Adult GLBT Services
CONNECT
AIDS Community Resources’ connection to men who have sex with men (MSM), helps build a stronger, smarter, and safer MSM community. CONNECT provides answers and support for GLBT adults; conducts seminars to empower members of the MSM community.
CONNECT arranges HIV testing; provides counseling and therapy for MSM, Questioning, Bisexual, and men on the “down low”; offers support groups for HIV+ and HIV- MSM; and conducts diversity training workshops.
The CONNECT project wants MSM to experience life to the fullest, with programs that help MSM live, laugh, learn and stay safe.
- Low self-esteem leads to risky behavior
- Isolation can create emotional pain
- Living in the closet can be dangerous to your health
- Positive self-esteem is healthy
- Safety satisfies
- MSMs can connect in multiple safe ways
CONNECT holds numerous events in the Mohawk Valley, Central and Northern New York, to bring the MSM community together and disseminate information about safer sex practices and strategies to reduce the spread of HIV and STDs. CONNECT’s Brothers to Brothers program is conducted by and for African American MSM and promotes safer sex practices and strategies to reduce the spread of HIV and STDs.
MPowerment Discussion Groups
The Mpowerment program promotes self-esteem, healthier understanding of HIV/STDs and a safer sex environment for men who have sex with men. Participants learn how to build strong, sound, safer relationships and gain a better understanding of risky behaviors.
We have two Mpowerment groups: one for young men in their 20s and the other specifically for African American men. Both the 20 something and Brother to Brother welcome men who identify as MSM, bisexual, gay, straight or DL – on the down low.
Mpowerment groups meet twice monthly for two hours.
Contact: connect@aidscommunityresources.com or call 1.800.475.2430 ext 801.
Counseling
CONNECT offers free short-term counseling to men who have sex with men as well as members of the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) community. We partner with Syracuse University’s Goldberg Center Family and Marriage Program. Do you have difficulties in your personal life, your relationship, or community? Don't be alone! Call us and let us set up an appointment for you and/or your partner to meet with our counselor. We are here to listen, talk with, and to help you process your feelings.
Support Groups
Gay Men:
MSM HIV+ groups meet regularly in Watertown and Syracuse. For location and other information call Bob Forbes at 1.800.475.2430.
Coping Effectiveness Group:
For HIV+ men and women. Contact your case manager for more information.
Syracuse Youth Group Meetings:
LGBTQ (ages 13-18):
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Transgender (ages 14-24):
1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.– 7:00 p.m.
Steppin’ Out (ages 19-22):
Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
For location and further information: lgbtqyouthcenter@aidscommunityresources.com
Utica Youth Group:
Sundays from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
For locations and further information, contact Mary Doody at 1.800.475.2430.