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Check out MTV Staying Alive’s very own Sarah Fulton with this article on Francisco Ramirez, an individual who she feels is one of the true leaders in HIV awareness/prevention.
The first time I met Francisco at MTV Staying Alive’s Vox Pop shoot, I was immediately captured by his kindness that seemed to emanate from his smile but was also simultaneously impressed by his Type-A business approach. The man had done his research, as the good Columbia University graduate he is. Not only did Francisco do his homework on the entire Staying Alive campaign, but he also brought with him copies of the most relevant HIV statistics to date for each of us. When we sat down in a quick script reading, he completely out-rehearsed me in line delivery, charisma, humor, and star-power. This is why he goes in front of the camera, and I should stay behind it!
I was very pleasantly surprised by Francisco’s humble demeanor as I had been informed, prior to our meeting that he was a global HIV and sexual health consultant at the United Nations with six languages under his belt (including Mandarin, Portuguese and American Sign Language!?) and had worked all over the world in countries including: Afghanistan, Thailand, Kenya, Nepal, Italy, Hungary and Mexico. UNAIDS, UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, UN Department of Safety and Security and other UN departments with really long, official-sounding names have sent him all over the world to facilitate trainings of trainers for UN personnel on HIV-related issues.
In addition to being an award-winning scholar and HIV expert at the UN, Francisco began offering “Free Advice on Relationships, Sex & Dating” to passersby in New York City parks and streets in 2008. The response has been tremendous and people now make appointments with Francisco to listen to his perspective. Francisco sees everyone from teens to adults and people as senior as age 80+ in the parks. He does not accept tips or donations of any kind—his work in the parks is entirely in the spirit of volunteerism.
Watching Francisco work his above-mentioned magic in East Harlem, one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in New York City was remarkable to say the least. His “Free Advice” expertise proved quite apparent in our filming of the Vox Pop as he was truly able to connect with people from a vast variety of backgrounds and make them feel at ease, while also motivating them to critically think about their problems and guiding them to their own reflective conclusions.
His trademark seemed to be a fresh, balanced, hilarious, and non-judgmental perspective. Our street interviews could have been a complete disaster given Spanish Harlem’s bold personalities and rugged reputation, but Francisco’s swagger charmed everyone. What else would you expect from a consultant at the United Nations whose ideal Friday night is dinner from a 6th Avenue taco truck, poetry slams, karaoke, and rounds of Dance Dance Revolution in Chinatown? (That’s a direct quote by the way.) I now wouldn’t expect ANYTHING less!
To have a visual of what I am trying to illustrate in this article, check out the sneak preview from our Vox Pop, (Which is coming soon), of Francisco giving all the excuses in the book for not having safer sex:
http://www.vimeo.com/15635223What do you think? Francisco is a global health consultant drop him a question in the comment box below and we’ll get him to answer it…
And FUNNY haha. Looking forward to seeing more of you.
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