Since its inception in 1991, Aguilas has impacted the life of over one thousand members, and given Latino men alternate hang-outs to bars and nightclubs. Originally, most of the events were BBQs or camping trips. However, as the AIDS epidemic spread in San Francisco, Aguilas saw a need for services outside the social umbrella.

El Ambiente is Aguilas’ HIV prevention service, which offers individual and couples counseling to both HIV positive and negative men in English and Spanish. Volunteer Coordinator Eric Arguello says, “We’ve all heard that condoms are a must in our day in age, but the numbers of infected Latinos are alarming.” In his fifteen year of involvement with the agency, Eric noticed that the practice of unsafe sex in many cases is a sign of low self-esteem. “Our self-empowerment model is key in helping our members overcome feelings of doubt and inferiority,” states Eric.

The quaint and welcoming Aguilas office at 1800 Market Street also houses their Skill Building workshops, which include dance classes, career development, technology training, and even mask making. Most of their workshops are produced by their volunteers and sometimes exceed thirty members in attendance.

Although the agency’s earlier members were mainly second, or later generation Latinos, the increase of Spanish speaking immigrants created a demand for bilingual services. Eric says, “The English and Spanish groups have different concerns, but at Aguilas, they can learn how much they share in common.”

For donations or to get involved, visit www.sfaguilas.org.

Who is Belo Cipriani?

Belo Cipriani is the award-winning author of Blind: A Memoir and Midday Dreams, a spokesperson for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the career expert for the Ed Baxter Show on Talk Radio San Francisco 910AM. You are invited to connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and  YouTube.

Logo from SFAguilas.org

During a late night phone chat with my friend Flor, we both got on the topic of Latinos and blindness. Equally annoyed with the constant attempts at being “saved” by our people, we both brain stormed possible causes for this behavior. As blind writers, we could not really dive very deep into anthropology, sociology or psychology, but we were able to criticize Spanish novelas.

“It’s those freakin’ novelas!” I told her in an agitated tone. She agreed and began to list various examples of characters in novelas that became blind but mysteriously get their sight back – offering the viewer the unrealistic notion that no one stays blind. We both agreed to do something about it; Flor would start a Spanish blog where she would talk about being Latina, a mom, and blind. My project was to write a Spanish novela that portrays realistic depictions of the blind.

My project which I am currently calling “Lo Que Mira El Amor” is still in its infancy and may take longer than expected to finish.

A few months ago I was asked by PG&E to be their keynote speaker for Hispanic Heritage month. My novella may be months or years away from completion, yet I’m pleased that I don’t have to wait that long to start engaging Latinos in dialogue about disabilities. “Insights: the Differences That Make Us All Similar” is taking place today Wednesday, September 28th 2011 at 5:30pm in the PG&E auditorium 77 Beale Street, San Francisco CA.

***Belo Cipriani is a freelance writer, speaker, and the author of Blind: A Memoir. Learn more at belocipriani.com.
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