HONORING JOSE RAMON AGUILAR COLINA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

On 2026-06-30, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING JOSE RAMON AGUILAR COLINA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH" in the House.

HONORING JOSE RAMON AGUILAR COLINA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E644-E645] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JOSE RAMON AGUILAR COLINA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jose Ramon Aguilar Colina as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Jose Ramon Aguilar Colina is a Venezuelan immigrant, LGBTQ+ advocate, public health leader, and founder and executive director of AGUILAR SALUD, a Central Florida-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment, education, care navigation, and healthcare resources for underserved communities. After receiving an HIV diagnosis more than a decade ago, Jose transformed a personal challenge into a lifelong commitment to service. Following his immigration to the United States, he dedicated his career to helping individuals overcome barriers related to language, stigma, healthcare access, and economic hardship, particularly among Hispanic, immigrant, LGBTQ+, senior, women, and other historically underserved populations. Recognizing significant gaps in culturally responsive healthcare services. Jose founded AGUILAR SALUD to help ensure that individuals and families could access lifesaving education, prevention, treatment, and support. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a trusted community resource serving residents throughout Central Florida and Florida's 9th Congressional District through primary care, community outreach, STI and HIV prevention and treatment programs, health education initiatives, care navigation, and strategic partnerships. Jose has contributed to local, state, national, and international efforts focused on HIV awareness, prevention, treatment, and health equity. Through public speaking, advocacy, and collaboration with healthcare organizations, government agencies, universities, community partners, and communities of faith, he [[Page E645]] has helped advance conversations surrounding HIV, healthcare disparities, and equitable access to care for underserved communities. His work has reached audiences across the United States and internationally while remaining rooted in service to Central Florida communities. Through leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives, Jose continues to advance health equity, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities for those most in need. ____________________