UPDATE: Katherine Jackson Granted Temporary Custody

http://hellobeautiful.blackplanet.com/your-world/michael-jackson-what-happens-to-his-children

Tribute to Michael Jackson

http://kingofpopmichael.info/

 

US: Game for HIV-Positive Youth Developed

UNITED STATES: "Game for HIV-Positive Youth Developed"
Science Daily (06.23.09)
Researchers have reported positive results from pilot testing of a Web-based sexual risk reduction intervention that targets prevention messages toward HIV-positive youths. The game, "+CLICK," was designed as an adjunct to traditional clinic-based, self-management education for the youths.

"We wanted to create +CLICK so that we could help educate youth on the importance of making proper, healthy decisions to protect their relationships and themselves as well as help to reduce transmission of [HIV]," said Christine Markham, PhD, lead investigator and an assistant professor of behavioral sciences at the University of Texas School of Public Health.

The study participants were 32 young people; mean age was 17.8; 62.5 percent were females; 68.8 percent were black; 28.1 percent were Hispanic; 56.2 percent acquired HIV perinatally; 43.8 percent were infected through behavior; and 68.8 percent were sexually experienced.

The game's design replicates a shopping mall. +CLICK presents information on abstinence, condoms, and contraception, and it includes video of HIV experts and HIV-positive peers. Four behaviors are targeted in particular: abstaining from sex; self-disclosure of HIV status to a potential partner; correct and consistent condom use; and use of an effective contraceptive in addition to condoms. Participants accessed the game during regularly scheduled clinic visits.

"Participants were very receptive and enthusiastic about playing the game," said Amy Leonard, MPH, research coordinator at Baylor School of Medicine and a study co-author. "They also liked that they were able to ask the clinicians questions about what they learned on the lessons." The youths rated the game highly for ease of use (84.4 percent); use of understandable words (87.5 percent); and trustworthiness (93.8 percent).

+CLICK is in the final stages of development and is tentatively scheduled to be made available to the public in about six months. The team is also working to create a similar game to encourage HIV-positive youths to adhere to their medication regimens.

The study, "+CLICK: Harnessing Web-Based Training to Reduce Secondary Transmission Among HIV-Positive Youth," was published in AIDS Care (2009;21(5):622-631).

White Southern Baptist Pastor Prays for Death of Obama

http://www.afro.com/tabId/551/itemId/3937/Southern-Baptist-ministerprays-for-Obamas-death.aspx

PRIDE TV: Will Senate's apology for slavery doom reparations movement?

Your network for progressive information Senate passes apology for slavery, but disclaimer concerns some Black lawmakers (June 23, 2009) Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus are livid about a disclaimer that was inserted into a Senate resolution apologizing for slavery and racial segregation. On the eve of Juneteenth, a day traditionally celebrated on June 19th to celebrate the end of the Civil War and release of African Americans from slavery, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution apologizing for slavery and segregation. The measure was introduced by Iowa Democrat Tom Harkin, who says it's imperative that Congress fulfill its moral obligation and officially apologize for slavery and Jim Crow laws. The disclaimer found in the apology clarifies that nothing in the resolution supports or authorizes reparations by the United States and that doesn't sit well with some Black lawmakers. The Senate has passed other nonbinding apologies before as in the case of the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II; however, some Black Congressional leaders are quick to point out disclaimers were not inserted into those previous apologies. "Putting in a disclaimer takes away from the meaning of an apology," Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.-pictured on the left) told McClatchy Newspapers. "A number of us are prepared to vote against it in its present form." Thompson and other Black lawmakers want to make sure the disclaimer does not hamper the work being done to seek reparations for slavery. Do you think the United States should pay out financial reparations to Blacks for the years of slavery and racial segregation? Send comments to: mystory@pridetv.org     'I AM HIP HOP' profiles Sonny Lewis  (2nd in a series) We celebrate Black Music Month by going beyond the beats, rhymes and rhythms of Hip-hop to shine a spotlight on openly gay and lesbian rappers with our series "I AM HIP HOP." This series was inspired by author Terrance Dean and his memoir, Hiding in Hip Hop: On the Down Low in Entertainment. Today, we talk to out rapper Sonny Lewis on staying true to the game. Listen NOW!     New Black Power: Civil Rights in the Age of Obama airs tonight at 10pm. EST on PeopleTV "Pride & Politics with Anare Holmes" talks to a generation of leaders under 40 to discuss how the fight for Civil and Human Rights has evolved and what the struggle will look like in the age of President Barack Obama tonight at 10pm. on PeopleTV-Atlanta Comcast Channel 24. If you do not live in the city limits of Atlanta, you can stream the program live as it airs by logging onto: www.PeopleTV.org Clikc on the right side of the page that says: Watch PeopleTV Now. Pride & Politics brings today's newsmakers, opinion leaders and emerging talents into dialogue that explores the intersection of race, class, faith and sexuality on American life. This pioneering newsmagazine informs us about the common humanity that crosses boundaries. The program airs Tuesdays at 10pm. EST on PeopleTV-Atlanta Comcast 24.   Federation of Black Prides and PRIDETV partner with Tavis Smiley Presents America, I AM: The African American Imprint   "Outside Blackness: The Artistry of Josephine Baker, James Baldwin and Alice Walker" scheduled for 3pm, Saturday July 11th at America, I AM inside the Atlanta Civic Center. Doors will open at 1:30 pm. to allow attendees to walk through the African-American traveling exhibit: America, I AM, which celebrates 500 years of Black achievement. www.americaiam.org "Outside Blackness" is a thought-provoking discussion exploring the creativity, courage and activism of artists who boldly spoke truth to power and whose cultural imprint help change the image of what it means to be Black in America. This special event is sponsored by the International Federation of Black Prides and PRIDETV, in association with a host of other Atlanta LGBT organizations. Tickets to the Outside Blackness event are free. If attendees would like to walk through the America, I Am exhibit, tickets can be purchased onsite for $13. for more information, contact: advertising@pridetv.org     Homophobia in the Black Community If you or someone you know moved to Atlanta, known as the Black Gay Mecca, to come to terms with your sexuality as a same-gender-loving man or woman or member of the transgender community, email: producer@pridetv.org today! While we prefer Atlantans, we are open to anyone who moved anywhere in the United States to be free. PRIDETV is also interested in talking to teens, young men and women who have found themselves cut off from their families and are homeless because of their sexual orientation.   Visit: www.PrideTV.org         PrideTV.org Everyday people, everyday stories  producer@pridetv.org

Had your dose of Shamanism today?

June 19, 2009
A Soulful Cure
Working with a Shaman
www.dailyom.com

Since time immemorial, certain men and women have felt called to heal the sick, to safeguard knowledge, to guide the lost, and to commune with the spirit world. These unique individuals, known as shamans, were mystics and seers, repositories of wisdom, and keepers of herbal lore. During those periods when ignorance loomed large in the world, shamans across the globe bided their time, peacefully practicing their practical yet refined arts in the jungle, mountains, deserts, and tundra that protected them from those who misunderstood shamanism. Today, however, shamanism has reemerged, as modern men and women feel the same call to service that their ancestors felt long ago. Also, as more individuals explore the notion that healing necessarily involves the soul as well as the physical self, people are consulting shamans in their search for wellness, wisdom, and guidance.

The word shaman literally means "he or she who knows." Shamanism is an art that has not changed in any quantifiable way for millennia and is not bound to any particular form of spirituality. It is grounded on the principle that the visible world is saturated with unseen forces that influence the lives of human beings. Shamans, in addition to acting as fonts of wisdom, are dedicated to diagnosing and curing human suffering—whether emotional, physical, or spiritual. To treat an illness, a shaman may communicate with the spirit world in order to connect more directly with the soul of their patient or with the force causing ill health. They often work closely with animal guides, plant and earth spirits, or your spirit guides, and may make use of use of herbal remedies to supplement other forms of treatment. Shamans, as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms, recognize that all objects are in manner alive and retain information that can be utilized to heal.

Shamanism is powerful in part because its practitioners tailor healing to the individual needs of those who seek them out. A shaman manipulates energy, giving you power where you have lost it and removing misplaced energy lurking within you. When you seek out a shaman, they will endeavor to know and understand you before treating you. In this way, they can provide you with therapies that act on your whole being, positively influencing your body as well as your soul.

 

Stephaun Clipper-Wallace
www.stephaunelite.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/christianelite

"The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house"~ Audre Lorde

"Those who say it can not be done.....should not interrupt the person doing it"~Chinese Proverb

Coverage of the Stonewall Riots: Gay and Lesbian History

http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/reinventing/articles/stonewall_riots_40_years_later_.html

Question to Ponder....

Greetings,

I was having some discussions with some colleagues yesterday and today and out of nowhere some questions hit me. Admittedly the basis of these questions has some connection to the conversations being engaged at the time, but I wanted to find out what others thought on this topic. I recognize that there are some people out there who read my blog who only take in the information and process it; but much of the time don't comment about their thoughts.....

Well....that time has expired!!

Here are some questions that I would like your feedback to, and please feel free to be as blunt as you would like. Most of the time, I don't filter responses to allow people to communicate how they feel.....I will extend that option even further this time. I will NOT modify or filter anyone's comment to this particular post.

Ok!........are you ready??????


GO! (lol)

1. Can people of color be racist?

2. Does Obama becoming President really change the scope of the civil rights movement? Especially when a significant percentage people of color in this country still live at or below poverty.

3. Does "white" still equal "right"?

4. Is there a such thing as having too much pride in your race/ethnicity?

5. If a person doesn't understand homosexuality or "gay" does that make them homophobic?

6. Are we ever going to address the antiquated notion of having "male" and "female" caricatures on restroom doors when most folks I know (gay or straight) don't give a rats behind who they are sitting on the toilet next to?

7. Is it really logical or sane to position your argument against gay rights and marriage as "I don't want my children exposed to that!", when chances are they are going to encounter a gay person or "gay-ness" in their life on multiple occasions?

8. Why is does the idea of gay seem to primarily resonate some sort of sexual connotation, as if "gays" just appeared here through osmosis and weren't conceived through sex?

9. If you make a mistake, and I correct you, does it really serve your better good to attempt to correct me back on something else?

10. Why do people (especially many white people) who exist in privilege, seem to get mad at me when I shine a light on that privilege? It isn't my fault you're walking around blind!!!

More to come...........

PRIDE TV: Obama to Grant Benefits to Same-Sex Partners

Your network for progressive information Obama to grant benefits to same-sex partners (June 17, 2009) President Barack Obama plans to announce his decision to extend benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees today in the Oval Office. Many gay activists have started to call Obama out on the carpet, citing his administration has been slow to act on LGBT issues. He has recently received mounting criticism for not seeking to end the ban on openly gay men and women in the military. The decision to extend same-sex partner benefits may be the kind of political overture Obama needs to keep his gay and lesbian critics at bay. However, the Associated Press reported that several powerful gay fundraisers withdrew their support from a June 25 Democratic National Committee event where Vice President Joe Biden is expected to speak. AP said their exit came in response to a June 12 Justice Department brief that defended the Defense of Marriage Act, a prime target for gay and lesbian criticism. Justice lawyers argued that the law allowed states to reject marriages performed in other states or countries that defy their own standards. Many staunch LGBT activists and leaders remain vigilant in holding Obama's feet to the fire as it relates to repealing the US military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that bans openly gay and lesbian staff from serving in the Armed Services, in addition to other equality measures. Do you think many gay activists have been fair in their assessment that Obama has been slow to act on LGBT issues during his first few months in office? Send your response to: mystory@pridetv.org     SAVE THE DATE: "Outside Blackness: The Artistry of Josephine Baker, James Baldwin and Alice Walker" scheduled for 3pm, Saturday July 11th at America, I AM inside the Atlanta Civic Center. Doors will open at 1:30 pm. to allow attendees to walk through the African-American traveling exhibit: America, I AM, which celebrates 500 years of Black achievement. www.americaiam.org "Outside Blackness" is a thought-provoking discussion exploring the creativity, courage and activism of artists who boldly spoke truth to power and whose cultural imprint help change the image of what it means to be Black in America. This special event is sponsored by the International Federation of Black Prides and PRIDETV, in association with a host of other Atlanta LGBT organizations. For tickets contact: advertising@pridetv.org   Real fathers, real men By Anare V. Holmes My life changed the summer of 1983. I was 8 years-old when I boarded the Greyhound bus leaving Hartford, Connecticut en route to Madison, Wisconsin to visit my father, Toye Holmes. I was not aware before getting on the bus that I would not return to live with my birth mother, nor was dad. We thought we'd both enjoy a short summer visit. But, God has a way of showing up in your life in mysterious ways. Toye Holmes is among the millions of Black men that don't make the news for taking care of their children. The Human Rights Campaign does not post their pictures on their website to show examples of men who are not homophobic. So, today I lift up my dad and men like him. They are real fathers and real men. Read more now 'Pride & Politics' uncovers what it means to be  Young, Black and Gay in America  If you are in the Atlanta area and would like to join the production team of the television newsmagazine "Pride & Politics with Anare Holmes," please send statement of interest OR resume and reel to: producer@pridetv.org. Today's emerging LGBT artists, activists, intellectuals and business professionals have access to unparalleled resources and opportunity. However, what does it mean to be young, black and gay in America? Our taping is Saturday, June 20th.      Homophobia in the Black Community If you or someone you know moved to Atlanta, known as the Black Gay Mecca, to come to terms with your sexuality as a same-gender-loving man or woman or member of the transgender community, email: producer@pridetv.org today! While we prefer Atlantans, we are open to anyone who moved anywhere in the United States to be free. PRIDETV is also interested in talking to teens, young men and women who have found themselves cut off from their families and are homeless because of their sexual orientation.   Visit: www.PrideTV.org         PrideTV.org Everyday people, everyday stories  producer@pridetv.org

UNITED STATES: "Estimating the Proportion of HIV Transmissions from Main Sex Partners Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Five US Cities" AIDS Vol. 23; No. 9: P. 1153-1162 (06.01.09):: Patrick S. Sullivan; Laura Salazar; Susan Buchbinder; Travis H. Sanchez

Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be the group most heavily impacted by the US HIV epidemic. Since 2000, HIV incidence among US MSM has been increasing.

In the current study, the researchers modeled HIV transmissions using data from MSM in five US cities from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System, the HIVNET Vaccine Preparedness Study, and other published data. The authors estimated annual HIV transmissions by partner type (main or casual) and by sex type (receptive anal intercourse, insertive anal intercourse or oral sex).

The data showed that 68 percent of HIV transmissions were from main partners (95 percent confidence interval (CI) 58-78). This was attributed to a higher number of sex acts with main partners, more frequent receptive roles in anal sex with main partners, and less condom use during anal sex with main partners. Sixty-nine percent of infections were from receptive anal intercourse (95 percent CI 59-79); 28 percent were from insertive anal intercourse (95 percent CI 19-38); and 2 percent were from oral sex (95 percent CI 0-5). Based on the model, the estimated HIV incidence rate was 2.2 percent (95 percent CI 1.7-2.7) per year. In sensitivity analyses, estimates of transmission from main sex partners were as low as 52 percent (95 percent CI 41-62) and as high as 74 percent (95 percent CI 68-80).

"According to our model, most HIV transmissions among MSM in five US cities are from main sex partners," the authors concluded. "HIV prevention efforts should take into account the risks of HIV transmission in male partnerships, and couples-based HIV prevention interventions for MSM should be given high priority in the US HIV prevention research portfolio."

HOUSE OF BLAHNIK SCHOLARSHIP

For Immediate Release
June 12, 2009

Contact: Damon L. Humes aka Overall Father Jay Blahnik
Telephone: (215) 431-1790
Email: houseofblahnik@yahoo.com




2nd BLAHNIK SCHOLAR GRADUATES
The House of Blahnik Makes a Difference in the “Ballroom” Community

For many, the only reference of the House/Ball community comes from the movie, “Paris Is Burning;” which showed a world chiefly occupied by a melee of artistically talented misfits and criminals. For some, the more recent documentary “How Do I Look” produced by Wolfgang Busch, provides a more accurate snapshot of the community from the eyes of its participants. Through the lenses of the larger society, and even the larger lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual (LGTB) community (especially communities of color), participants in the house/ballroom culture are in many instances seen as outcasts. Although many advances and much notoriety have been achieved on the part of participants in the house/ballroom culture to showcase their community in a more positive light, numerous challenges that face members of this population still go unanswered. Chief among those changes are the efforts made by The House of Blahnik. This house chose to make a difference in the lives of others by awarding the “FIRST EVER” scholarship to students who are pursuing their passions through educational advancement.


In 2007, the House of Blahnik awarded Jimmy Vincent (Boi Boi St. Clair), a student of North Carolina Central University, with a special scholarship to defer the cost of books and supplies. His story was compelling and his mission for success was evident. On May 16, 2009, Boi Boi became the House of Blahnik’s 2nd Scholar, earning a Baccalaureate Degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Journalism.


Like his predecessor Ajay Balenciaga who graduated Morehouse College with the assistance of the House of Blahnik Scholarship Fund, Jimmy is a role model for combining academic achievement and ballroom success. Mr. Jimmy “Boi Boi” St Clair plans to attend Graduate School in the next two years; as well as serve as a spokesperson for the House of Blahnik Scholarship. “I am extremely fortunate to have received the help of the House of Blahnik. It’s hard out here and every little bit counts. The scholarship was a great achievement because it came at the right time. But meeting Jay was another BIG win, because he became my mentor. I am going to tell others to apply and take their education seriously,” said Boi Boi.


The House of Blahnik is a real non-profit organization under the fiscal management of the MOCHA Center Inc. The House of Blahnik established its’ House of Blahnik Scholarship Fund in 2006, to support the educational and “ballroom” success of LGBT members of the House/Ball community. The House of Blahnik Scholarship Fund encourages LGBT community members to aspire to positions in which they are able to contribute to society, are open about their sexual orientation and act as role models for their peers in the Ballroom scene.


The 2009-10 scholarship applications and supporting documents are due by Friday, August 7, 2009. For more information, please visit www.houseofblahnik.org.


The House of Blahnik: With chapters in New York (NY), Philadelphia, Atlanta (GA), Detroit (MI), Chicago (IL), Cleveland (OH), North and South Carolina, Oakland (CA) and various cities in New Jersey seeks to invest in the future of ball patrons who make valuable contributions to the ballroom community. The House of Blahnik seeks to shift community norms by creating tangible recognition for individuals who make such contributions and highlight these contributions.


For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please call Damon L. Humes at (215) 431-1790 or e-mail at houseofblahnik@yahoo.com.


*******************************************************************************
Stephaun Clipper-Wallace (aka Stephaun Elite Manolo Blahnik)
www.stephaunelite.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/christianelite

"The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house"~ Audre Lorde

"Those who say it can not be done.....should not interrupt the person doing it"~Chinese Proverb

Aaron McGruder on BET, Presidential Election and War

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month 2009

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-LGBT-Pride-Month/

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
June 1, 2009

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.

LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country's response to the HIV pandemic.

Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.

The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.

My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.

These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

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