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.

Just for Us - A program for African American and Latina Lesbian adolescents ages 13+ and adults who are HIV-negative or positive.  The program provides outreach, ongoing education, HIV Counseling, Testing, and Partner Services; STI/HCV Screening, Supportive Counseling, and Referrals to substance use and mental health services are offered by this program.

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 provides group level interventions (Monthly Workshops & Vocational Skills Building Trainings), community engagements, referrals and uses social media (FaceBook & Intstagram) to deliver prevention messages and updates on program services and events.

iZONE - This program, which is centered around a drop-in center and informal programs on alternating Thursdays, provides a safe space for young and adolescent gay or bisexual men to have a safe, non-sexualized space to discuss issues of concern to them, connect them to care and provide access to services such as housing, mental health, job assistance and education programs.

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].