Meet Josue Rosas | Community organizer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Josue Rosas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josue, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is to do things scared. I used to be such a scared kid, I was afraid of disappointing my parents, my friends, the adults I admired, I was afraid of disappointing myself and not being happy in who I am. Often times folks ask how I can dress how I do, say what I say, and live my life exactly how I want. The answer to this is that I do it scared.
The only thing anyone should be afraid of is fear. Fear is what prevents so many from living, fear is what keeps people in cycles they otherwise want to break, in relationships they would rather leave, and hatred towards those they don’t understand.
I think of myself as an avatar; because that is what I am. I can, if I allow myself that is, can wear, say, do, and express myself in any given way. When I feel fear on what others will say or do before stepping out my front door, when I feel fear on what others will think from what I post online, when this fear creeps up, I know that is exactly what I need to do to elevate. There is no going back and changing to something more socially accepted, there is no deleting of the post or saving in drafts; you must bite the bullet, you must allow yourself to be seen. An easy way for me to get over the initial fears is speaking with my inner child, we all have one, and thinking, would I make this kid change? Even if it’s something they really want? Would I judge this child and limit their autonomy as much as I am doing to myself in this very moment?
You have to do it scared, it will get better, but first, you must do it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an HIV Counselor serving Los Angeles County, my direct job is to educate on HIV, sexually transmitted infections and prevention methods. I also organize community events and navigate clients PrEP medication journey. What sets me apart from my peers is my client centered approach, in sexual health many providers tend to be conservative and bring in bias into the testing room; I on the other hand empower my clients and center my work around their needs and wants, not so what I think they should need or want. I have been able to organize large scale community events with hundreds served, I have had the privilege of running a program that employs community members to educate their community on sexual health. My journey began as an outreach worker for a local clinic, I took the opportunity of being in a clinical space and learned the most I could from my coworkers, I would attend trainings meant for those with certifications and college diplomas. I took every opportunity I could to expand my knowledge and carry the curiosity of a child. The clinic I worked for saw my tenacity and took a chance on me and got me certified. The most valuable lesson I have learned is to not sit in comfort for too long, I have gotten where I am today by signing up for anything and everything that could get me experience, connections, and opportunities. I had to overcome the imposter syndrome I carried from being in spaces where everyone finished college but me. I had to remind myself of my capabilities and intelligence, the second I took a chance on me is when everything began to change, it is vital for one to put in the work. I want you the reader to know it is attainable, that dream you have, it is there because you are meant to carry it out; you must not let the nerves or doubts get the best of you, if you must fake the confidence, then that is what you must do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop is RH BBQ2 down the street from my house in Rowland Heights, it is the best Korean bbq I have ever had, they have many different sides and the quality is delicious. Second stop would be Newport Beach, it has been my favorite beach since I turned 17 and discovered it’s existence. We would swim in a small secluded area that is truly a mermaid’s dream; the water is clear and sparkly, and the sunsets beautifully. Third I would take them to my favorite view in Walnut city near Mt. SAC, it overlooks the city and beyond, it is on the edge of a mountain and not blocked by any trees. Fourth I would take them to the Azusa Canyons or Glendora Mountain Road, the canyons are a beautiful place to sight see and explore, I’ve been going since I was 14 in high school. Fifth I would take them to Precinct, a queer bar/club in Los Angeles, it is a staple and so fun, we would go in one of their themed nights and afterwards go to an ‘afters’ until morning light. Sixth I would take them to explore the different districts of Los Angeles city, the fashion and flower districts are my personal favorite. Seventh I would take them to local museums, for sure LACMA, it is a staple museum and always has cool exhibits, and this would be followed by going to the movies at ARCLIGHT.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am thankful to everyone who has shown unconditional love to me. Those who have opened their hearts and home in my times of need. Special thanks to my high school theatre directors. If it weren’t without their encouragement in such a vital time in my life, I don’t think I would be as grand of a person I am today. The arts and what it has taught me saved my life.

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