UCSF Names New Diversity Program Manager, LGBT Specialist

Larry D. Lariosa, MA, a licensed marriage and family therapist, has been named diversity program manager and LGBT specialist at UC San Francisco's Office of Diversity and Outreach.

The announcement of his appointment coincides with today's historic Supreme Court rulings in two cases that bolster same-sex marriage and rights of LGBT families. A California native, Lariosa has dedicated his professional and personal life to the issues of cultural diversity and social justice over the past two decades.

Currently, he is serving as a clinical social worker at the UCSF Student Health & Counseling. In that role, he developed a variety of outreach programs addressing the unique needs of LGBT students and other marginalized groups, including students of color and international students.

In his new position, Lariosa will report to Renee Chapman Navarro, MD, PharmD, vice chancellor of Diversity and Outreach, who was the first to be named to that new leadership role in December 2010.

“We are delighted to have Larry join the Office of Diversity and Outreach,” Navarro said. “His expertise and experience in working with diverse populations makes him an ideal fit for this critical position at UCSF. I look forward to Larry working with the campus and medical center to continue and strengthen the great work that has put UCSF on the map for raising awareness for critical diversity issues including LGBT health care and equity.”

Lariosa will be responsible for the design, execution and assessment of diversity and outreach programs that advance the strategic goals of the Office of Diversity and Outreach and the campus, UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.

Focusing on the LGBT Community

Lariosa will direct and manage all activities of the UCSF Center for LGBT Health and Equity, a center that is considered a national leader in increasing awareness of the LGBT community and addressing issues of equality and inclusion.

Lariosa will focus on the LGBT community and will serve to provide sensitive, multi-faceted resources and support for LGBT students, staff, faculty, residents, postdocs, fellows and patients. He will serve as an advocate for campus- and systemwide policy changes to reduce bias against them and increase inclusion and visibility of the LGBT community. 

He will serve as a consultant to units and departments campuswide on general diversity matters as well as LGBT issues, provide focused education and trainings, and collaborate with the faculty and administrators to evaluate the curricula through the lens of diversity for all four professional schools and the Graduate Division.

Lariosa will play an important role in the Diversity and Outreach team and will work collaboratively and in partnership with the Multicultural Resource Center to deliver outstanding programs and events to UCSF’s diverse campus community.

Lariosa brings extensive experience working with and for the LGBT community. In addition to providing direct support to individuals, he has given numerous trainings on LGBT mental health issues, cultural and racial identity, and self-care for health care professionals.

He also has worked in various LGBT non-profit organizations as a clinician and a consultant, with a focus on mental health, community organizing, and advocacy for the underserved. His past work experience and collaborations include the New Leaf Services for Our Community, Lavender Youth Recreation & Information Center, UCSF AIDS Health Project, UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, and the San Francisco Unified School District.

In 2011, Lariosa was appointed to both the UCSF Chancellor Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues and the University of California Mental Health Oversight Committee.

In 1998, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree at San Francisco State University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Gay and Lesbian Studies. In 2002, he received his Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco.

Outside of his work life, Lariosa enjoys songwriting, filmmaking, theater, and is an accomplished musician.