People see me as an advocate for others because I participate in Cycle for the Cause, The Center’s Northeast AIDS Ride. Recently, I was contacted by a friend looking for assistance for someone newly diagnosed with HIV. I referred the young man to The Center, where he was paired with a caseworker and received the attention and care he needed. There is a lot of support here, and the more I’m connected to The Center, the more I’m able to speak to it.

Cycle for the Cause is my way of giving back to the community. It’s a chance to meet people from different backgrounds and hear their stories about how they’ve gone through life as LGBTQ or how they’ve dealt with living with HIV. Not everyone has the same story—different paths are taken, but coming to The Center brings it all home.

We must have each other’s backs all year long. We are all in the same boat. With cutbacks to HIV funding, increased homophobia and violence against the trans community, we must make sure we express our support and love for each other.

Proudly,
Ahmed

Your generosity this holiday season celebrates friends of The Center, like Ahmed, and supports all of our life-enhancing services. Thank you!