EquAsian

Welcome to EquAsian

EquAsian is a project for young men who have sex with men who identify with Asian and Pacific Islander (API) or hapa (mixed) heritage. We are here to support young guys who identify as gay, downe, bisexual, bi-curious, queer, and guys who have sexual desire or attraction toward other men (or YMSM) in making healthier decisions when it comes to sex.

*Gay, downe, bisexual, bi-curious, and queer are different words and identities that people choose for themselves. YMSM stands for Young Men who have Sex with Men.

EquAsian MISSION STATEMENT

YMSM Youth Leaders are committed to providing the A&PI (Asian & Pacific Islander) community – especially YMSM – with the best information and resources to protect themselves. Our aim is to develop collaborations and coalitions within the A&PI community to provide HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention services and help A&PI YMSM access health and wellness information confidently and confidentially.

ABOUT THE EquAsian YOUTH LEADERS

We are a group of young people that outreach to the public and specifically to A&PI YMSM. We are young people under the age of 22 and of diverse A&PI ethnic backgrounds. As YMSM peer counselors, we share compassion, motivation, and a desire to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Services through Equasian

Street SMART

Street SMART is a fun and informative workshop series for young gay/bi/transgender/queer/questioning men, 24 or under.

Here are three reasons why you should attend:

• You’ll get a better understanding of the connection between your emotions, thoughts, and actions, enabling you to get a better handle on your life (i.e. career, school, personal relationships, sex, drugs, etc.)
• You get to go to a fun summer retreat if you complete the series!
• You'll be eligible to become a Youth Leader at APICHA through the YMSM Project and help other young queer people learn about HIV and empower them to stay safer!

EquAsian

EquAsian is a weekly social and health educational group for Asian and Pacific Islander YMSM and their allies (ages 14-24). It is for young people, by young people. It is a place where young and queer API’s can come together and share their experiences. EquAsian meets every Friday starting at 6p.m. (Note: This schedule is subject to change. E-mail ymsm@apicha.org to be added to our listserv and get updates.)

Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/equasian

Outreaches

You can find us in a neighborhood near you! YMSM Youth Leaders are dedicated to reaching all A&PI communities in the immediate NYC area, covering all 5 boroughs, as well as various locations in Long Island and New Jersey.

During outreaches we:

• Distribute Free Safer Sex Kits*
• Refer A&PI GBTQQ young people for free and confidential HIV testing and counseling at APICHA
• Engage people in conversations about safer sex and health awareness and wellness

*During our street outreaches, Safer Sex Kits (SSKs) are readily on hand, which contain: Condom(s), Lube, and info on our project. The SSKs also have information on HIV/AIDS, HIV rapid testing, and the different services YMSM Project offers. If you have suggestions or would like to recommend an A&PI community for future outreaches please contact us.

Presentations

YMSM Youth Leaders are constantly creating informative, discussion-based educational sessions available for schools, conferences, and trainings. Here are some of the presentations we have offered this year:

• HIV 101
• ABCs of STDs
• Negotiation and Communication
• Gender Identity 101

For more information or to book a presentation, please contact us at ymsm@apicha.org.

HIV Testing

We also offer free and rapid HIV testing through YMSM! Get your results in 20 minutes. It’s completely confidential, and you get a $20 Movie Theater Gift Card when you get tested!* To make an appointment, call us at 1-866-APICHA-9 (1-866-274-2429).

*Gift Cards will be offered while supplies last. Please ask the counselor when making the appointment.