Latino Commission on AIDS' Cielo Gala Honors 'Hamilton' Star Javier Muñoz

On Friday, April 28, the Latino Commission on AIDS will held their Cielo Gala 2017, honoring HIV/AIDS activist�Javier Mu�oz,�star of Broadway's hit show "Hamilton" with the Ilka Award.

Other honorees include Dr.�Mary Travis Bassett,�Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene�with the Fuerza Award; and Macy's, Inc.,�for its�support of HIV/AIDS education and awareness initiatives�with the�Business Leadership Award.

The event theme, Designing a World Without�AIDS, speaks to critical health issues, along with the Latino Commission on AIDS's efforts to confront stigma and isolation, and in particular to highlight the harsh reality of the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS faced by some of our most vulnerable populations.�

Honoree Javier Mu�oz is an American actor and singer. His love of theater began in high school during a production of "The King and I" in Brooklyn, NY. His passion only grew throughout his time at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and his work with AmeriCorps where he taught theater in community programs and schools throughout NYC.

In 2005 Mu�oz auditioned for Lin-Manuel Miranda for the role of his understudy in Tony-winning hit "In the Heights," later assuming the lead role. Currently playing the title role in Broadway's insanely successful show, "Hamilton," Mu�oz has also taken the role of HIV advocate. Mu�oz has been living with HIV since 2002. He is very open and takes pride in being undetectable, healthy and strong, encouraging others to work towards the same goal and reduce the stigma around HIV.

Actor J.W Cortez will induct Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere as the newest Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS. Mexican Designer and HIV/AIDS activist, Ricardo Seco, will also be presenting his inspiring fashion line Juntos/Together, which symbolizes the colors that represent Mexico and the United States, two countries that are siblings and rivals in a variety of aspects, and that because of their proximity, need to create a cooperative relationship, especially in times where certainties are questioned.

The evening will consist of a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and an awards presentation. The Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra led by Oscar Hernandez will provide live entertainment during the event.

The Cielo Gala raises funds in support of the Latino Commission on AIDS to create and promote HIV and AIDS service programs and initiatives aimed at increased awareness, prevention, and treatment education for Hispanic/Latinos, as well as to build capacity among other HIV/AIDS organizations serving Latino communities throughout the U.S. and the Territories.

This year, Cielo Gala will benefit the OASIS: Latino LGBTS Wellness Center, a new initiative of the Commission which over the past year has worked to build a community of support for all Latino LGBT's in New York City.

Cielo 2017 will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 28 at Cipriani Wall Street, 55 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.