Richard L. Zaldivar has been on the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDs in the latino and LGBTQ community. His non-profit, The Wall Las Memorias Project, is making important social impacts in Los Angeles, California. Under the project, Richard and team were able to create the nation’s first publicly funded AIDs monument in the US., the first ever AIDs awareness day at the Dodger’s stadium, and they are a strong advocate in the fight against crystal meth. 

TAKEAWAYS:

[3:00] A little bit about The Wall Las Memorias Project

[4:00] There was so much stigma about HIV back in 1983. Richard has worked hard to change that. 

[4:15] What were some of the challenges LGBTQ Latinos experienced?

[6:20] What is the monument that The Wall Las Memorias Project built and why was this so important to the Latino community? 

[7:30] Anyone anywhere in the world can submit a name to the wall. You don’t have to be Latino.

[8:30] A lot of LGBTQ communities shy away from faith or religious aspects, but Richard was purposeful in including it. 

[9:45] So many Latinos have been broken by religious discrimination. 

[10:30] In the very early days of the Project, Richard had a catholic priest serve on the board. A lot of members were upset about this. 

[14:00] Richard shares a little bit about his background and how he knew that this work was his path. 

[17:00] Meth drug abuse has been rampant in LA communities. 

[21:40] So many LGBTQ members feel disrespected whenever they walk into a treatment clinic. 

[24:20] You have to have a holistic approach when it comes to these communities. Many therapists and drug rehab specialists are not trained on these subtle nuances. 

[27:10] Richard is concerned about HIV support staff. They’re understaffed and on the verge of burnout. 

RESOURCES: 

Thewalllasmemorias.org/home

About Richard

QUOTES: 

• “We’ve been able to build an organization that addresses not only the LGBTQ community, but also the latino community, and underserved communities in the areas of HIV, substance use, mental health prevention, and community and leadership development.” 
• “I’m a recovering alcoholic so spirituality was already there, but I had a tremendous faith in my God that never left me.” 
• “In LA, we’re looking at increases of Fentanyl and Meth, which becomes deadly. A number of folks have died from that. The issue is very complex and political.”