LGBTQ+ Programs

Since it was founded to specifically address women’s issues, Iris House has had a long history of addressing the needs of lesbians and bisexual women as part of its ongoing women’s support programs.  However, within the last few years, we have broadened our scope of services to provide programs specifically geared toward these populations as well as gay men and the broader LGBT spectrum.

B.U. (Build Up) Program - LGBT individuals of color, who are at high risk for HIV/STD/HCV infection who may feel isolated or face barriers that prevent them from receiving comprehensive health and human services. The program is designed to meet essential health, behavioral and housing needs withing these communities. The programs provide Educational Wellness Workshops, Chat & Chew Sessions focused on eating healthy, Housing Workshops, weekly “Breaking the Silence” support group, navigation services community engagements, referrals and uses social media (Facebook & Instagram) to deliver prevention messages and updates on program services and events.

iZone (Men Who Sleep with Men) - iZone, is designed to give men who identify as gay or bisexual with a safe space to talk about their issues and concerns and provides a place to talk about safer sex practices and other issues that may not come up in discussions with friends and family. Ted Talks are also provided as part of the Build Up (BU) program focused on mental health, substance use, harm reduction and coping mechanisms with peer support.

Social Network Strategy - A program for LGBTQ Youth (13 - 24) who are HIV negative or of unknown status through implementation of a social media and community relationship based program. By utilizing the strategy, the aim is to identify and test those individuals within a certain social network; provide linkage navigation and linkage to care and for referrals to prevention services.

To learn more about any of these programs, please contact Ofelia Barrios, Senior Director of Community Health Initiatives at (646) 548-0100 Ext. 306 or [email protected].