Elias Diaz

Elias Diaz

Eagle Pass City Council, Place 2, TX

2020 Endorsement

Elias Diaz is a native of Eagle Pass, TX. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California in International Relations, and completed his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University in Los Angeles. He is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, with 10 years of clinical experience.

Since his return to his native Eagle Pass, Elias has focused his skills and passion on the LGBTQIA community. He co-founded the LGBTQIA non-profit , EP SAFE (Sexuality Advocacy for Everyone), which serves the rural communities of the Southwest Texas Border Region. He also works as a Mental Health Clinician with Maverick County Hospital District, to improve health outcomes for people living with HIV.

His most recent work, The Sexual Health Project, focuses on bridging an alliance between EP SAFE and the Maverick Hospital District to address gaps in the HIV Care Continuum. The aim of this project is to increase awareness of preventive measures, decrease barriers to preventive care, and address negative attitudes about HIV to effectively reduce the risk of new contractions. EP SAFE actively works to reduce LGBTQ stigma, a prominent barrier to care, by reinforcing community ties.

As an Ambassador for the Greater than Aids Texas Spanish language campaign using ads, personal interviews, and personal conversations, Elias has advocated for the use of PrEP for HIV prevention particularly amongst Latino MSM. His Spanish language interviews on Telemundo and Televisa have delivered the message to a hard to reach population.

Elias is a proud member of the Texas HIV Syndicate, where he serves as Regional Launch Coordinator for the Texas Achieving Together plan. He also serves as a contributing expert in the development of HIV Prevention in The United States, Bolstering Latinx Gay and Bisexual Men to Promote and Reduce HIV Transmission by The O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, where he works closely with other leaders to influence policies that shape the way HIV services are delivered.

At the local level, Elias serves on the Mayor’s Fitness Council and as Community Outreach Chair for City of Eagle Pass Business and Economic Development Center’s Young Professionals Group.