much has changed since then, but there are still things to fight for. Through time, women have been powerful activists. Cis and transgender women have paved the way. Let’s learn more about four women activists who might inspire you.

Marsha P. Johnson

Marsha “Pay It No Mind” Johnson is known as the leader of the Gay Pride movement. She was a Black transgender activist who was also a very successful drag queen. Marsha was a force behind the Stonewall Riots and a pioneer for LGBTQ rights. Along with Sylvia Rivera, she co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR). STAR provided shelter and other services to homeless LGBTQ people in Lower Manhattan.

Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde was a Black lesbian author and activist. She fought for civil rights through her essays, poems, and speeches. She began her career as a librarian for New York Public schools in the 1960s. Lorde became one of the most important writers in American history. She believed in that women are powerful and dangerous.

Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was a Brooklyn native and the first Black woman to be elected to congress. She was also the first Black woman to run for president. Chisholm was a bold feminist who did not shy away from topics like racism and sexism. People called her “Fighting Shirley”.

Miss Major Griffin-Gacy

Miss Major is a community leader and Stonewall veteran. She is a survivor of Attica State Prison and a former sex worker. Miss Major is a fierce advocate for girls and transgender women of color who have survived police brutality and prison. After more than 40 years of activism, Miss Major still has more to teach us about fighting back against the systems that harm us.

These women are just a handful of examples among thousands of leaders that have made a difference. We hope that you are inspired by those that are fighting for change. We all have the power to be activists in our own lives.

National Black Business Month is celebrated in August to uplift and appreciate Black-owned businesses across the nation. New York City has become a vital hub for Black entrepreneurs. We’re highlighting four businesses that you can support!

BYE GENDER TRANS SURVIVAL FUND

https://byegender.com/

Bye Gender is a community-based organization helping people of transgender experience thrive. The fund was founded by Jason Hill and Samuel Leon in 2012 to help provide funding for gender affirming surgeries. The organization raises funds by selling shirts, pins, stickers, and tattoos. Bye Gender also accepts donations of binders and menstrual cups! Now, Bye Gender helps fund rent relief for 10 different people every week.

HAPPY CORK

https://happy-cork.com/

Founded by Sunshine Foss in 2019, Happy Cork is a wine and spirits travel shop that highlights Black and minority-owned wine and spirits. They give a platform to underserved brands whilst catering to their surrounding community. Every single bottle that is sold has been tested by the team. Whatever your cravings may be, there is an option for you at an affordable price.

The Lit. Bar

http://www.thelitbar.com/

The Lit. Bar is a safe space for book lovers in the Bronx. This cozy shop doubles as a wine bar with a graffiti and chandelier theme. Created by Noëlle Santos in 2019, it fills a literary gap in the boogie down Bronx as the only independent bookstore in the borough. Come through and chill, read a few chapters, and find community.

Buy Better Foods

https://www.buybetterfoods.com/

Looking to turn your lifestyle around with better food options? Look no further than Buy Better Foods in Bed-Stuy. This health and wellness market was a dream that owner Miriam Simpierre brought to life for Brooklyn. It’s LGBTQ-owned, Black-owned, and woman-owned, meaning Buy Better Foods is a place where we are all welcomed. Shop online or in-person to show your support!

There are hundreds of Black-owned businesses in NYC that can fulfill all your shopping needs. Let’s continue to acknowledge and appreciate these businesses not just this month, but also throughout the year.

We love a good drag show and we’re not just talking about RuPaul’s Drag Race. In New York City, the art of drag has played a major role in defining queer culture and amplifying queer voices. Here are some spaces where you can marvel at the art of drag in the city.

HOUSE OF YES
Bushwick, Brooklyn

https://www.houseofyes.org/

One of the best places for drag as a viewer is the House of Yes. The House of Yes is messy, innovative, and political.  It’s truly performance art. That’s why this space is so unique. Attendee participation is encouraged here, so why just watch when you can participate!

HARDWARE BAR
Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan

https://www.hardware-bar.com/

Hardware Bar in Hell’s Kitchen offers friendly fun in an award-winning venue. This buzzy bar in an old hardware store sees folks pack in to watch nightly drag performances which are said to be the best line-ups in NYC. Catch jaw-dropping performances from brunch to late night.

BARRACUDA LOUNGE
Chelsea, Manhattan

https://www.instagram.com/barracudaloungenyc/?hl=en

Barracuda Lounge, known as the “founding mother of drag in NYC”. It’s one of the first queer venues to feature drag shows every night of the week. The vibrant shows have given big breaks to many RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants including Bob The Drag Queen, Peppermint, and Monét X Change. This classic gay lounge offers amazing acts, generous happy hours, and friendly bartenders in Chelsea.

INDUSTRY BAR
Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan

https://www.industry-bar.com/

Everyone who’s anyone must go see Queen on Thursdays at Industry Bar. Industry is a high-end club with performance standards to match expectations. Glittered with disco balls and paper lanterns, this bar features fabulous queens with their own radically different styles. Located in Hell’s Kitchen, Industry is a staple of drag art and culture.

Laurie Beechman Theatre
Midtown West, Manhattan

https://www.westbankcafe.com/laurie-beechman-theatre

Another venue that features the globe-trotting RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, The Laurie Beechman Theatre is where drag shows and dinner theater mix. It’s one of the most popular spots among the LGBTQ+ community in New York. Acts range from lip-syncing to teaching the history of drag. The Theatre provides upscale production value in an intimate dinner setting.

This list represents only a few of the hundreds of spaces where the art of drag is performed. There are spaces that can be found far and wide in New York City, each with its unique history. We encourage you to visit any of these spaces to truly understand the impact of drag culture on New York City and beyond.

New York City has always had a rich LGBT history to showcase. Whether it was the thriving gay neighborhoods of Greenwich Village or the up-and-coming drag scene in Bowery, LGBT culture is a part of the fabric of New York City. Here are some of the most iconic LGBT historical landmarks that are well worth your visit!

WOW Café Theatre
East Village
59-61 East 4th Street
Theater and Performance Center

https://www.wowcafe.org/

A stone’s throw away from the Astor Pal subway station in East Village, the WOW Cafe Theater is one of New York’s top destinations for women and/or transgender theater. Founded in 1980 by Lois Weaver and Peggy Shaw, WOW was central to the performance and theater scene in the mid 80s and continues to provide an intimate space to see shows featuring queer women, trans people of color, and more.

Audre Lorde Project
Brooklyn
85 S Oxford St,
LGBTQ Community Center

https://alp.org/

In the heart of the Wallabout neighborhood in Brooklyn, the Audre Lorde Project is a community organization for LGBTQ+ People of Color Communities. Named after Black lesbian writer, educator, and activist Audre Lorde, the project focuses on community wellness and nonviolent activism.

Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Brooklyn
90 Kent Ave
State Park

https://www.parks.ny.gov/parks/155/details.aspx

In the busy neighborhood of Williamsburg, along the East River, lies the Marsha P. Johnson State Park. The park is named after Black transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson, who was a key figure in the gay liberation movement after the Stonewall uprising. It is the first state park in New York to be named after an LGBT person. The park is free to enter and open to the public. It offers visitors a stunning river view of the Manhattan skyline with lots of space for picnics and relaxing.

Green-Wood Cemetery
Brooklyn
500 25th St
Cemetery

https://www.green-wood.com/

The Green Wood Cemetery is a national historic landmark founded in 1838. Today, the cemetery is an outdoor museum that tells the history and evokes the cultures of Brooklyn and its residents. It is the final resting place of many members of the LGBT community including Fred Ebb, Richard Isay, Paul Jabara and more. During the summer, it is the perfect place to see cherry blossoms in New York.

Washington Square United Methodist Church & Parish House
West Village
135 & 133 West 4th Street
Community Space

https://www.nyclgbtsites.org/site/washington-square-united-methodist-church-parish-house/

Washington Square United Methodist Church & Parish house was a meeting space for LGBT groups, including the Salsa Soul Sisters, Harvey Milk High School, and the Metropolitan Community Church of New York. The congregation of this former church was led by the pioneering, openly gay Reverend Paul Abels from 1973 to 1984. This church has also hosted important events in LGBT history, including an open community forum about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases which led to the formation of the Gay Men’s Health Project at the Liberation House.

Interested in exploring more of NYC’s LGBT history? Check out NYC LGBT Historic Site Project for more recommendations on sites that shaped American history and culture.

We combed the web to find the most highly rated, LGBTQ-friendly clubs and bars in New York City so that you don’t have to. Adapted from the master list of transgender-friendly venues created by CDI NYC, here are five highly-rated hangouts to explore!

The Stonewall Inn
West Village
53 Christopher St
Gay Bar

https://thestonewallinnnyc.com/

We can’t share a list of the best LGBTQ bars and clubs in NYC without mentioning the legendary Stonewall Inn! A National Historic Landmark, Stonewall truly has it all. Whether you are looking for gag worthy drag or piano bar drama, you really can’t go wrong spending your weekend with the friendly staff and patrons at Stonewall.

Nurse Bettie
Lower East Side
106 Norfolk St
Cocktail Bar

http://www.nursebettie.com/

Next on the list, Nurse Bettie! The vibe is sexy and refined in this Bettie Page-themed bar. With the longest running weekly burlesque show in NYC, indoor and outdoor seating, and happy hour until 7PM every day, Nurse Bettie is the bar of our dreams.

Happyfun Hideaway
Brooklyn
1211 Myrtle Ave
Dive Bar/Gay Bar

https://www.facebook.com/HappyfunHideaway/

Honestly, who doesn’t love a tiki bar? Highly rated for being welcoming to the LGBTQ community, you should check out Happyfun Hideaway. The name really says it all, Happyfun Hideaway is a good vibes dive bar that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a little queer oasis.

Paradise Club
Hell’s Kitchen
20 Times Square
Nightclub

https://theparadiseclubnyc.com/

Paradise Club, brought to us from the great mind of Studio 54’s Ian Schrager, is described as “inventive” and “chaotic” – sounds fun! Go for the fancy food and incredible performances, stay for the sexy atmosphere and energetic crowd. If you’re looking for a fantasy to enjoy with your friends and you have a little extra money to spend, Paradise Club is a must.

Pyramid Club
East Village
101 Avenue A
Nightclub

https://www.instagram.com/thepyramidclub/?hl=en

Last but not least, Pyramid Club! This East Village staple opened in 1979 and became a haven for folks in the drag, goth, punk, and art scenes during its 43-year history. After almost closing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pyramid Club is open again and waiting for you!

Interested in more options than what we have included in this list? Check out CDI NYC’s NYC Trans Guide for more bars and nightclubs, recommendations about when to arrive, and details about what to expect when you visit.

A true concrete jungle with events at every hour, New York City’s fast paced environment sometimes feels overwhelming. For many, taking a walk or playing a sport outdoors can help calm those feelings. Here are some of the best outdoor spaces around New York that will help you relax and recharge:

McCarren Park
Brooklyn

https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/mccarren-park

If playing sports is your way to recharge, then McCarren Park is the place for you. In the heart of the Williamsburg neighborhood, this pet friendly park is the site of endless games of soccer, baseball, handball, tennis, and more. On the weekends, you’ll find the park filled with family BBQs and community gatherings that are sure to liven up your spirits.

Central Park
Manhattan

https://www.centralparknyc.org/

A park that needs no introduction. Spanning over 843 acres, Central Park is the perfect place for those looking to seek comfort in nature. With stunning views including the Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Fountain, and the Bow Bridge, a day out at Central Park fills the heart up with joy.

Washington Square Park
Manhattan

https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park

With all the energy of New York, Washington Square Park is a playground for artists, a battleground for chess enthusiasts, and a meeting spot for university students in the city. There’s a place for everyone including your pets! Make sure to visit this park on the weekend, you are certain to find your niche here.

High Line
Manhattan

https://www.thehighline.org/

Runners rejoice! The highline provides 1.45 miles of solitude with a sprinkling of New York’s industrial history and beauty. The High Line is a masterpiece of urban development dotted with public art, greenery, and some of the best views in the city. Here you will find a rare opportunity to be above the noise and hustle of a big city. A must visit!

Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn

https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/

One of the most iconic sites of New York is the Brooklyn Bridge and this treasure of a park offers breathtaking views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. You can do everything here from basketball to bird watching and roller skating to running. Brooklyn Bridge Park is truly a playground for people of all ages.

These parks made our list of must visit outdoor places in NYC, but there are hundreds of other facilities that offer other unique opportunities. You can use the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation website to discover them.