Eric Rofes

Eric Rofes was a prominent American gay activist, educator, and author, whose work spanned multiple fields and organizations. In the 1980s, he served as the director of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, playing a key role in the city's LGBTQ+ community. He later became the executive director of the Shanti Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing AIDS services, in 1989. Through his work, Rofes demonstrated a commitment to addressing the needs of marginalized communities and promoting social change.

As an educator, Rofes was a professor of education at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. He also served on the board of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, further solidifying his position as a leading voice in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Rofes was a prolific author, having written or edited twelve books throughout his career. One of his notable initiatives was the creation of the "Gay Men's Health Leadership Academies," which aimed to challenge the dominant pathology-focused approach to safe-sex education and promote a more holistic understanding of gay men's health. Through his work, Rofes left a lasting impact on the fields of activism, education, and LGBTQ+ rights.