Krishna Stone, GMHC’s indefatigable Community Relations Director, believes that educating New Yorkers on our clients’ needs fosters the connections that ultimately strengthen our community. “A lot of what I do is storytelling so that people better understand our work and the HIV and AIDS epidemic,” says Stone. “Sometimes these moments happen serendipitously and sometimes it’s me out doing the work. I love to network!”
In one serendipitous moment, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal — who has been a longtime GMHC supporter in the state legislature — arranged for Stone to speak at NYC’s World AIDS Day event in December, which she helped to organize. When Hoylman-Sigal arrived, the NYC Health Department had just presented its annual HIV Surveillance Report, which indicated a 5.4% rise in new HIV diagnoses, and highlighted stark racial and ethnic disparities. Stone alerted Hoylman-Sigal to the concerning news and connected him with the Health Department, who had broken out the data by borough.
Along with local elected officials, Stone mobilizes the philanthropic and business communities, and media to support our clients. Last December, for instance, she spoke to the Gay Officers Action League-NY (GOAL-NY) about our clients’ needs during winter months, which inspired them to hold a holiday clothing drive. GMHC distributed several hundred pairs of much-needed gloves, beanies, socks, and toiletries to clients, thanks to that relationship.
Corporations and LBGTQ+ employee resource groups who learn about GMHC clients’ needs are often motivated to donate and volunteer for core programs like Meals and Nutrition. On May 17, employee affinity groups teamed up for AIDS Walk New York to support GMHC’s services. It’s a powerful way to reach New Yorkers who want to help.