MassLive recently asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the LGBTQ+ community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.
Profiles of these leaders will be published through the rest of February. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Robert Reardon is a passionate health-care advocate for the LGBTQ + community.Courtesy photo
Age: 59
Community: Western Mass
His story: Robert Reardon is a program director at Tapestry Health, a non-profit, community-based health care organization. He both a member and advocate of the LGBTQ+ community with a focus on LGBTQ+ health care and community building.
Reardon is a graduate of Springfield College and holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a master’s in Human Service Management and Organizational Leadership.
In his tenure at Tapestry Health, Reardon has spent the last 24 years focusing primarily on sexual and reproductive health care, HIV/STD prevention and screening as well as mental health and suicide prevention education and awareness.
“Social and structural inequities lead to poor health outcomes and increased risk of health/wellness threats,” said Reardon. “Building, supporting, educating and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community fosters resiliency and empowerment.”
Reardon believes combatting stigma and discrimination in these ways leads to improved overall health and wellness by reducing health disparities.
He said his passion for community building and health care advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community stems from lived experience with mental health challenges and as a person living with HIV for over 30 years.
Reardon has participated in advocacy events on both the state and national level “for the need for culturally competent medical care and prevention services that address the specific needs of LGBTQ+ individuals,” and aims to bring “a voice to the table LGBTQ+ members need to be considered in all public health efforts.”
He began his tenure at Tapestry Health as an HIV outreach worker for men who have sex with other men (MSM), and currently provides programmatic oversight for Tapestry’s syringe access site in Westfield.
He is also a founding member of the New England Alliance for Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health where he previously served as chair and is an active member of the Pioneer Valley Coalition for Suicide Prevention.
Reardon has advocated for programs designed to improve the health of entire communities including people of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic statuses.
He describes himself as someone committed to encouraging the community to practice self-care and kindness to self and others.
In his words: “Listen to people in the community as they are the experts, lead with compassion and kindness and advocate with passion and commitment.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
