GMHC

08/17/2026

ICYMI: Over 4 decades ago, GMHC hosted a historic, sold-out benefit performance of the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus, featuring Patti LuPone .

That night, 17,600 people showed up to Madison Square Garden in NYC to unite under one roof to take action.

***rhistory

08/13/2026

JUST ANNOUNCED: A ⭐️ is coming your way, FIP!

Join us this weekend at the Pines Club for a special limited-time archival exhibition honoring the legacy of Fire Island and the community that changed q***r history and herstory.

With special performances on SAT 8/15 from the star of RuPaul's Drag Race S17 & All Stars S11 Sam Star ★ 🤩 You do not want to miss this free event!

08/11/2026

Today is GMHC’s Founders Day. 🧡

On August 11, 1981, 80 people gathered in Larry Kramer’s Manhattan apartment as a new health crisis was emerging within the gay community. People were getting sick and dying, but there was little information, little support, and few places to turn. So they came together and built the world’s first HIV and AIDS service organization.

That gathering became the foundation for GMHC, established by our six founders: Nathan Fain, Larry Kramer, Larry Mass, Paul Popham, Paul Rapoport, and Edmund White.

Without the work of our founders who fostered the community that built GMHC from the ground up, we would not be where we are today. Today, we’re reflecting on the work of our founders and their courage to step up when no one else did.

More than 40 years later, our community’s needs have changed. But our commitment hasn’t. GMHC will always be here to show up, provide care and support, fight stigma, and advocate for the people and communities we serve.

08/11/2026

Today is GMHC’s Founders Day. 🧡

On August 11, 1981, 80 people gathered in Larry Kramer’s Manhattan apartment as a new health crisis was emerging within the gay community. People were getting sick and dying, but there was little information, little support, and few places to turn. So they came together and built the world’s first HIV and AIDS service organization.

That gathering became the foundation for GMHC, established by our six founders: Nathan Fain, Larry Kramer, Larry Mass, Paul Popham, Paul Rapoport, and Edmund White.

Without the work of our founders who fostered the community that built GMHC from the ground up, we would not be where we are today. Today, we’re reflecting on the work of our founders and their courage to step up when no one else did.

More than 40 years later, our community’s needs have changed. But our commitment hasn’t. GMHC will always be here to show up, provide care and support, fight stigma, and advocate for the people and communities we serve.

Read more:

August 11, 1981. That was the day when Dr. Larry Mass and his friend Larry Kramer, the late writer and activist, summoned everyone they knew for an emergency meeting about the mysterious and frightening new diseases killing gay men.

08/08/2026

Category is: Know Your History 🏆

Before the Latex Ball, there was the House of Latex Project.

In the late ’80s and early ’90s, HIV/AIDS was devastating the House & Ballroom community. When the systems around them failed them, leaders within Ballroom went looking for ways to protect their houses and save lives.

Working together with GMHC, they created something rooted in Ballroom & HIV/AIDS prevention: the House of Latex. Why Latex? Condoms.

The House of Latex brought education, prevention, support, and resources directly into Ballroom spaces.

And from that, the Latex Ball was born in 1993.

More than just a Ball, it became a place where celebration, remembrance, creativity and community care could exist side by side while also connecting to HIV/AIDS prevention and resources that could save lives.

More than 30 years later, the celebration continues — and so does the work.

We all have a role in carrying forward the work that began with the House of Latex and what the Latex Ball has always stood for: celebrating Ballroom, remembering those we’ve lost, sharing knowledge, connecting the community to care, and looking out for one another.

As we come together for this year’s Latex Ball, let’s continue that legacy. ❤️

08/04/2026

From the earliest days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the fashion community has been at the forefront of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2007, GMHC’s Fashion Forward was born.

Through the power of creativity and compassion, we rallied the industry to raise public awareness and galvanize fundraising efforts to support GMHC’s lifesaving services. The annual event was hosted by Tim Gunn and gathered New Yorkers from all walks of life for an evening cocktail reception with silent auction, followed by a runway show. While Fashion Forward came to a halt in 2012 due to Hurricane Sandy, the impact and legacy of this event still carries on.

🎥: GMHC Fashion Forward in 2008

08/03/2026

This , we’re spotlighting trailblazers and pioneers who fearlessly paved the path forward for our community 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

From the very first trans trailblazers who were on the frontlines of the fight that sparked the LGBTQ+ rights movement, to the leaders of today, breaking barriers and advancing their communities, their stories remind us that progress is built by people who dare to challenge injustice, create community, and fight for a more inclusive world.

At GMHC, we are committed to providing safe, affirming, and non-judgmental spaces for trans, gender nonconforming, and non-binary people (TGNCNB) through comprehensive care services and targeted programs to address the needs of TGNCNB people.

Trans joy is power. Trans joy is resilience. ❤️

07/30/2026

We all have a role to play in driving progress forward to end HIV and AIDS. The first step in that fight starts with prevention, can I get an “Amen”? Thank you Michelle Visage for helping us spread this important message ❤️

GMHC offers a variety of prevention programs and provides free & confidential testing, treatment, and care services for people ages 18+ who need it.
✅No income requirements.
✅No insurance needed.
✅No one turned away.

🔗 Learn more: https://gmhc.org/services/prevention-community-health/

07/28/2026

This is your SIGN🪧 to get TESTED💉!

This , we’re here to remind you that because hepatitis B and C can be spread in some of the same ways as HIV, people living with HIV are at a higher risk of co-infection. According to HIV.gov, nearly 75% of people living with HIV who report a history of injection drug use are also infected with Hepatitis C.

Get access to FREE and confidential testing at the GMHC Testing Center. By appointment only Monday-Wednesday and walk-ins available on Thursdays and Fridays.

To schedule an appointment, visit: https://gmhc.org/services/hiv-sti-testing-appointment-scheduler/

📸: GMHC archives, Clara Hung, Steven Rodrigues

07/28/2026

Our work is built by the very culture we serve. ♥️
We loved cheering on GMHC’s own Luna Luis Ortiz aka Luna Kahn as a guest judge at !

It is incredible to see a two-time Ballroom Hall of Famer, Icon, and pioneer for HIV prevention in the Ballroom scene representing the community alongside this glorious and talented cast! 🏆

pictured: Sydney James Harcourt, Junior Labeija, Marcus D. Rocio, Krishna Stone, Luna Luis Ortiz and Tempress” Chasity Moore.