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REACHistory

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REACH LA (founded in 1992) is a Los Angeles based organization aimed at providing HIV/AIDS testing, prevention, education, and treatment. The original audience of the organization was primarily women of color. Throughout the early 1990s, the organization used alcohol free dances as locations for learning opportunities for youth. In the early 2000s, REACH began to focus on media and art, specifically film. Youth involved in their programs wrote, directed, and filmed short videos that were entered into festivals like Fusion (a film festival for LGBT people of color).

        In 2006, there was a distinct shift in the organization's focus. Black Queer folk became the primary population REACH served, still focusing on HIV testing and prevention. Many of REACH LA’s new community members were involved in the drag ball scene; REACH saw this subculture as an opportunity to connect with their new community. In 2006, REACH LA hosted the first Ovahness Ball. Admission was $5, and free HIV testing and counseling were provided. Ovahness has become an annual event, and recently threw its 10th Anniversary Ball. Now, admission is $40, or attendants can get tested for HIV and are admitted for free. REACH LA now focuses on the black queer male community as their principal demographic.

This page has paths:

  1. Intro [Introduction] Promise Li
  2. ReachLA Margaret Mather

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