In recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia observance (May 17), this special HIV Matters town hall forum will explore homophobia as a driver of HIV transmission among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) around the world. Learn what’s being done here in Los Angeles to address homophobia and HIV both locally and globally; ask questions of leading experts; and find out how you can be a part of the movement.

The evening will include presentations by George Ayala, Executive Officer of the Global Forum on MSM and HIV; Tom Coates, M.D., Director of the UCLA Program in Global Health; Raphael Landovitz, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCLA Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease; Jennifer Sayles, M.D., Medical Director for the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health’s Office of AIDS Programs and Policy (OAPP); and Kengi Carr, an HIV-positive Los Angeles community activist. OAPP Director Mario Perez will moderate.

A reception begins at 6:15 pm. Panel presentations, followed by a Q & A, will begin at 7:00 pm.