Our History

In 1989, under the revolutionary leadership of founder David Acosta, GALAEI (the Gay and Lesbian AIDS Education Initiative) opened its doors. Galaei was founded to confront the pain, hurt, and fear resulting from the loss of LGBTQ+ Latinx lives to the HIV/AIDS crisis. The call to action for advocacy, resources, and education was not a request, but an urgent necessity. Galaei met the needs of the time, but new challenges demand new approaches, and Galaei has evolved. In 2020 Galaei began the crucial search for a new permanent executive director. It was imperative that new leadership continue the important racial and social justice work of our elders and ancestors, and evolve Galaei to meet the new needs of our communities.