Elias Diaz

Elias Diaz is a native of Eagle Pass, TX. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and completed his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch. He is a mental health clinician with 10 years of clinical experience. Elias cofounded the first LGBTQIA Non-Profit Organization, EP SAFE, which serves the rural communities of the Southwest Texas Border Region. He has also taken a position as a Compliance Officer with Maverick County Hospital District, where he works to improve social service and mental health systems in his area. Elias works to increase awareness of preventive measures for HIV and STIs, decrease barriers to preventive care, and address negative attitudes about the LGBTQIA community, people living with HIV, and people suffering from mental illness. Diaz has been engaged Diaz is actively involved in multiple projects including CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together, Greater than Aids Texas Spanish language campaign, and ViiV Healthcare’s Here As I Am listening initiative, he’s used his unique story to bring attention to the topic of HIV prevention in LatinX communities. Diaz has also written and produced PreParadas! an anti-stigma campaign targeted at LatinX matriarchs in the process of HIV prevention and equipping them with tools to support their LGBTQIA sons. Diaz made history as the first LGBTQ elected official in Eagle Pass, TX. He currently uses his role on council to advocate for programs and funding for mental health, domestic violence, public health, neurodiversity, and civic engagement.