HF Commemorate NLAAD at Repertorio Español

In observance of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), the Hispanic Federation hosted a free theater performance at Repertorio Español for more than 100 Latino New Yorkers.  Chosen for its anti-homophobic message, Indiosyncrasy tells the emotional journey of Nene who, raised with a “machista” cultural ideology, is faced with repressed facets of his identity.  Nene is struggling to find himself in a world that wants him to be one thing or another.  He’s trying to be a good husband and father, but is also exploring his bisexuality.  In a desperate attempt to understand himself, he leaves his wife and two children and falls into drug addiction.  Indiosyncrasy underlines the emotional battle of homophobia, stereotypes, heterosexism, and loss.

After the show, the performer, Indio Melendez and Roy Cosme of Arcos Communications led a question and answer period for the audience.   Audience members expressed support for the work and a universal concern that Indiosyncrasy’s message must reach Latino youth and their parents. Audience members shared personal anecdotes supporting Department of Health studies that point to homophobia as one of the contributing factors to the New York HIV epidemic.  Created by the Latino Commission on AIDS and the Hispanic Federation nine years ago, NLAAD was commemorated this year in more than 100 cities across the nation. For more info on NLAAD, please go to www.nlaad.org.