LOS ANGELES — Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, announced on Tuesday a new partnership with UBER to provide free roundtrip rides (up to $30 each way) to MPXV (Monkeypox virus) vaccination sites throughout the state.
From the HIV/AIDS crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LGBTQ+ community has always understood the importance of taking care of one another and the need to reduce barriers to access to healthcare.
It’s no secret that a lack of reliable transportation is frequently a barrier to accessing healthcare. While people of any sexual orientation can get MPXV, it is primarily impacting gay and bisexual men and transgender and nonbinary people, in particular in Black and Latine communities.
Equality California and Uber are working to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community and other eligible people have the opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones from MPXV.
“Transportation should never be a barrier to getting vaccinated against the Monkeypox virus,” said Ramona Prieto, Head of Public Policy and Communications- Western US. “Uber has been a proud partner of Equality California since 2018 and is thankful for its leadership on this campaign to ensure equitable vaccine access for all communities,” said Prieto.
“As vaccines are becoming increasingly available across our state, it’s critical to ensure transportation is not neglected,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “We are immensely grateful for our long standing partnership with Uber and their commitment to full lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people.”
To claim a code and for more information, please visit eqca.org/monkeypox. For additional questions, email mpxv@eqca.org
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Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org
