CoVPN Remembers Marco Castro-Bojorquez

Marco Castro-Bojorquez

Courtesy of Marco Castro-Bojorquez

Marco Castro-Bojorquez, a human rights advocate, filmmaker and member of the COVID-19 Prevention Network’s (CoVPN) Community Working Group, has passed away. 

Marco advocated for the human rights of LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV/AIDS as co-chair of HIV Racial Justice Now, a national coalition of activists of color and allies advancing a racial justice and human rights agenda for the HIV movement. He was also a convener for Venas Abiertas, a network of Latinx immigrant people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S.; a vice-chair for the steering committee member of The U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus; a board member for The Avielle Foundation (an organization working on preventing violence and building compassion through brain health); and was a lead organizer with the coalition of Californians for HIV Criminalization Reform, resulting in the passing of SB 239, and the repeal of outdated HIV criminalization laws in 2018. He was also a senior advisor for Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement, MAVEN and Somos Familia, and Corazón Abierto, organizations that work with queer youth and their families in the United States and Mexico. 

His film work focused on marginalized communities, elevating the experiences immigrant people (especially those who are undocumented), LGBTQ+ people (with emphasis on transgender women of color), people living with HIV/AIDS, POC communities, youth and young adults, women, sex workers, people with mental health challenges, people who use substances, and those with non-traditional abilities. 

Marco became an advocate for people living with HIV after he tested positive for the virus in 2000. 

As part of the CoVPN Community Working Group, Marco was a guiding voice in the development, implementation, and results dissemination of COVID-19 vaccine and monoclonal antibody research studies. 

“We are deeply saddened to hear about Marco’s passing,” said Stephaun Wallace, PhD, Director of External Relations for the CoVPN. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues. His legacy will forever be remembered through his steadfast advocacy and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS."