It is without a doubt that now, more than ever, visibility, empowerment, and community is what is needed for the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County, and even more so through a public health lens. Leading the efforts is the 50-year legacy of the LGBTQ Center of OC, one of the oldest gay and lesbian community centers in the United States. The Center is a non-profit community-based organization with the mission to advocate on behalf of Orange County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning communities as well as to provide services that ensure its well-being and positive identity.
UC Irvine Master of Public Health Student, Manuel Antunez, chose to complete his practicum site project with the Center, as he also serves as its full-time Transgender Service Coordinator. “I am aware that my community (LGBTQ+) experiences high levels of health disparities due to factors such as stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to quality healthcare,” states Antunez. “I am passionate about advocating for the LGBTQ+ community through the Center’s programming and resources.”
Antunez chose the UC Irvine MPH degree program because he felt like it equipped graduates with comprehensive skills and knowledge needed to excel as public health professionals. The program has offered him a selection of diverse courses, facilitates completion of the Certified in Public Health Exam (CPH), and provides opportunities to develop public health competencies through practical experiences, such as access to more than 75 practicum sites. The practicum program is meant to expose the graduate students to experiences that will prepare them to thrive in their chosen field.
I’ve been fortunate to be able to bring a lot of new ideas to the Center, but I believe my most significant contribution is being able to improve the health and well-being of my community through our health insurance access network called Linkage to Care Program.”
– Manuel Antunez, MPH ’23
Within his role, Antunez takes on numerous responsibilities, including serving as health navigator, community liaison, health educator, and event planner, among other duties.
“I’ve been fortunate to be able to bring a lot of new ideas to the Center, but I believe my most significant contribution is being able to improve the health and well-being of my community through our health insurance access network called Linkage to Care Program, Antunez said. “We’ve been able to connect affirming healthcare providers to LGBTQ+ community members, thereby increasing health literacy and empowering them to take charge of their own well-being.”
Recognizing the importance of sustainability, Manuel and his director, Ana Marson, are developing a reliable vetting process that will enable them to expand their resource list of providers. This initiative ensures that the LGBTQ+ community has access to inclusive and supportive healthcare services, leading to positive outcomes for their overall health and well-being.
Manuel looks forward to his ongoing journey of learning and striving to make a lasting impact on the public health of his community. Following his graduation, he is committed to further expanding his network and fostering collaboration with various stakeholders and community partners. Together, he expects that the collective efforts will enhance visibility and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community of Orange County. He strongly believes in the need of increasing the focus on public health and advocating for preventive measures. Prepared with the valuable tools provided by UCI’s MPH program, he feels empowered to implement his initiatives and create meaningful change within his community. By utilizing his knowledge and skills, he aspires to contribute to the advancement of public health and work towards a healthier and more equitable future for his community.
