January, 2021 News (64 Articles with 64,362 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for January, 2021 GEAE's Virtual E3 Youth Summit on November 20-21 opening night included a fabulous Drag Show.
This began publication in December 2002 after a hiatus
Category for this issueCalendar & Upcoming Events
Calendar of Local GLBT Events |
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Local and Regional News
2020 in videos
Check out our video gallery for 2020! Although many events were canceled or postponed because of COVID-19, videos for the year include greetings from US Sen Bob Casey Jr, County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, and Mayor Joe Schember for NW PA Pride Alliances Virtual Pride in June, the 2020 UK Asexuality conference which included local Ace activist Marshall John Blount, a statewide LGBTQ Town Hall held in December by the Pennsylvania Commission in LGBTQ Affairs, a press conference by the Mayor's office about nErie HRC MEI score increasing to 80, and a drag show at GEAE's Virtual E3 Youth Summit.
2020 - A look back in photos
Check out our photo gallery for 2020! 2020 was a challenging year, as many events had to be held virtually or postponed/canceled because of COVID-19. Nonetheless, Erie saw a No Pride Without Black Lives rally and a Drive Your Pride event in June, a Tea Time with Drag Queens in July, a Mobile HIV Testing event at Dickey's BBQ Pit by NW PA Rural AIDS Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, and NW PA Pride Alliance in October and more. Erie Gay News is proud to have photo galleries for not only 2020 but years dating back to 1995!
City of Erie Launches New Application Process
Erie, PA — (Dec. 19, 2020) City of Erie Launches New Application Process for Authorities, Boards, and Commissions.
Erie Gay News Editorial Board Call for Applications
Erie Gay News is proud to have served the region's LGBTQIA+ community since 1992. Within the past year, we have formed an editorial board that meets virtually every month to discuss potential articles, distribution, social media presence, and other ways to maintain and improve the publication. We invite those interested in sharing this crucial work to submit applications to be a part of our editorial board. If you want to volunteer, please email a resume and cover letter to info@eriegaynews.com by Sunday, January 31, 2021
Erie HRC MEI Score Increases to 80
On December 9, 2020, Mayor Joe Schember and members of the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council announced that the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) 2020 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) scorecard for the City of Erie has increased to 80. This record high score for Erie represents a marked improvement from the City's preliminary 2018 score of 34 out of a possible 100 points.
2020 Health Needs Assessment
In a year where public health is at the forefront, LGBTQ Pennsylvanians deserve affordable, accessible and affirming healthcare options at every level. Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, administered the largest statewide assessment of LGBTQ health needs.
PA LGBTQ Townhall on December 9
On Wednesday, December 9, the Pennsylvania Commission for LGBTQ Affairs hosted a statewide town hall for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians to talk about their experiences on issues such as discrimination, education equity, aging services, access and quality of health services, and housing, among others. About 120 people attended, The commission wanted to be as informed as possible in their advocacy for legislative and policy initiatives and help individuals and organizations find resources and support. Speakers representing a wide array of backgrounds and perspectives included Matt Haslam, Marshall Blount, Senator Tim Kearney, Janelle Crossley, Marilyn Blackburn, Terri Clark, Ceshia Elmore, Amanda Blouir, Trista Cochran, and Ciora Thomas.
Zone Closed Until January 4
Due to restrictions because of the surge in COVID-19 cases, The Zone Dance Club will be closed until January 4. They are hoping to reopen as soon as it is allowed and safe.
NW PA Pride Alliance New Board Members
NW PA Pride Alliance welcomed new board members Tabitha Wolf and Bobbie Fenno on December 4. They join current board members Alex Sphon, Season Crannell, Rex Apps, Michael Mahler, Diana Ames, Andrew Caswell, Moe Ferrara, Anthony Gressley, Julie Lebow, Michael Mooney, and Steve Wadsworth. Also, Andi Fair and Leroy Oglesby joined the advisory panel.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Virtual Vigil on Nov 20
Friday, November 20 - TransFamily of NWPA, again, honored our transgender, non-binary, or gender nonconforming family members lost over the past year due to acts of violence.
Bad Mood or Red Flag?
During these stressful and unpredictable times, it can be difficult to tell whether an episode of yelling or name-calling by your partner is a symptom of frayed nerves or deliberate intimidation. Does a statement like "If you ever do that again, you'll be sorry" sound like someone having a very bad day or a deliberate threat? Is an ultimatum between two undesirable choices evidence of fleeting exasperation or deliberate coercion?
2020 E3 LGBTQ Youth Summit: Healing in Community
The 2020 E3 LGBTQ Youth Summit was held virtually November 21-22 2020, but that didn't stop the excitement and engagement for everyone that participated.
Transphobic Sign in Waterford
On Wednesday, December 9, a message board in Waterford maintained by Dwyer Plumbing and Excavation Co. read, "Don't let a man in a dress rules us Waterford." The sign targeted openly transgender Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, who has been working to contain the spread of COVID-19. The derogatory sign generated controversy, and there was a Change.org petition. Erie News Now aired a story on December 10. The business owner changed the text to read "Happy Holidays. Please wear a mask." The business owner chose not to speak on camera but expressed frustration with restrictions currently in place. Two Waterford residents interviewed disapproved of the sign. Erie City School Board President Tyler Titus said in a follow-up story the next day that transgender and gender-expansive people should not feel that their validity and lived experience are negated by this sign or other signs that don't make the news. And that their lives have worth and value.
Tyler Titus Elected Erie City School Board President
On Wednesday, December 1, 2020, Tyler Titus was elected President of the Erie City School Board. The vote was unanimous. Titus is the first openly transgender person to hold that position, and also was the first openly transgender person elected to public office in Pennsylvania when initially elected to Erie City School Board on November 7, 2017. Titus also serves as co-vice chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs.
2021 Vision Card Workshop for LGBTQ+ 12-15 year olds on December 30
Journey to A Trauma Informed Life and Greater Erie Alliance for Equality are proud to present a vision card workshop by guest presenter Eric Reiche for LGBTQ+ 12-15 year olds on Thursday, 12/30, 3-5 pm. Vision cards are mini vision boards with a twist. Eric Reiche is a queer-identifying grad student studying art therapy at Edinboro University.. You must register to attend, via Google meet link or in-person (provided it is safe). Limit 8 people in-person.
URGENT Coat and Boot Drive on December 21 at Gem City Dinor by GEAE and NW PA Pride Alliance
There is an urgent need for warm boots and coats in our community! On Monday, December 21 from 3:30 to 7:30 PM Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, NWPA Pride Alliance and Gem City Dinor are coordinating the effort to gather these items. Donations will go to individuals living with AIDS/HIV. Used items in good condition are welcome. DROP OFF DONATIONS AT GEM CIT, 3545 W 12th St, Erie PA 16505! Each donor will receive a voucher for a free pint of soup from Gem City Dinor!
Ray/Rachel Lohr, LSW Health Presentation for LGBTQ+ 15-18 year olds on December 17
Journey to A Trauma Informed Life and Greater Erie Alliance for Equality are proud to present a health and wellness program by guest speaker Ray/Rachel Lohr, LSW for LGBTQ+ 15-18 year olds on Thursday, 12/17, 4-6 pm.
Deadline for January 2021 print edition (issue #302) of Erie Gay News is Monday, December 14, comes out Tuesday, December 22.
For the next edition of Erie Gay News (issue # 302, cover dated for January 2021), please send in online events, news items, and other info for late December 2020 and beyond by Monday, December 14. We expect that the next edition will come out on Tuesday, December 22.
Entertainment and Travel
VH1's RuPaul's Drag Race celebrates New Year's Day premiere with simulcast on The CW Network, MTV, MTV2, PopTV and Logo
New York, NY - December 18, 2020 - VH1 today announced that The CW Network along with MTV, MTV2, PopTV and Logo will simulcast the upcoming season premiere of the Emmy award-winning, RuPaul's Drag Race on Friday, January 1 at 8:00PM ET/PT, making the long running series available to an expanded broadcast audience for the first time in its 12-year history.
Emmy award-winning "RuPaul's Drag Race" ruveals jaw-dropping season 13 twist
New York, NY - December 14, 2020 - VH1 today unveiled a game-changing twist from the upcoming season of the Emmy award-winning "RuPaul's Drag Race" premiering Friday, January 1 at 8PM ET/PT. For the first time in Drag Race "herstory" queens will enter the werk room to discover an explosive surprise: that they must immediately go head-to-head on the mainstage to defend their place in the competition with six lip syncs for their lives. Who will stay and who will get the "pork chop?" Take a first-look at the trailer HERE.
DRAGAPALOOZA concert film streaming on January 16!
Hairspray! High Heels! High Voltage Music! A concert film featuring international celebrity Drag Queens performing LIVE (in your living room) to Stream Exclusively on mySongbird.com on January 16, 2021 at 9 PM EST DRAGAPALOOZA ushers in a new era of LIVE Music Drag Performances bringing together the brightest and most dynamic live performers in the world of international drag.
MTV Documentary Films' GAY CHORUS DEEP SOUTH airing on Pop, Logo and Pluto TV on 12/20 at 9pm ET/PT
MTV Documentary Films' Gay Chorus Deep South, a timely and inspiring celebration of hope, acceptance and love directed by David Charles Rodrigues and produced by Bud Johnston and Jesse Moss, will make its broadcast premiere Sunday, December 20 at 9:00PM ET/PT on Pop, Logo and Pluto TV.
Emmy Award-winning "RuPaul's Drag Race" ru-veals cast for Season 13 premiering Friday, January 1 at 8PM ET/PT on VH1
New York, NY - December 9, 2020 - VH1 today ru-vealed the cast for the 13th season of the global phenomenon "RuPaul's Drag Race," premiering Friday, January 1, at 8PM ET/PT. After winning six Emmy Awards this year and solidifying itself as the most awarded reality competition show in history, the highly anticipated new season is bringing together thirteen fabulous queens as they vie for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar" and a cash prize of $100,000.
Political, Activism and Legal
ABA Center for Human Rights presents Eleanor Roosevelt Prizes to Fauci, King and Sotoudeh
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30, 2020 - The American Bar Association's Center for Human Rights presented its third annual Eleanor Roosevelt Prize for Global Human Rights Advancement this month. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Billie Jean King and Nasrin Sotoudeh were honored in a virtual ceremony.
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) Mourns the Deaths of Jaheim Barbie/Pugh and Courtney "Eshay" Key
WASHINGTON, DC - December 29, 2020 - The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is profoundly saddened by the news of two murders during the holiday season. Jaheim Barbie, also known as Jaheim Pugh, a Black gender nonconforming youth of 19 years, was shot to death as they exited a Christmas party in Prichard, Alabama on December 13th. Just twelve days later, Courtney "Eshay" Key, a 25-year-old Black transgender woman, was shot and killed in the East Chatham neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. These thefts of precious young lives, like so many others, were the product of ignorance and hate.
Creating Change 2021 Workshops and events announced: Politics, Religion, Sexuality and more
WASHINGTON, DC, December 28, 2020 - The organizers of the Creating Change Conference today announced the full slate of workshop and other sessions organized for the 33rd annual conference. From activism to faith to fundraising, with some timely twists on popular workshops like "Sex in the Times of COVID," the Creating Change conference will have programs of interest to diverse activists and cover a lot of ground in this unique time for LGBTQ+ communities.
Lambda Legal Files Brief in Support of Transgender Employee Fighting Hobby Lobby
(Chicago, IL, December 22, 2020) - Today, Lambda Legal filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the Second District Appellate Court of Illinois in support of Meggan Sommerville, a transgender woman, in her almost decade-long fight with her employer, Hobby Lobby, to gain access to the women's facilities at work, facilities that match her gender identity. The brief, filed on behalf of Lambda Legal and Equality Illinois, provides background information to the court about gender identity and Illinois law that acknowledges and affirms that a person's sex is determined by gender identity, as well as state and federal law that supports transgender people having equal access to facilities that are consistent with their sex.
Equality California Applauds Newsom's Appointment of Secretary Alex Padilla as California's Next U.S. Senator
LOS ANGELES - December 22, 2020 - Governor Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday morning that he will appoint California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to serve as California's next U.S. senator, filling the vacancy that will occur when Vice President Elect-Kamala Harris is sworn in on January 20. Padilla will be the first Latino to represent California in the United States Senate.
Communities React: Midwood Investment & Development Whitewashes Gayborhood Mural to Gloria Casarez
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - In a shocking reversal to months of good faith negotiations, workers for Midwood Investment & Development painted over the mural honoring the memory of LGBTQ Latinx activist Gloria Casarez in the morning hours of Wednesday, December 23rd. The mural, entitled A Tribute to Gloria Casarez, was created by artists Michelle Angela Ortiz and Briana Dawkins in collaboration with Gloria's family and friends. It was erected in 2015 at the site of the former 12th Street Gym at 204 South 12th Street in Center City Philadelphia. The mural was whitewashed with no warning to the community or Gloria's family and friends.
Women's and Civil Rights Groups, Athletes, Coaches, Corporations, and Legal and Medical Experts Tell Federal Appeals Court to Strike Down Idaho Anti-Trans Law
BOISE, Idaho - December 21, 2020 - Hundreds of athletes, coaches, and businesses, as well as civil rights, legal, and medical experts submitted friend-of-the-court briefs with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today in Hecox v. Little.
Lambda Legal and Immigration Equality Challenge Trump Administration's "Death to Asylum" Rule
(San Francisco, CA, December 21, 2020) - Today, Lambda Legal, Immigration Equality, and co-counsel Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, filed a federal lawsuit, Immigration Equality v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, challenging the Trump administration's recently published "death to asylum" rule, which makes sweeping, essentially fatal changes to the United States asylum system.
Representatives Crow and Trahan Introduce Bill to Include Modern Diversity Training at the Department of Defense
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dember 17, 2020 - Today, Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and former Army Ranger, and Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced the Realizing Efforts for Military Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (REMEDI) Act to require 21st century diversity training for the Department of Defense workforce. The legislation would update outdated language to ensure diversity training at the Department of Defense is a reflection of our nation's values and promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion at the largest governmental agency. The bill is endorsed by Protect Our Defenders, Minority Veterans of America, and the Modern Military Association of America
1/28/21: Annual Black Institute to Kick Off Creating Change
WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is announcing this year's annual Black Institute, which will take place on Thursday, January 28, 2021. The Black Institute is a part of the National LGBTQ Task Force's 33rd annual Creating Change Conference. It is the largest LGBTQ+ activist conference that brings together leaders from across the nation to strengthen their commitment to freedom, justice and equity for all LGBTQ+ people. The Black Institute will also see the introduction of NBJC's National Policy Agenda. NBJC is the nation's only civil rights organization focused at the intersection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and same gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) rights and racial equality.
The Time for a Fully Inclusive Military is Now
WASHINGTON-On Dec. 22, 2010 then President Barack Obama signed the repeal of the military policy known as "Don't Ask Don't Tell," which banned service of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Statement by Brian K. Bond, a member of the Obama-Biden White House staff who worked closely on the repeal (2009-2011) and current Executive Director of PFLAG National: "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' was always bad policy. When President Obama signed the repeal 10 years ago, it was the culmination of the combined efforts of scores of former and active duty LGBTQ+ service members whose lives were impacted by this policy, together with LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, congressional champions, and leaders in the Department of Defense. It was a bipartisan effort I am proud to have been a part of, recognizing that it was only a step toward a fully inclusive military force.
Human Rights Campaign on Newly Passed Anti-LGBTQ Laws in Hungary
WASHINGTON - December 16, 2020 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, responded to news today that the Hungarian Parliament passed a package of laws on Tuesday including some that specifically target and discriminate against the LGBTQ community. The new laws bars same-sex couples from adopting children in Hungary.
Black Women Twice as Likely as White Men to Be Behind on Rent or Mortgage Payments
(Washington, D.C. - December 16, 2020) As expiration deadlines near for the emergency extended unemployment benefits under the CARES Act (on December 26) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's temporary halt on many evictions (on December 31), a new National Women's Law Center analysis finds grave racial and gender disparities in who is facing housing, food, and income shortages--with those households with children facing the greatest risk.
New Report Finds LGBTQ People Are Disproportionately Impacted by COVID-19
(December 16, 2020) - A new report released today by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) shows that LGBTQ households-especially those headed by Black and Latinx LGBTQ people-experienced disproportionate, negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes being twice as likely to be unable to get necessary medical care and four times more likely to not have enough food to eat as non-LGBTQ households.
Gettysburg Unanimously Adopts LGBTQ-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Ordinance
GETTYSBURG, Pa. - December 14, 2020 - The Pennsylvania Youth Congress is thrilled to share that at their December 14, 2020 meeting, Gettysburg Borough Council unanimously voted to adopt an LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance. Gettysburg becomes the fourth small town PA community and 63rd municipality in Pennsylvania to enact local protections for LGBTQ people in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
National Black Justice Coalition and Cartoon Network Launch Gender Identity Comic Strip Celebrating Gender Diversity
Washington - December 14, 2020 -- The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is excited to announce the latest installment in its ongoing collaboration with Cartoon Network. On Monday, December 14, Cartoon Network released a comic strip highlighting the power and importance of respecting gender identity through the use of gender pronouns. The comic was designed by members of the NBJC Youth and Young Adult Action Council (YYAAC) with artist Steven Lowe (@steeeeevn), a team of talented creators from Cartoon Network Studios, and leadership from NBJC's director of education programs and research, Dr. Kia Darling-Hammond.
SPLC Marks Five-year Anniversary of Groundbreaking Suit Finding Gay "Conversion" Program Unconscionable and Fraudulent
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- December 17, 2020 - Tomorrow is the five-year anniversary of the settlement in Michael Ferguson, et al., v. JONAH, a first-of-its-kind lawsuit brought by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and co-counsel partners on behalf of four young men and two of their mothers against Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing (JONAH), a New Jersey-based organization offering so-called conversion therapy to people who are gay. The lawsuit charged that JONAH, its founder and a counselor violated New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act by claiming that they could "convert" people from gay to straight.
"Creating Change" Announces Program Line Up, Award Recipients for First Ever Virtual Conference
WASHINGTON, DC, December 9, 2020 - Community leaders Gloria Allen, Lisbeth Melendez Rivera, Javier Hernandez, and Gayle Rubin will all be honored at the 33rd annual Creating Change Conference. Held virtually from January 28 through January 31, 2021, the conference will include four plenary sessions, 16 day long institutes, and 48 workshop and caucus sessions.
Census Bureau Releases New American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
DEC. 10, 2020 - Today the U.S. Census Bureau released new 5-year statistics. For the first time, data from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey (ACS) will allow users to compare three nonoverlapping sets of 5-year data: 2005-2009, 2010-2014 and 2015-2019. The ability to analyze separate datasets is important for identifying trends for small communities and geographies which is critical for planning future investments and services.
Lambda Legal and Immigration Equality to Challenge Cruel New Asylum Ban in Court
(Washington, D.C., December 10, 2020) - Today, Trump's Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice announced they will soon publish a new rule that eviscerates the United States asylum system. The ban will make it virtually impossible for LGBTQ people and those living with HIV who fled persecution in their countries of origin to secure asylum in the U.S. Likewise, it almost entirely bans women who make gender-based claims and victims of non-state violence from obtaining asylum.
Bhutan Decriminalizes Same-Sex Relations and Recognizes Existence of Homosexuality
December 10, 2020 - Today, Bhutan decriminalized same-sex relations in a sitting of both houses of Parliament. Both houses of parliament voted in favor of amending articles 213 and 214 of the Penal Code which criminalized "unnatural sex." While they didn't specifically mention homosexuality, Articles 213 and 214 were widely interpreted as prohibiting same-sex relations. The amendment passed with a vote of 63 of the total 69 members of Parliament. The newly adopted amendment does not repeal the provision entirely, but clarifies that "homosexuality between adults shall not be considered unnatural sex."
KY Statewide Fairness Laws Prefiled with Bipartisan Support - HEROES Act would Restore LGBTQ Veterans Benefits
LOUISVILLE, Ky.- December 11, 2020 - A slew of pro-LGBTQ bills for the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly were prefiled this week, including the first "Statewide Fairness Law" co-introduced in the State House by a Republican and the "HEROES Act," which would restore state veterans' benefits to some LGBTQ ex-servicemembers.
MMAA Calls On VA Secretary Wilkie To Resign Immediately
WASHINGTON - December 11, 2020 - Tonight, the Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) - the nation's largest LGBTQ military and veteran non-profit organization - joined the growing list of veteran service organizations calling on the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie, to resign. The call for his resignation follow the release of a VA Inspector General report on "Senior VA Officials' Response to a Veteran's Sexual Assault Allegations."
First-Ever Pennsylvania LGBTQ Legislative Agenda Released by Pennsylvania Youth Congress
HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Youth Congress has released a first-ever statewide LGBTQ legislative agenda that calls for the enactment of over a dozen laws by the General Assembly. The organization will support the introduction and advocacy behind these efforts in the 2021-2022 session of the state legislature.
Supreme Court Again Rejects Challenge to Trans-Affirming School Policies
WASHINGTON - December 7, 2020 - The Supreme Court today declined to hear Parents for Privacy v. William P. Barr et al, allowing school districts to continue to affirm transgender students by allowing them to use the same restrooms and locker rooms as their peers
National Black Justice Coalition Mourns the Death of Skylar Heath
Washington - December 2, 2020 -- The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the death of Skylar Heath.
Health
Damn. It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta.
My beautifully bespoke therapeutic plan to end this crazy messed up year all came about from witnessing a meltdown moment when I was out buying water, mouthwash, and blueberries one simmering afternoon.
Organizations Call for LGBTQI Data Collection & Targeted Outreach in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Efforts
WASHINGTON, DC - December 22, 2020 - Today, over 125 organizations called upon the Association of State and Territorial Health Officers to create an inclusive and coordinated plan to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine and to make concerted efforts to reach and establish trust with LGBTQI populations. Read the letter here.
What is Fitness?
As an exercise physiologist I prescribe physical activity based on the scientific evidence that it measurably improves health outcomes. Cardiovascular activity such as brisk walking reduces blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart disease, our number one killer in the US according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Strength training such as lifting weights or calisthenic practices like yoga and Pilates improves functional capacity, muscular endurance and bone health. Flexibility training improves the range of motion around our joints and balance training reduces the likelihood of falls.
Psychotherapist Michael Kimmel will present a ZOOM workshop: "Power, Love & Presence: The Joys of Getting Older" on 1/16/21 @ 4PM
"Power, Love & Presence: The Joys of Getting Older" is a ZOOM workshop offered by LGBTQ San Diego County columnist ("Life Beyond Therapy"), workshop facilitator and psychotherapist Michael Kimmel on Saturday, January 16th from 4 - 6PM EST.
Can We Breathe Now?
Finally, as 2020 shuffles to a close, it looks like (some) things are getting better.
State’s older LGBTQ residents experience higher rates of depression, poverty, and injuries due to falls than their straight, cisgender peers
Boston, December 14, 2020 - A new report from The Fenway Institute finds that older LGBTQ adults in the Commonwealth report being diagnosed with depression at twice the rate of their straight, cisgender peers, and are twice as likely to fall and be injured in a fall over the past year. It also finds that while older LGBTQ adults are more likely to hold a college degree, they are more likely to report having had difficulty paying for housing or food over the past year. LGBTQ older adults living in rural areas of the state expressed concern about the lack of options for LGBTQ-affirming health care, as well as their on-going experiences with strong anti-LGBTQ prejudice and harassment in public settings and senior housing.
HIV & Aging: Integrating Services to Improve Care for an Overlooked Population
(December 8, 2020) - HIV has become an aging issue now that more than half of people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. are 50 or older. Thanks to advancements in treatment, people with HIV can now live for decades but longevity with HIV is relatively new, under-explored, and under-resourced, and the HIV/AIDS and aging services networks operate almost totally separately, with few age-specific services. Grantmakers In Aging, a national membership organization of philanthropies, created Moving Ahead Together: A Framework for Integrating HIV/AIDS and Aging Services to help end the painful isolation and improve the care of older people living with HIV.
Patient Groups Urge U.S. District Court to Prevent Discrimination Against LGBTQ and Limited English Proficiency Patients
Washington, D.C.-December 9, 2020- More than a dozen patient groups representing millions of Americans with serious and chronic health conditions are urging the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to preserve protections in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) patients receiving health care services and restore translation notices for those with limited English proficiency (LEP) in the case of New York v. U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.
Legislation to Increase Diversity in Clinical Trials and Reduce Health Disparities Expected to Pass in House
Washington, D.C.-Dec. 9, 2020-The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to pass legislation today aimed at improving access to clinical trials for communities of color and decreasing health disparities
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Mayor Pete in the steps of Von Steuben
From Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: In my October Q & A with candidate Joe Biden, I asked whether he would put LGBT people in his cabinet. His answer was "I'll nominate and appoint federal officials and judges that represent the diversity of America, including LGBTQ+ individuals."
The Amazon Trail: But...
The year 2020 wasn't a total bust except for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who should not have died or have been permanently harmed by Covid 19. In the U.S., many lay those deaths and disablements at the hands of the greedy, power hungry 2020 administration and its followers.
Contests
Enter to win Open Up To Me DVD
Enter to win Open Up To Me DVD. To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Tuesday, January 19, and Tuesday, February 9.
Enter to win Steven's War by Donovan Russo
Enter to win Steven's War by Donovan Russo. To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Friday, December 25, and Friday, January 15.
Enter to win Operation Hyacinth - The Story of Forbidden Love
Enter to win Operation Hyacinth - The Story of Forbidden Love by Pawel Kurczab. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 22, and Tuesday, January 12.
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