MIT Fellowship and Relocation
9 years ago
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Song of the Week: Sade- By Your Side
You think I'd leave your side baby?
You know me better than that
You think I'd leave down when your down on your knees?
I wouldn't do that
I'll do you right when your wrong
I-----ohhh, ohhh
If only you could see into me
oh, when your cold
I'll be there to hold you tight to me
When your on the outside baby and you can't get in
I will show you, your so much better than you know
When your lost, when your alone and you can't get back again
I will find you darling I'll bring you home
If you want to cry
I am here to dry your eyes
and in no time you'll be fine
You think I'd leave your side baby
You know me better than that
You think I'd leave you down when your down on your kness
I wouldn't do that
I'll do you right when your wrong
I-----I, ohhhh, ohhh
If only you could see into me
Oh when your cold
I'll be there
To hold you tight to me
Oh when your alone
I'l be there by your side baby
repeat 1x
Friday, July 25, 2008
Weekly Word- Friday July 22nd, 2008
Feeling Threatened
Afraid Of The Truth
Most of us have had the experience of being in possession of a piece of truth that we were afraid to share because we knew it would not be well received. There are also instances in which we ourselves have been unable to handle some truth confronting us. This might be a small truth, such as not wanting to see that our car needs repairs because we don’t want to pay for them, or a large truth, such as not fully accepting that someone close to us is pushing us away. Usually the truth is evident, and we can see it if we choose, but we have elaborate ways of hiding the truth form ourselves, no matter how apparent it is.
For the most part, we avoid the truth because it scares us, or makes us angry, or makes us feel like we don’t know what to do. We often create our lives based on a particular understanding, and if that understanding turns out to be fully or even partially incorrect, we may feel that our whole sense of reality is being threatened. It takes a strong person to face the truth in circumstances like these, and many of us run for cover instead. Nevertheless, we can only avoid the truth for so long before it begins to make itself known in ever more forceful ways.
Ultimately, there is no way to avoid the truth, no matter how painful it is, so the sooner we let down our defenses, the better. When we know the truth and accept that we may have to adjust our lives to accommodate, we are in alignment with reality. At the same time, we can be patient with people around us who have a hard time seeing the truth, because we know how painful it can be. Whatever the truth is, we make a sincere effort not to close our eyes to it, but instead to be grateful that we have access to it.
What do you think?
www.dailyom.com
Afraid Of The Truth
Most of us have had the experience of being in possession of a piece of truth that we were afraid to share because we knew it would not be well received. There are also instances in which we ourselves have been unable to handle some truth confronting us. This might be a small truth, such as not wanting to see that our car needs repairs because we don’t want to pay for them, or a large truth, such as not fully accepting that someone close to us is pushing us away. Usually the truth is evident, and we can see it if we choose, but we have elaborate ways of hiding the truth form ourselves, no matter how apparent it is.
For the most part, we avoid the truth because it scares us, or makes us angry, or makes us feel like we don’t know what to do. We often create our lives based on a particular understanding, and if that understanding turns out to be fully or even partially incorrect, we may feel that our whole sense of reality is being threatened. It takes a strong person to face the truth in circumstances like these, and many of us run for cover instead. Nevertheless, we can only avoid the truth for so long before it begins to make itself known in ever more forceful ways.
Ultimately, there is no way to avoid the truth, no matter how painful it is, so the sooner we let down our defenses, the better. When we know the truth and accept that we may have to adjust our lives to accommodate, we are in alignment with reality. At the same time, we can be patient with people around us who have a hard time seeing the truth, because we know how painful it can be. Whatever the truth is, we make a sincere effort not to close our eyes to it, but instead to be grateful that we have access to it.
What do you think?
www.dailyom.com
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
How Power and Privilege Impact MSM Communities
How Power and Privilege Impacts Gay Men/Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)
The social and sexual lives of many gay men and other MSM have been impacted by at least three social oppressive forces—poverty, racism and homophobia—that together tend to produce heightened risk for HIV infection by increasing social isolation, alienation, and personal shame.1 Many men have responded to social oppression with resourcefulness, creativity, and personal agency. Others have been deeply troubled by financial hardship, family rejection, discriminatory practices, and stigma that create barriers to health promoting behaviors and prevent their fair and full participation in community life. As a whole, the dominant American culture gives preference to heterosexuals, manifested most outwardly through marriage rights and the ability publicly acknowledge one’s partner. Because of this overarching heterosexual privilege, everything that is not heterosexual receives less value and is often considered deviant. Furthermore, for young people, school-based HIV prevention curricula that address sexuality often reinforce heterosexual preference and privilege.Many widely used abstinence-only curricula address same-sex behavior within the context of promiscuity and disease. Not only do these models present incorrect information, but they also create a hostile learning environment for gay youth that negatively contribute to low self-esteem and enhance vulnerability to risky behaviors.
There are also reverberations of power and privilege within gay communities that crystallize as internalized homophobia. To effectively combat the impact of power and privilege, gay communities must also look inwardly and address the fact that ‘masculine’ gay men are often granted power and privilege over ‘effeminate’ gay men. When gay men support an already pervasive societal norm, internal homophobia in the gay community serves to further marginalize gay men. Internalized homophobia is associated with increased risk behavior among gay men. Additionally, the various intersections of sexual orientation, gender, class, race, and immigration status often do not operate as distinct realities and often serve to amplify the impact of power and privilege on risks for gay men, particularly gay men of color. For instance, many Latino gay men feel the impact of power and privilege through overlapping experiences of homophobia, poverty, and racism. As a result, they are often isolated from the communities that would normally provide them support and safety. Many Latino gay men often have to deal with rejection from family, exclusion from places of worship, discrimination at work, and sexual objectification in the gay community. In some ways, this can be viewed as double or triply stigmatizing. Adding HIV/AIDS stigma to this may serve to “feed upon, strengthen, and reproduce existing inequalities of class, race, gender, and sexuality.”2
In attempting to address some of these issues, local and state health departments have prioritized HIV prevention strategies targeting gay men. Health departments across the country are now specifically considering the contexts and situations within which individual risk behaviors take place. Prevention programs funded by health departments are seeking to address situational and structural factors that make safer sex difficult, including mental health, immigration status, substance use, and other lived experiences. The following story profiles Florida’s efforts to specifically address situational and structural factors impacting HIV risk among gay men.
As an extension of the Florida Department of Health, the Office of HIV/AIDS of the Miami-Dade County Health Department (MDCHD) has served as a leader in the county, state, and nation in its work to address the multi-layered impacts of power and privilege on gay men of color. With the implementation of a Statewide Minority AIDS Initiative that includes a Statewide Latino HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Statewide Black MSM Coordinator and nine Regional Minority AIDS Coordinators, MDCHD has been able to develop initiatives that address racial and ethnic health disparities among communities of color, particularly gay men of color.
MDCHD recently developed a participatory social marketing and community mobilization effort targeted at gay men (both HIV positive and negative) aimed at instigating resistance against HIV/AIDS-related stigma in relation to underlying social inequality, namely, homophobia. In developing their Anti-Homophobia and HIV Prevention campaign, Florida recognized that stigma continues to complicate HIV prevention efforts in Miami-Dade County by creating social disincentives to accessing important education, information, risk reduction counseling, and HIV testing. Their review of the research told them that a variety of social and demographic variables have been shown to correlate with HIV/AIDS related stigma. Older persons and those with lower incomes tend to manifest higher levels of stigma as well as people who do not personally know a person living with HIV/AIDS. Homophobic attitudes about gay people are highly correlated with HIV/AIDS stigma.3 Lastly, as a disease, HIV/AIDS manifests characteristics likely to evoke stigma. For example, stigma is more often attached to a disease if its causes are perceived to be the bearer’s responsibility.4 Stigma is also associated with conditions that disrupt social interaction or are perceived by others to be repellent, ugly, or upsetting.5,6
By dedicating resources and staff, MDCHD has been successful in developing and implementing this Anti-Homophobia campaign. Components of the campaign include outdoor and print media to raise questions about social inequality, stimulate public discourse about HIV/AIDS-related stigma, and trigger action among gay men living with HIV/AIDS in Miami-Dade County. A core focus group of 20 gay men (HIV postive and negative) worked with the health department to develop alternative images, messages, and publications designed to counter and critique homophobic, racist, and ageist media representations of gay men. MDCHD began its social marketing efforts by erecting a makeshift graffiti wall in a high-visibility gay neighborhood in the Miami-Dade area and inviting residents to write responses to a question/statement posted on the wall. The graffiti wall remained for approximately four days, serving as a spontaneous community forum about HIV/AIDS-related stigma. Responses to the question, as well as observed reactions to the wall, were recorded by project volunteers and core group members on a daily basis and added to the data the core group used to develop their messages. The graffiti wall served as a “teaser” for subsequent public art and marketing displays for the campaign.
MDCHD understands that stigma continues to complicate HIV prevention efforts in the gay community. With the department’s support, these and other initiatives are proving to be effective in increasing the perception of one’s own risk of contracting HIV, changing attitudes about HIV/AIDS, raising intentions to reduce risky behavior, deepening the knowledge about HIV transmission, and triggering community-wide discussion about prevention-related issues.
Florida’s program demonstrates that creative solutions to the structures of power and privilege that impact risk for gay men and other MSM are possible. Health departments and community-based organizations must continue to work in unison to challenge and tackle the ramifications of power and privilege across all populations.
NASTAD thanks Alberto Santana, Deputy Director of the Office of HIV/AIDS in the Miami-Dade County Health Department, for his assistance with this story.
*************************************************
References
1. Diaz, R., Ayala, G. & Bein, E. The impact of homophobia, poverty and racism on the mental health of gay an bisexual Latino men: Findings from 3 US cities. American Journal of Public Health. June 2001, Vol.91, No.6.
2. Parker, R. & Aggleton, P. HIV and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination: a conceptual framework and implications for action. Social Sciences & Medicine, 57 (2003) 13-24.
3. Herek, G.M. AIDS and stigma. American Behavioral Scientist, Vol. 42, No.7, April 1999, 1106-1116.
4. Jones et al. Social stigma: the psychology of marked relationships. New York: Freeman. 1984.
5. Herek, G.M. & Capitanio, J.P. AIDS stigma and sexual prejudice. American Behavioral Scientist, 1999, 42(7), 1130-1147.
6. Klitzman, R. Being positive: the lives of men and women with HIV. Chicago: Ivan R. Dee. 1997.
The social and sexual lives of many gay men and other MSM have been impacted by at least three social oppressive forces—poverty, racism and homophobia—that together tend to produce heightened risk for HIV infection by increasing social isolation, alienation, and personal shame.1 Many men have responded to social oppression with resourcefulness, creativity, and personal agency. Others have been deeply troubled by financial hardship, family rejection, discriminatory practices, and stigma that create barriers to health promoting behaviors and prevent their fair and full participation in community life. As a whole, the dominant American culture gives preference to heterosexuals, manifested most outwardly through marriage rights and the ability publicly acknowledge one’s partner. Because of this overarching heterosexual privilege, everything that is not heterosexual receives less value and is often considered deviant. Furthermore, for young people, school-based HIV prevention curricula that address sexuality often reinforce heterosexual preference and privilege.Many widely used abstinence-only curricula address same-sex behavior within the context of promiscuity and disease. Not only do these models present incorrect information, but they also create a hostile learning environment for gay youth that negatively contribute to low self-esteem and enhance vulnerability to risky behaviors.
There are also reverberations of power and privilege within gay communities that crystallize as internalized homophobia. To effectively combat the impact of power and privilege, gay communities must also look inwardly and address the fact that ‘masculine’ gay men are often granted power and privilege over ‘effeminate’ gay men. When gay men support an already pervasive societal norm, internal homophobia in the gay community serves to further marginalize gay men. Internalized homophobia is associated with increased risk behavior among gay men. Additionally, the various intersections of sexual orientation, gender, class, race, and immigration status often do not operate as distinct realities and often serve to amplify the impact of power and privilege on risks for gay men, particularly gay men of color. For instance, many Latino gay men feel the impact of power and privilege through overlapping experiences of homophobia, poverty, and racism. As a result, they are often isolated from the communities that would normally provide them support and safety. Many Latino gay men often have to deal with rejection from family, exclusion from places of worship, discrimination at work, and sexual objectification in the gay community. In some ways, this can be viewed as double or triply stigmatizing. Adding HIV/AIDS stigma to this may serve to “feed upon, strengthen, and reproduce existing inequalities of class, race, gender, and sexuality.”2
In attempting to address some of these issues, local and state health departments have prioritized HIV prevention strategies targeting gay men. Health departments across the country are now specifically considering the contexts and situations within which individual risk behaviors take place. Prevention programs funded by health departments are seeking to address situational and structural factors that make safer sex difficult, including mental health, immigration status, substance use, and other lived experiences. The following story profiles Florida’s efforts to specifically address situational and structural factors impacting HIV risk among gay men.
As an extension of the Florida Department of Health, the Office of HIV/AIDS of the Miami-Dade County Health Department (MDCHD) has served as a leader in the county, state, and nation in its work to address the multi-layered impacts of power and privilege on gay men of color. With the implementation of a Statewide Minority AIDS Initiative that includes a Statewide Latino HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Statewide Black MSM Coordinator and nine Regional Minority AIDS Coordinators, MDCHD has been able to develop initiatives that address racial and ethnic health disparities among communities of color, particularly gay men of color.
MDCHD recently developed a participatory social marketing and community mobilization effort targeted at gay men (both HIV positive and negative) aimed at instigating resistance against HIV/AIDS-related stigma in relation to underlying social inequality, namely, homophobia. In developing their Anti-Homophobia and HIV Prevention campaign, Florida recognized that stigma continues to complicate HIV prevention efforts in Miami-Dade County by creating social disincentives to accessing important education, information, risk reduction counseling, and HIV testing. Their review of the research told them that a variety of social and demographic variables have been shown to correlate with HIV/AIDS related stigma. Older persons and those with lower incomes tend to manifest higher levels of stigma as well as people who do not personally know a person living with HIV/AIDS. Homophobic attitudes about gay people are highly correlated with HIV/AIDS stigma.3 Lastly, as a disease, HIV/AIDS manifests characteristics likely to evoke stigma. For example, stigma is more often attached to a disease if its causes are perceived to be the bearer’s responsibility.4 Stigma is also associated with conditions that disrupt social interaction or are perceived by others to be repellent, ugly, or upsetting.5,6
By dedicating resources and staff, MDCHD has been successful in developing and implementing this Anti-Homophobia campaign. Components of the campaign include outdoor and print media to raise questions about social inequality, stimulate public discourse about HIV/AIDS-related stigma, and trigger action among gay men living with HIV/AIDS in Miami-Dade County. A core focus group of 20 gay men (HIV postive and negative) worked with the health department to develop alternative images, messages, and publications designed to counter and critique homophobic, racist, and ageist media representations of gay men. MDCHD began its social marketing efforts by erecting a makeshift graffiti wall in a high-visibility gay neighborhood in the Miami-Dade area and inviting residents to write responses to a question/statement posted on the wall. The graffiti wall remained for approximately four days, serving as a spontaneous community forum about HIV/AIDS-related stigma. Responses to the question, as well as observed reactions to the wall, were recorded by project volunteers and core group members on a daily basis and added to the data the core group used to develop their messages. The graffiti wall served as a “teaser” for subsequent public art and marketing displays for the campaign.
MDCHD understands that stigma continues to complicate HIV prevention efforts in the gay community. With the department’s support, these and other initiatives are proving to be effective in increasing the perception of one’s own risk of contracting HIV, changing attitudes about HIV/AIDS, raising intentions to reduce risky behavior, deepening the knowledge about HIV transmission, and triggering community-wide discussion about prevention-related issues.
Florida’s program demonstrates that creative solutions to the structures of power and privilege that impact risk for gay men and other MSM are possible. Health departments and community-based organizations must continue to work in unison to challenge and tackle the ramifications of power and privilege across all populations.
NASTAD thanks Alberto Santana, Deputy Director of the Office of HIV/AIDS in the Miami-Dade County Health Department, for his assistance with this story.
*************************************************
References
1. Diaz, R., Ayala, G. & Bein, E. The impact of homophobia, poverty and racism on the mental health of gay an bisexual Latino men: Findings from 3 US cities. American Journal of Public Health. June 2001, Vol.91, No.6.
2. Parker, R. & Aggleton, P. HIV and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination: a conceptual framework and implications for action. Social Sciences & Medicine, 57 (2003) 13-24.
3. Herek, G.M. AIDS and stigma. American Behavioral Scientist, Vol. 42, No.7, April 1999, 1106-1116.
4. Jones et al. Social stigma: the psychology of marked relationships. New York: Freeman. 1984.
5. Herek, G.M. & Capitanio, J.P. AIDS stigma and sexual prejudice. American Behavioral Scientist, 1999, 42(7), 1130-1147.
6. Klitzman, R. Being positive: the lives of men and women with HIV. Chicago: Ivan R. Dee. 1997.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hard to Say Goodbye.....So I'd Say See Ya Later!!!
Greetings community,
As you probably know, I have decided to relocate to upstate New York in pursuit of my career goals and personal dreams of Public Policy work in MSM communities, specifically regarding Public Health disparities. It seems like just yesterday when I got involved in public health directly, which was just prior to my employment with NAESM. That was definitely an experience (a very short two months), but I can say that I am appreciative for the training opportunities that NAESM provided me. As a child I was taught to never take a gift for granted, and that is how I choose to internalize my experience with NAESM.
AID Atlanta provided me a great training ground to further my professional development as well as the motivation to continue to pursue my career goals and objectives. The Evolution Project, a program that I co-implemented, is one of the elements or aspects of my life that I really feel I will miss the most. To be in the space, and watch these young people mature and grow; learn and develop from influence that I am totally entrenched in is so very empowering, inspiring, and truly life-changing. I will forever be connected to that center through the relationships that I developed with the youth there. Thank you to all the youth for allowing me into your space and the ability to work with you.
My community commitments and activities kept me busy as well, and I will totally miss them also. The Human Rights Campaign- Atlanta's Diversity Committee (now led by James Davis), the Ryan White Planning Council, the Atlanta House Council, and the other projects and committees that I participated in that fed me life and continued to make my stay here memorable and meaningful; I thank you all for allowing me into your space and the ability to work with you.
I have developed so many personal and professional relationships with people that have touched my life, inspired me, or motivated me in such a way, that I can't even begin to tell you how challenging it is to even sit and type this. There were so many people that embraced me when I moved here and became involved in community work, later getting involved in the house/ballroom scene, local and state politics, and even religious studies.
For the first time in my life (as far back as I can recall at least), I am at a loss for words. The comments, well wishes, and parting gestures that I have received thus far have moved me in so many ways. I have been at a loss for words, because I truly had no idea that I had impacted so many people (albeit unintentional) as I have in Atlanta (especially at AID Atlanta). This has truly been an awesome experience, processing this transition, and I feel a stronger sense of purpose and reinvigoration to move forward with my career goals knowing that I have at least made a mark.
To My Entire AID Atlanta Family, especially Raphael Holloway, Tracy Elliott, Neena K. Smith Bankhead, Charles Stephens, LaMont Scales, Adolph Arromand, Auntre Hamp, Jessica Cole, D'Andre Ware, Ainka Gonzalez, Loreen Krug, Jeremiah Wright, Candace Holloway, Clarence Reynolds, Sofia Lakhani, Nicole Roebuck, LaTonya Wilkerson, Hamad & Mike (IT), all my Development, Admin, Client Services, Education, and volunteer rock-stars.....you all will hold a very special place in my heart, and I will never forget the long talks, discussions, laughter and camaraderie that I experienced with each of you. You are all heaven sent angels to our community and humanity in need.
To My Elite Family (The future leaders of the next generation);
Jashyri, Omari, Brooklyn, William, Brandon, Lil Brandon, Teddy, Reesie, Cliff, Terry, Shaun, TJ, RJ, Jalen, , Niema, LeShon, Flawless, and Quintee; you all are the future. Elite has standards, and please don't think just because I am not around that my presence will not be felt nor will my love for you all change. I appreciate each of you for who you are, what you bring to the table, and I look forward to seeing you all reach your goals in life.
To The Atlanta Blahniks.....I love you all, and can't wait to see you all for Labor Day Weekend! Remember what I told you Kamaro.....I am watching you!!!!
To My Community Family and Friends, the ones who held me down here in ATL when I was frazzled and running around like a chicken with no head attached:
Samantha Williams, Ebonee Bradford, Pamela "Sunshine" Jones, Trinity & AJ Royalle,
Ryan Lee, Malik Williams, Anthony McWilliams, Duncan Teague, Rashad Burgess, Pastor Clay Allen, Elliott Summerville, James Davis, Charlie Frew, Craig Washington,
Father Clint & Brandon Richmond, Father Andre Mizrahi, Father Reecho Escada, Simone Bell, Zandra Conway, Tracee Daniel, Maurice Cook, Mother Moenah Beladora, John-Paul Griffin, Elder Antonio Jones, Jon Ortiz, Ki Toy Johnson, Jaleel Humphrey (DC), Quenton Stroud (DC).
Last but not least, to the members of the Evolution Project. There are so many of you , and I expecting great things from all of you. I really love you, appreciate you, and I thank you for allowing me to come and be a part of your lives in this way. I have developed really personal relationships with you, along the lines of parent/child, and I would like to maintain those connections and relationships as much as possible. I am not going away forever, but just for a while. I will always be available via email, and myspace, and cell (for those that have it). Please continue to strive for the best in your own personal lives, and remember that you are an individual but a part of a much larger community and family, a community and family that needs all of its members to strive for the best and to continue to break down barriers and empower each other so that our community can one day look back and say, "We have arrived.".
I love you all.
Stephaun Clipper Wallace
~The Legendary Headliner
Ps. If I missed your name......charge it to my head and not my heart......
As you probably know, I have decided to relocate to upstate New York in pursuit of my career goals and personal dreams of Public Policy work in MSM communities, specifically regarding Public Health disparities. It seems like just yesterday when I got involved in public health directly, which was just prior to my employment with NAESM. That was definitely an experience (a very short two months), but I can say that I am appreciative for the training opportunities that NAESM provided me. As a child I was taught to never take a gift for granted, and that is how I choose to internalize my experience with NAESM.
AID Atlanta provided me a great training ground to further my professional development as well as the motivation to continue to pursue my career goals and objectives. The Evolution Project, a program that I co-implemented, is one of the elements or aspects of my life that I really feel I will miss the most. To be in the space, and watch these young people mature and grow; learn and develop from influence that I am totally entrenched in is so very empowering, inspiring, and truly life-changing. I will forever be connected to that center through the relationships that I developed with the youth there. Thank you to all the youth for allowing me into your space and the ability to work with you.
My community commitments and activities kept me busy as well, and I will totally miss them also. The Human Rights Campaign- Atlanta's Diversity Committee (now led by James Davis), the Ryan White Planning Council, the Atlanta House Council, and the other projects and committees that I participated in that fed me life and continued to make my stay here memorable and meaningful; I thank you all for allowing me into your space and the ability to work with you.
I have developed so many personal and professional relationships with people that have touched my life, inspired me, or motivated me in such a way, that I can't even begin to tell you how challenging it is to even sit and type this. There were so many people that embraced me when I moved here and became involved in community work, later getting involved in the house/ballroom scene, local and state politics, and even religious studies.
For the first time in my life (as far back as I can recall at least), I am at a loss for words. The comments, well wishes, and parting gestures that I have received thus far have moved me in so many ways. I have been at a loss for words, because I truly had no idea that I had impacted so many people (albeit unintentional) as I have in Atlanta (especially at AID Atlanta). This has truly been an awesome experience, processing this transition, and I feel a stronger sense of purpose and reinvigoration to move forward with my career goals knowing that I have at least made a mark.
To My Entire AID Atlanta Family, especially Raphael Holloway, Tracy Elliott, Neena K. Smith Bankhead, Charles Stephens, LaMont Scales, Adolph Arromand, Auntre Hamp, Jessica Cole, D'Andre Ware, Ainka Gonzalez, Loreen Krug, Jeremiah Wright, Candace Holloway, Clarence Reynolds, Sofia Lakhani, Nicole Roebuck, LaTonya Wilkerson, Hamad & Mike (IT), all my Development, Admin, Client Services, Education, and volunteer rock-stars.....you all will hold a very special place in my heart, and I will never forget the long talks, discussions, laughter and camaraderie that I experienced with each of you. You are all heaven sent angels to our community and humanity in need.
To My Elite Family (The future leaders of the next generation);
Jashyri, Omari, Brooklyn, William, Brandon, Lil Brandon, Teddy, Reesie, Cliff, Terry, Shaun, TJ, RJ, Jalen, , Niema, LeShon, Flawless, and Quintee; you all are the future. Elite has standards, and please don't think just because I am not around that my presence will not be felt nor will my love for you all change. I appreciate each of you for who you are, what you bring to the table, and I look forward to seeing you all reach your goals in life.
To The Atlanta Blahniks.....I love you all, and can't wait to see you all for Labor Day Weekend! Remember what I told you Kamaro.....I am watching you!!!!
To My Community Family and Friends, the ones who held me down here in ATL when I was frazzled and running around like a chicken with no head attached:
Samantha Williams, Ebonee Bradford, Pamela "Sunshine" Jones, Trinity & AJ Royalle,
Ryan Lee, Malik Williams, Anthony McWilliams, Duncan Teague, Rashad Burgess, Pastor Clay Allen, Elliott Summerville, James Davis, Charlie Frew, Craig Washington,
Father Clint & Brandon Richmond, Father Andre Mizrahi, Father Reecho Escada, Simone Bell, Zandra Conway, Tracee Daniel, Maurice Cook, Mother Moenah Beladora, John-Paul Griffin, Elder Antonio Jones, Jon Ortiz, Ki Toy Johnson, Jaleel Humphrey (DC), Quenton Stroud (DC).
Last but not least, to the members of the Evolution Project. There are so many of you , and I expecting great things from all of you. I really love you, appreciate you, and I thank you for allowing me to come and be a part of your lives in this way. I have developed really personal relationships with you, along the lines of parent/child, and I would like to maintain those connections and relationships as much as possible. I am not going away forever, but just for a while. I will always be available via email, and myspace, and cell (for those that have it). Please continue to strive for the best in your own personal lives, and remember that you are an individual but a part of a much larger community and family, a community and family that needs all of its members to strive for the best and to continue to break down barriers and empower each other so that our community can one day look back and say, "We have arrived.".
I love you all.
Stephaun Clipper Wallace
~The Legendary Headliner
Ps. If I missed your name......charge it to my head and not my heart......
Friday, July 11, 2008
Stopping to Smell the Roses
Dear Community,
Today was a day for me that started out somewhat normal, but as the day progressed, it became apparent that THIS day in fact was very unique. There are so many events, past and present, that have shaped the course of my life.
In my work, I am somewhat challenged by the state of this community (with a full understanding of the background influences and factors of course) in regards to our personal health and the level of community responsibility that, in my opinion, could certainly use a power boost. I am very well aware that our lives are dictated often by the decisions we make, guided by our perspective, and influenced by our environment; I would really like to take this opportunity to stop just for a moment from my day and do something that maybe I don't do enough.
I want to express to each and every single last one of you that I love you dearly. Whether we know each other personally or not, whether we read each other down or not......at the end of the day we are connected, together a part of this much larger family called humanity.
I pray that each of you lives each day to the fullest and that the God of your understanding moves in and through you always and forever......
In Solidarity,
Stephaun Clipper Wallace (Blahnik)
Today was a day for me that started out somewhat normal, but as the day progressed, it became apparent that THIS day in fact was very unique. There are so many events, past and present, that have shaped the course of my life.
In my work, I am somewhat challenged by the state of this community (with a full understanding of the background influences and factors of course) in regards to our personal health and the level of community responsibility that, in my opinion, could certainly use a power boost. I am very well aware that our lives are dictated often by the decisions we make, guided by our perspective, and influenced by our environment; I would really like to take this opportunity to stop just for a moment from my day and do something that maybe I don't do enough.
I want to express to each and every single last one of you that I love you dearly. Whether we know each other personally or not, whether we read each other down or not......at the end of the day we are connected, together a part of this much larger family called humanity.
I pray that each of you lives each day to the fullest and that the God of your understanding moves in and through you always and forever......
In Solidarity,
Stephaun Clipper Wallace (Blahnik)
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
US National AIDS Strategy in Horizon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press contacts: Noel Alicea, 212-367-1216
Krishna Stone, 212-367-1016
HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES $1.4 MILLION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL AIDS STRATEGY
GMHC Commends Chairman Jose Serrano, Committee for Leadership
New York, NY/June 18, 2008—Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee approved a bill that includes $1.4 million to the White House Office of National AIDS Policy for the development of a National AIDS Strategy. The funding would support six full-time staff, meeting expenses, regional consultations, and communications costs to develop and oversee the implementation of a National AIDS Strategy.
“Twenty-seven years into the AIDS epidemic, the United States does not have a national AIDS strategy that coordinates efforts across agencies and quantifies progress toward measurable outcomes,” said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer at Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC). “This is one critical reason why we have not been able to bring down the number of new HIV infections here at home. The U.S. requires poorer, developing world countries like Botswana and Vietnam to have a national AIDS strategy in order to receive U.S. aid, yet we do not have a strategy ourselves. We commend Chairman Serrano and the Financial Services Subcommittee for taking this important first step toward creating and implementing a national AIDS strategy here in the U.S.”
Over the past year Gay Men’s Health Crisis has been proud to collaborate with hundreds of organizations and individuals to advocate for the next administration to develop and implement a National AIDS Strategy. GMHC promoted a national AIDS strategy and the $1.4 million appropriation as its top federal policy priority for 2008, and cosponsored a Congressional briefing on the topic in May.
GMHC and hundreds of other groups and individuals have called on the next administration to develop and implement a National AIDS Strategy that engages multiple sectors in strategy development; is comprehensive across federal agencies; sets timelines and assigns responsibility for implementing changes; identifies targets for improved prevention and treatment outcomes and reduced racial disparities; and mandates annual reporting on progress.
For more information on the movement for a national AIDS strategy in the U.S., visit www.gmhc.org or http://www.nationalaidsstrategy.org/.
# # #
Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City, and outreach and education to hundreds of thousands throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.
Vanessa Brocato, JD
Assistant Director, Prevention Policy
Gay Men's Health Crisis
119 West 24th Street, 9th floor
New York, NY 10011-1913
Phone: 212.367.1240
Fax: 212.367.1235
vanessab@gmhc.org
Press contacts: Noel Alicea, 212-367-1216
Krishna Stone, 212-367-1016
HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES $1.4 MILLION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL AIDS STRATEGY
GMHC Commends Chairman Jose Serrano, Committee for Leadership
New York, NY/June 18, 2008—Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee approved a bill that includes $1.4 million to the White House Office of National AIDS Policy for the development of a National AIDS Strategy. The funding would support six full-time staff, meeting expenses, regional consultations, and communications costs to develop and oversee the implementation of a National AIDS Strategy.
“Twenty-seven years into the AIDS epidemic, the United States does not have a national AIDS strategy that coordinates efforts across agencies and quantifies progress toward measurable outcomes,” said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer at Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC). “This is one critical reason why we have not been able to bring down the number of new HIV infections here at home. The U.S. requires poorer, developing world countries like Botswana and Vietnam to have a national AIDS strategy in order to receive U.S. aid, yet we do not have a strategy ourselves. We commend Chairman Serrano and the Financial Services Subcommittee for taking this important first step toward creating and implementing a national AIDS strategy here in the U.S.”
Over the past year Gay Men’s Health Crisis has been proud to collaborate with hundreds of organizations and individuals to advocate for the next administration to develop and implement a National AIDS Strategy. GMHC promoted a national AIDS strategy and the $1.4 million appropriation as its top federal policy priority for 2008, and cosponsored a Congressional briefing on the topic in May.
GMHC and hundreds of other groups and individuals have called on the next administration to develop and implement a National AIDS Strategy that engages multiple sectors in strategy development; is comprehensive across federal agencies; sets timelines and assigns responsibility for implementing changes; identifies targets for improved prevention and treatment outcomes and reduced racial disparities; and mandates annual reporting on progress.
For more information on the movement for a national AIDS strategy in the U.S., visit www.gmhc.org or http://www.nationalaidsstrategy.org/.
# # #
Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City, and outreach and education to hundreds of thousands throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.
Vanessa Brocato, JD
Assistant Director, Prevention Policy
Gay Men's Health Crisis
119 West 24th Street, 9th floor
New York, NY 10011-1913
Phone: 212.367.1240
Fax: 212.367.1235
vanessab@gmhc.org
ZUMANITY: Philadelphia Mini-Ball Awards
Overall Father Jay Manolo Blahnik
Presents
The Philadelphia Mini Ball Awards
“ZUMANITY”
07-18-2008
At CLUB Motivations
8th and Dauphin
Women
Body: The black widow spider is a spider notorious for its neurotoxic venom. After mating with her male, she eats him! In your deadliest black outfit, and escorted by a male figure, give us a killer body!
Foot & Eyewear: The snake is one of the most feared animals because of a common misconception that all snakes are venomous. Well as a fashion DIVA; show us a HOTT snake-skin pump with a sinful pair of shades… Will your fashion venom be enough to kill us all?
Butch
Realness from the CAGE: In the world of Zumanity, there is only room for one Male of the Wild. Think of a Butch who you want to battle, then call his ass to the floor. If you win the battle, you will be set free to rule all of Zumanity.
Butch Queens in Drags
Realness- School Dayz: As you prepare for Zumanity School, you write the name of the Femme Queen that inspires you most on a 3x5 index card. Be sure to tell us what animal she represents and who you would like to see her battle. It just might happen at this insane Zoo!!!
Femme Queen
Realness- Shade 4 Dayz: At the Breakfast Club or at a Major Ball you were Shaded! She beat you and she had no right… Tonight in the spirit of redemption, call her to the floor and settle the score! Don’t forget to tell us what animal she represents and why… the shade starts NOW!
3 x Perfect= YOU: You are a Fantastic, Feminine, Feline with the purr… to match! Born with body, face and the sexiest voice in the wild; you will make us all fall to our knees and worship you. Don’t forget to select an effect inspired by a cat.
Beat for Beat Performance w/CLAWS: With the nails or claws of the mighty cat, eat the beat to Jay Blahnik’s Purr Cat KaT…
Butch Queen
Realness: Where my DOGS at? Wearing a Rope Chain and White sneakers, you came to the ZOO to scare the little kats…
Twister: After being a DOG for your 10’s, you transform into a Kitty Cat in BLACK!
Street Wear w/OVAH Sneakers: Bright and Colorful will get you 10’s in the Zoo of Sin! Do you have what it takes to win?
Old Way vs. New Way- A night of a thousand screams: Zumanity is all about gymnastics, animal effects and carnival pageantry. In a look inspired by the animal of your choice, give us pop, dip and spin or style, precision and grace.
Open to All
Best Dressed Spectator- ‘W’ Magazine: Wicked, Wild and Weird… Just make it jaw-dropping Zumanity Damit!
European Runway: From all over the world, Peacock’s are best known for their extravagant tails; which display a wide array of color and beauty. In an OVAH colorful feather effect, bring the crowd to their feet and SERVE!
Mini Grand Prize $100
Face- Make up to Break it UP: Zumanity is a world where any and every thing goes… Tonight gender has no rules! Create the ultimate make-up effect to compliment your DROP DEAD GEORGOUS FACE! Remember; let the call of the jungle set you free! We want to know-what animal inspired your make-up effect?
Mini Grand Prize $???
Vogue Femme -Insect Invasion: The City of Philadelphia just issued a “State of Emergency” warning due to deadly vogueing insects. Tonight you must choose the insect that best represents you and then wreak havoc at the Zumanity Ball. The name of your chosen insect must appear on your T-shirt.
*P.S. To enter we ask that you put up $10 and winner takes all!
Grand Prize $300
Sex Siren: ZUMANITY, the Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil, is a seductive twist on reality, making the provocative playful and the forbidden electrifying! Leave all inhibitions at the door and let loose as you create an adult-themed show. Take us on a sexy thrill ride full of sensational, erotic and naughty fun. The look is Burlesque, Carnival or Animalistic! Remember, ZUMANITY was created for adults 18 and over, so make it HOTT!
For more information, contact me or houseofblahnik@yahoo.com.
~Stephaun Manolo Blahnik
Presents
The Philadelphia Mini Ball Awards
“ZUMANITY”
07-18-2008
At CLUB Motivations
8th and Dauphin
Women
Body: The black widow spider is a spider notorious for its neurotoxic venom. After mating with her male, she eats him! In your deadliest black outfit, and escorted by a male figure, give us a killer body!
Foot & Eyewear: The snake is one of the most feared animals because of a common misconception that all snakes are venomous. Well as a fashion DIVA; show us a HOTT snake-skin pump with a sinful pair of shades… Will your fashion venom be enough to kill us all?
Butch
Realness from the CAGE: In the world of Zumanity, there is only room for one Male of the Wild. Think of a Butch who you want to battle, then call his ass to the floor. If you win the battle, you will be set free to rule all of Zumanity.
Butch Queens in Drags
Realness- School Dayz: As you prepare for Zumanity School, you write the name of the Femme Queen that inspires you most on a 3x5 index card. Be sure to tell us what animal she represents and who you would like to see her battle. It just might happen at this insane Zoo!!!
Femme Queen
Realness- Shade 4 Dayz: At the Breakfast Club or at a Major Ball you were Shaded! She beat you and she had no right… Tonight in the spirit of redemption, call her to the floor and settle the score! Don’t forget to tell us what animal she represents and why… the shade starts NOW!
3 x Perfect= YOU: You are a Fantastic, Feminine, Feline with the purr… to match! Born with body, face and the sexiest voice in the wild; you will make us all fall to our knees and worship you. Don’t forget to select an effect inspired by a cat.
Beat for Beat Performance w/CLAWS: With the nails or claws of the mighty cat, eat the beat to Jay Blahnik’s Purr Cat KaT…
Butch Queen
Realness: Where my DOGS at? Wearing a Rope Chain and White sneakers, you came to the ZOO to scare the little kats…
Twister: After being a DOG for your 10’s, you transform into a Kitty Cat in BLACK!
Street Wear w/OVAH Sneakers: Bright and Colorful will get you 10’s in the Zoo of Sin! Do you have what it takes to win?
Old Way vs. New Way- A night of a thousand screams: Zumanity is all about gymnastics, animal effects and carnival pageantry. In a look inspired by the animal of your choice, give us pop, dip and spin or style, precision and grace.
Open to All
Best Dressed Spectator- ‘W’ Magazine: Wicked, Wild and Weird… Just make it jaw-dropping Zumanity Damit!
European Runway: From all over the world, Peacock’s are best known for their extravagant tails; which display a wide array of color and beauty. In an OVAH colorful feather effect, bring the crowd to their feet and SERVE!
Mini Grand Prize $100
Face- Make up to Break it UP: Zumanity is a world where any and every thing goes… Tonight gender has no rules! Create the ultimate make-up effect to compliment your DROP DEAD GEORGOUS FACE! Remember; let the call of the jungle set you free! We want to know-what animal inspired your make-up effect?
Mini Grand Prize $???
Vogue Femme -Insect Invasion: The City of Philadelphia just issued a “State of Emergency” warning due to deadly vogueing insects. Tonight you must choose the insect that best represents you and then wreak havoc at the Zumanity Ball. The name of your chosen insect must appear on your T-shirt.
*P.S. To enter we ask that you put up $10 and winner takes all!
Grand Prize $300
Sex Siren: ZUMANITY, the Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil, is a seductive twist on reality, making the provocative playful and the forbidden electrifying! Leave all inhibitions at the door and let loose as you create an adult-themed show. Take us on a sexy thrill ride full of sensational, erotic and naughty fun. The look is Burlesque, Carnival or Animalistic! Remember, ZUMANITY was created for adults 18 and over, so make it HOTT!
For more information, contact me or houseofblahnik@yahoo.com.
~Stephaun Manolo Blahnik
US State Breakdown of Workplace Discrimination Laws
As of 2007-
States that don't offer ANY protections for sexuality or gender identity:
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Kansas
Kentucky
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
West Virginia
Wyoming
States that only offer protections in the Public Sector:
Alaska
Arizona
Delaware
Indiana
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Virginia
States that offer BOTH protections for Public and Private Sectors:
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Hawaii
Illinois
Iowa
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
Wisconsin
States that don't offer ANY protections for sexuality or gender identity:
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Kansas
Kentucky
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
West Virginia
Wyoming
States that only offer protections in the Public Sector:
Alaska
Arizona
Delaware
Indiana
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Virginia
States that offer BOTH protections for Public and Private Sectors:
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Hawaii
Illinois
Iowa
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
Wisconsin
Mephis Police Officer Fired from Alleged Assault on a Transgender Woman
http://www.wmctv.com/global/story.asp?s=8551638
CDC Releases New Data on HIV in MSM Communities
**NOTE: This is a very lengthy read, so I am only going to post a piece of it. The link is here if you want to view the rest. Click here for more.
******************************************************************
Trends in HIV/AIDS Diagnoses Among Men Who Have Sex with Men --- 33 States, 2001--2006
In 2008, CDC conducted an analysis of trends in diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the 33 states* that have had confidential, name-based HIV case reporting since at least 2001. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that the number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses among MSM overall during 2001--2006 increased 8.6% (estimated annual percentage change [EAPC] = 1.5). During 2001--2006, an estimated 214,379 persons had HIV/AIDS diagnosed in the 33 states. Of these diagnoses, 46% were in MSM, and 4% were in MSM who engaged in illicit injection-drug use (IDU) (i.e., MSM and IDU). To reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in the United States, HIV prevention services that aim to reduce the risk for acquiring and transmitting infection among MSM and link infected MSM to treatment must be expanded.
In this report, HIV/AIDS refers to three categories of diagnoses collectively: 1) a diagnosis of HIV infection (not AIDS), 2) a diagnosis of HIV infection with subsequent AIDS diagnosis, and 3) concurrent diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS. Reporting cases of HIV infection (not AIDS) and AIDS is now legally mandated in all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. The CDC case definition for HIV infection (not AIDS) requires a positive test result from an assay approved by the Food and Drug Administration that demonstrates evidence of HIV infection; the case definition for AIDS requires meeting the HIV infection (not AIDS) case definition, plus diagnosis of at least one AIDS-defining illness or a CD4+ T-lymphocyte count of <200 cells/µL.† Using the HIV/AIDS Reporting System (HARS), case report data were collected by local and state health department staff members and then transmitted to CDC devoid of patient names. The findings in this report are based on HIV/AIDS diagnoses made during 2001--2006 and reported to CDC as of June 30, 2007 (1).
Numbers of diagnoses were adjusted for reporting delays and for redistribution of cases with missing risk factor information, using a standard method that has been described previously (2). This method does not include statistical adjustments for diagnosed but unreported cases or for cases yet to be diagnosed. To facilitate comparisons between the estimated number of diagnoses occurring in 2001 and the number occurring in 2006, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. To examine trends, EAPCs with corresponding CIs were calculated. EAPC measures the differences between adjacent years under examination and then averages these inter-year differences. In this report, transmission categories§ are discrete (e.g., "MSM" is distinct from "MSM and IDU" and "IDU" is distinct from "MSM and IDU"). Accordingly, MSM who were also injection-drug users (MSM and IDU) were excluded from analysis of MSM.
Of 214,379 HIV/AIDS diagnoses in 33 states during 2001--2006, a total of 97,577 (46%) were among MSM. Decreases in diagnoses were observed in all transmission categories except MSM (excluding MSM and IDU) (Figure 1). Among males, MSM accounted for 97,577 (63%) of cases. Men aged 25--44 years accounted for 64% of cases among MSM (Table). Among MSM, the number of diagnoses increased from 16,081 (CI = 15,784--16,377) in 2001 to 17,465 (CI = 16,938--17,992) in 2006; (EAPC = 1.5) (Figure 1).
From 2001 to 2006, a 12.4% (EAPC = 1.9) increase in the number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses among all black MSM was observed; however, an increase of 93.1% (EAPC = 14.9) was observed among black MSM aged 13--24 years (Figure 2). During 2001--2006, approximately twice as many (7,658) diagnoses occurred in black MSM aged 13--24 years as in their white counterparts (3,221). The largest proportionate increase (255.6% [EAPC = 30.8]) was among Asian/Pacific Islander MSM aged 13--24 years. Among MSM aged 13--24 years, statistically significant increases in diagnoses as measured by EAPC were observed in all racial/ethnic populations except American Indian/Alaska Natives. Among MSM of all ages, statistically significant increases as measured by EAPC were observed in blacks, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders.
******************************************************************
Trends in HIV/AIDS Diagnoses Among Men Who Have Sex with Men --- 33 States, 2001--2006
In 2008, CDC conducted an analysis of trends in diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the 33 states* that have had confidential, name-based HIV case reporting since at least 2001. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that the number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses among MSM overall during 2001--2006 increased 8.6% (estimated annual percentage change [EAPC] = 1.5). During 2001--2006, an estimated 214,379 persons had HIV/AIDS diagnosed in the 33 states. Of these diagnoses, 46% were in MSM, and 4% were in MSM who engaged in illicit injection-drug use (IDU) (i.e., MSM and IDU). To reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in the United States, HIV prevention services that aim to reduce the risk for acquiring and transmitting infection among MSM and link infected MSM to treatment must be expanded.
In this report, HIV/AIDS refers to three categories of diagnoses collectively: 1) a diagnosis of HIV infection (not AIDS), 2) a diagnosis of HIV infection with subsequent AIDS diagnosis, and 3) concurrent diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS. Reporting cases of HIV infection (not AIDS) and AIDS is now legally mandated in all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. The CDC case definition for HIV infection (not AIDS) requires a positive test result from an assay approved by the Food and Drug Administration that demonstrates evidence of HIV infection; the case definition for AIDS requires meeting the HIV infection (not AIDS) case definition, plus diagnosis of at least one AIDS-defining illness or a CD4+ T-lymphocyte count of <200 cells/µL.† Using the HIV/AIDS Reporting System (HARS), case report data were collected by local and state health department staff members and then transmitted to CDC devoid of patient names. The findings in this report are based on HIV/AIDS diagnoses made during 2001--2006 and reported to CDC as of June 30, 2007 (1).
Numbers of diagnoses were adjusted for reporting delays and for redistribution of cases with missing risk factor information, using a standard method that has been described previously (2). This method does not include statistical adjustments for diagnosed but unreported cases or for cases yet to be diagnosed. To facilitate comparisons between the estimated number of diagnoses occurring in 2001 and the number occurring in 2006, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. To examine trends, EAPCs with corresponding CIs were calculated. EAPC measures the differences between adjacent years under examination and then averages these inter-year differences. In this report, transmission categories§ are discrete (e.g., "MSM" is distinct from "MSM and IDU" and "IDU" is distinct from "MSM and IDU"). Accordingly, MSM who were also injection-drug users (MSM and IDU) were excluded from analysis of MSM.
Of 214,379 HIV/AIDS diagnoses in 33 states during 2001--2006, a total of 97,577 (46%) were among MSM. Decreases in diagnoses were observed in all transmission categories except MSM (excluding MSM and IDU) (Figure 1). Among males, MSM accounted for 97,577 (63%) of cases. Men aged 25--44 years accounted for 64% of cases among MSM (Table). Among MSM, the number of diagnoses increased from 16,081 (CI = 15,784--16,377) in 2001 to 17,465 (CI = 16,938--17,992) in 2006; (EAPC = 1.5) (Figure 1).
From 2001 to 2006, a 12.4% (EAPC = 1.9) increase in the number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses among all black MSM was observed; however, an increase of 93.1% (EAPC = 14.9) was observed among black MSM aged 13--24 years (Figure 2). During 2001--2006, approximately twice as many (7,658) diagnoses occurred in black MSM aged 13--24 years as in their white counterparts (3,221). The largest proportionate increase (255.6% [EAPC = 30.8]) was among Asian/Pacific Islander MSM aged 13--24 years. Among MSM aged 13--24 years, statistically significant increases in diagnoses as measured by EAPC were observed in all racial/ethnic populations except American Indian/Alaska Natives. Among MSM of all ages, statistically significant increases as measured by EAPC were observed in blacks, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders.
Please Keep Ebonee Bradford and Family in Prayer!!!
Some of you may know Ebonee personally, please keep her and her family in prayer!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -
For those who didn't know, one of our most dedicated foot soldiers "Ebonee Bradford" lost her Mother on June 28th.
Ebonee's Mother was and always will be her rock! She was also the strength and support behind everything Ebonee does for LGBT people, and those in need. Unfortunately tonight she was called home to be with the Lord.
Please join us in reaching out to Ebonee and her family during this very difficult time. Please pray for her and the love ones her Mother leaves behind.
May God bless the "Bradford family", and we thank God for sharing Ebony's Mother with us for as long as He did.
Ebonee Bradford's contact info:
Ebonee66@aol.com
God Bless and thank you on behalf of Brandon Bragg and myself.
~Zandra Conway
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -
For those who didn't know, one of our most dedicated foot soldiers "Ebonee Bradford" lost her Mother on June 28th.
Ebonee's Mother was and always will be her rock! She was also the strength and support behind everything Ebonee does for LGBT people, and those in need. Unfortunately tonight she was called home to be with the Lord.
Please join us in reaching out to Ebonee and her family during this very difficult time. Please pray for her and the love ones her Mother leaves behind.
May God bless the "Bradford family", and we thank God for sharing Ebony's Mother with us for as long as He did.
Ebonee Bradford's contact info:
Ebonee66@aol.com
God Bless and thank you on behalf of Brandon Bragg and myself.
~Zandra Conway
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