Brazilian, Portuguese and Latino callers in drag will lead a colorful “Drag Bingo” game at the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers’ (MAPS’) Framingham Office, 24 Union Ave., Suites 8-10, on Sunday, March 14 from 3-6 pm. The event, sponsored by the MAPS Siliga (Boston/Framingham) and Ambiente Latino programs, is open to the public. There is a suggested $2 per person donation to play Drag Bingo.
Siliga and Ambiente Latino are run by “Core Groups” of Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking gay/bisexual men from the community with the support of paid staff. The programs use fun and entertaining social, cultural and sports events and activities that allow men to get together and meet new people in a safe environment.
“Through these events, we incorporate positive messages to empower men and help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections,” said Gabriel Roncancio, the Spanish-speaking Men’s Health Educator with the Ambiente Latino program.
Washington Ramos, the Brazilian Men’s Health Educator with the Siliga program, said the events allow Core Group members to share a variety of valuable information with men in a comfortable setting. “We teach them about sexual health, safe protection methods, and how to communicate with partners and friends about safer sex,” he said.
Participants can also be referred to other services that they may need, such as health insurance enrollment, HIV testing, and more. The men’s health programs are supported by funding from the state Dept. of Public Health. For more information, please call the Framingham Office at (508) 872-2652.
