I am the Commission: Daniel Leyva and his belief that people listen to their religious leaders when they talk about HIV education and prevention.
Daniel Leyva is the Director of the Latino Religious Leadership Project, an initiative of the Commission that has provides HIV education and prevention to churches in New York City. Daniel originally from Mexico City. Later in life, he studied Pastoral Care and Counseling at the Blanton Peale Institute of New York City, because he believed that this discipline, combining with body, mind and soul wellness/wholeness, can really benefit people who live under high levels of stress. When he is not at work or studying, he is playing the guitar, knitting, cooking or playing chess in a small league.
 Many Latinos are Catholic and this faith promotes abstinence. Do you find this right or wrong?
 While Many Latinos and Latinas describe themselves as Roman Catholics, it is also true that other Christian and non – Christian denominations are seen increasing numbers of Latinos and Latinas joining them. I would say that the Latino Communities have deep spiritual and religious roots, regardless of the tradition of faith they subscribe to. Many denominations, other than Roman Catholicism promote abstinence as well. It is not up to me to pass judgment over a particular teaching of a particular group. All I can say is that, as Health Educator, my job is to provide enough information that combined with the options that members of the community receive in other social spheres (like communities of faith) can give the individual enough material to think and make an informed decision regarding how they want to live their lives. The task at hand is to help our communities to think critically.
How effective are churches when it comes to sex education? Do people listen to the priest when he goes from a spirituality issue to talk about STDs and HIV?
First, I would say it is a mistake to place all the communities of faith in a “one size fits all” kind of box. Communities of faith are very diverse and this diversity includes different approaches around sex and sexuality. I should also say that, traditionally- communities of faith are no focused exclusively on “spirituality issues”; communities of faith are focused on wellness and wholeness, both spiritual and material, and bring to the table issues of social justice that include poverty, immigration, human rights , hunger, among others. From this point of view, I can say that the community is very receptive to the messages that come from their spiritual leaders, including those that may be considered difficult topics, like Sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, drug and alcohol use and domestic violence. One common denominator among communities of faith –regardless of the denomination or tradition they subscribe to- is that they all seek the wellbeing of the community.
As one of the oldest employees working at the commission, what moments in your work here are the most memorable?
There are several important moments that have a very special place in my heart. I have worked closely with wonderful individuals at the Latino Commission on AIDS, some of them have passed away, some others have accomplished great things in their lives, and some of them are still part of our family. On September 11, the first person I called after I learned about the attacks to the World Trade Center was Dennis deLeon. His calming voice and practical approach helped me tremendously in a time of such confusion. Working close to people like Guillermo Chacon, Miriam Vega, Carlos Maldonado, Maria Luisa Miranda or Karan Itwaru, among others, for such a long time has certainly impacted my life in the most positive way and continues making me a better person every day. I am just grateful to the Latino Commission on AIDS’ family for allowing me to grow here.
You have lived in many cities around the world. Which cities were there and which ones will you leave New York City for?
“There is no place like home” said Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. New York is being home for awhile and I love NY very much. Barcelona and Vancouver are probably the cleanest urban centers I have seen in my life, possibly two of the most desirable cities to live in, but none compares to New York City. In short, my first choice is still New York City.
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