2005

Congress slashes some AIDS programs: Ryan White, ADAP cut, abstinence increased: Washington Blade - December 30, 2005; Lou Chibbaro, Jr.; A stalling tactic by Senate Democrats last week gave AIDS advocacy groups another chance in Congress to reverse a decision to slash $4.8 billion over five years from the nation s Medicaid program. Medicaid serves as the main health care provider for low-income people with AIDS. Health care advocates warn that the lives
Alston murder shocked D.C. in 2005: Stabbing death of mayor's top gay aide topped local news: Washington Blade - December 30, 2005; Ken Sain; On March 16, employees in D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams office became concerned when Wanda Alston, the mayor s director of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Affairs office, was late getting to work. Alston, a longtime lesbian activist in the District, missed a meeting co-workers knew she planned on attending. A
More National News: Washington Blade - December, 2005; NIH official: Incentives lacking for development of AIDS vaccine WASHINGTON (AP) - The federal chief of AIDS research says he believes drug companies don t have an incentive to create a vaccine for the HIV and are likely to wait to profit from it after the government develops one. And that means the government has had
Medical Report: Washington Blade - December 23, 2005; Doctors report men using HIV drug to prevent spread LOS ANGELES - Some HIV-negative gay men are using the AIDS drug tenofovir with hopes that it will protect them from the virus during unprotected sex, health officials report. The officials are concerned that the unproven practice will result in more infections, the Lo
More National News: Washington Blade - December 23, 2005; Conservative group may reinstate Ford boycott DETROIT (AP) - The conservative American Family Association says it will consider reinstating a boycott against Ford Motor Company after the automaker announced plans to continue advertising in gay publications. Ford said two weeks ago it planned to stop advertising its Jag
Religion News: Washington Blade - December 23, 2005; Pastor alleges his ouster is due to AIDS ministry LOS ANGELES - M. Andrew Robinson-Gaither has preached a high-profile mix of politics, social protest and Christianity for almost 20 years, and the outspoken pastor now alleges it is his AIDS ministry that has led to his ejection, the Los Angeles Times reported. At his s
Police Beat: Washington Blade - December 23, 2005; Jamaican HIV activist killed on eve of World AIDS Day KINGSTON, Jamaica - Three men killed a leading Jamaican AIDS activist while robbing his home on the eve of World AIDS Day, Reuters reported. Steve Harvey of Christian Aid partner, Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, ran a program to offer support for gay men and sex work
Celebrating with spirit: Gay congregations offer a variety of options for holiday worship services: Washington Blade - December 23, 2005; Greg Marzullo; THE WINTER HOLIDAYS aren t just about shopping and parties. For many people, they are times of intense spiritual celebration and reflection. Finding gay-inclusive houses of worship can be tricky, but D.C. is home to a number of places that are run by and for gay celebrants. For any minority, there is power in being abl
Charities deliver wish lists: From gum to cars, local gay groups seek donations: Washington Blade - December 23, 2005; Katherine Volin; TIS THE SEASON to give, although whether people give more to charities because of the seasonal spirit or because of looming tax bills is hard to determine. I don t think it s all about Santa Claus, says Craig Shniderman, executive director of Food & Friends, a local organization that provides meals to people suffe
AIDS activists slam new HIV ad campaign: Critics say commercial ignores importance of condoms: Washington Blade - December 16, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; Anti-drug ads aren t known for their subtlety. But some public health advocates are concerned that the latest federally funded anti-drug campaign marries abstinence-only drug education with abstinence-only sex education. In an ad sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a government agency, two teenage girls
Gay, AIDS groups oppose Alito: Log Cabin warns against ideological 'litmus test': Washington Blade - December 16, 2005; Lou Chibbaro, Jr.; A coalition of national gay rights groups announced their opposition to U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito this week, saying he has put his conservative political agenda ahead of constitutional principles. The groups were challenged by the head of the national gay group Log Cabin Republicans, which said the gay ri
Medical Report: Washington Blade - December 16, 2005; Rapid HIV test yields surprising number of false-positives NEW YORK - A rapid test that the Food & Drug Administration will consider approving for sale and use at home produces too many false-positive results, health officials in New York and San Francisco reported, according to the New York Times. The OraQuick Adv
'Victory' claimed in AIDS Quilt lawsuit: San Francisco officials want memorial returned: Washington Blade - December 14, 2005; Andrew Keegan, akeegan@sovo.com.; A long-running legal battle between the founder of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the organization that maintains it could finally be resolved next week, when attorneys for one side expect a San Francisco judge to uphold a settlement that will return a portion of the quilt to its birthplace. Cleve Jones, who co-founded th
Not all sex acts are equally 'safe' from HIV: 'Nancy Reagan' approach to safe-sex decried: Washington Blade - December 9, 2005; Dyana Bagby; No glove, no love may be the mantra of many gay and bisexual men who refuse to have sex without condoms. But this Nancy Reagan mentality to Just Say No to unprotected sex is unrealistic and should be tempered with increased education about less risky sexual activities, according to some HIV prevention educators. M
Us Helping Us helping you: Black HIV/AIDS group thrives despite recent setbacks: Washington Blade - December 9, 2005; Katherine Volin; THIS YEAR GOT off to a rocky start for local gay black AIDS organization Us Helping Us. Lydia Watts, then-director of the HIV/AIDS Administration for D.C. s Department of Health, announced drastic funding cuts for the organization in January. Until then, Us Helping Us received three grants from HAA totaling nearly $460
OPINION: Purpose-driven lies: The author of 'Purpose Driven Life' says evangelicals shouldn't call gays sick, just 'unnatural.': Washington Blade - December 9, 2005; Wayne Besen, Columnist, wbesen@aol.com; WHEN SOME EVANGELICAL Christians express their unique brand of love, it is usually time to run in the other direction. They seem to think that love is insulting people with a saccharine smile and phony compassion. May I suggest we buy these folks dictionaries for Christmas so they can understand the true meaning of the
Medical Report: Washington Blade - December 9, 2005; Bush praises gay HIV efforts in World AIDS Day speech WASHINGTON (AP) - Marking World AIDS Day, President George W. Bush said the word gay, a rarity even during last year s battle over gay marriage and perhaps a first in a positive context. Bush reaffirmed America s commitment to fight the deadly disease around the wor
More Local News: Washington Blade - December 9, 2005; Language barrier blocks Latinos from HIV/AIDS services: report A report issued last week by Casa de Maryland found that agencies are not speaking about HIV and AIDS in a language that Latinos can understand - both literally and figuratively. The report follows meetings with Latino focus groups in Montgomery and Prince
Religion News: Washington Blade - December 9, 2005; In shift, U.S. evangelicals venture into AIDS activism LAKE FOREST, Calif. (AP) - After years of ministering to people with AIDS overseas, evangelical Christians are turning attention to the disease in their own backyard - and one of the nation s largest and best-known megachurches is leading the way. Nearly 2,000 past
HIV names reporting gaining in popularity: D.C. and Md. among handful to use codes, risking funds: Washington Blade - December 2, 2005; Lou Chibbaro, Jr.; In the 1980s, when many feared that AIDS could be spread through casual contact, gay and AIDS activists considered the idea of reporting the names of people who tested positive for HIV to government health departments to be out of the question. Agreeing with activists that an HIV diagnosis could lead to discrimination
Official claims CDC misleads country on names reporting: Washington Blade - December 2, 2005; Lou Chibbaro, Jr.; The head of the National Association of People With AIDS has accused the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention of misleading the public by claiming HIV names reporting will improve the nation s ability to track the AIDS epidemic. Terje Anderson, NAPWA s executive director, said it makes little difference whether
Local poets win AIDS film competition: 'Multitude of Mercies' airs as part of BET's World AIDS Day programming: Washington Blade - December 2, 2005; Katherine Volin; FOR FOUR LOCAL poets and activists who had never personally dealt with AIDS, writing a film on the subject for BET was an eye-opening challenge. Charneice Fox, Michelle Sewell, Drew Anderson and Justin Follin worked together on two previous film projects for their writing production company, Straight No Chaser, when th
Health News: Washington Blade - December 2, 2005; Barebacking a significant threat to gay men: journal PHILADELPHIA - A new double issue of the Journal of Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy examines the dangers of unprotected anal sex, known as barebacking, among gay men, according to a news release from the Haworth Press, publisher of the issue. The journal is the offic
AIDS Quilt lawsuit settlement unravels: Ousted founder, Names Project return to court: Washington Blade - December 2, 2005; ATLANTA - An agreement to return a portion of the world s largest traveling AIDS memorial to its West Coast birthplace unraveled due to unreasonable demands by the founder of the quilt, according to an attorney involved in the case. Cleve Jones, who co-founded the AIDS Memorial Quilt in San Francisco two decades ago, a
Mayor introduces new head of gay affairs office: Little-known Nipper has worked on gay, AIDS issues: Washington Blade - December 2, 2005; Lou Chibbaro, Jr.; D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams on Nov. 30 officially announced his appointment of Darlene Nipper as director of the city s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Affairs, calling her a skilled manager and activist who will greatly benefit the residents of the District. Williams, who introduced Nipper at his we
Happy birthday to HAART: This year's World AIDS Day also marks a full decade since the arrival of the life-saving HIV drug 'cocktail.': Washington Blade - December 2, 2005; Lisa Sterman; THIS DECEMBER MARKS the 10th anniversary of the first truly effective approach to treating HIV: combination therapy or HAART, Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. These powerful medications have saved the lives of thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS, including many gay men across the country. This important anniv
HIV among gay men up 8 percent, CDC says: Rise could be tied to increased testing or to crystal meth, risky sex: Washington Blade - November 25, 2005; Dyana Bagby; ATLANTA - The number of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. appears to have reached a plateau from 2001-2004, but gay and bisexual men continue to account for the largest number of new HIV cases, making up 44 percent of new infections reported in 33 states, federal health officials said last week. The Centers for Disease Con
AIDS groups denounce proposed Medicaid cuts: $12 billion reduction said to jeopardize low-income people with HIV: Washington Blade - November 25, 2005; Lou Chibbaro, Jr.; A coalition of 15 AIDS organizations said a vote by the House of Representatives on Nov. 18 calling for cutting the nation s Medicaid program by $12 billion over the next five years could have a life-threatening impact on thousands of low-income Americans with HIV. Noting that Medicaid is the single largest provider of
Local groups to mark World AIDS Day: D.C. AIDS office scales back plans after '04 controversy: Washington Blade - November 25, 2005; Katherine Volin; THE CITY S HIV/AIDS Administration plans a more subdued observance of World AIDS Day this year, after criticism of the agency last year for spending more than $400,000 on an AIDS Day party and other activities. Marsha A. Martin, who heads HAA, said the agency plans to host no events this year. Instead, Martin says she
Health News: Washington Blade - November 25, 2005; British clinic says cured man never had HIV, as tests continue LONDON - One of the world s top AIDS experts agreed to examine a man who tested positive for HIV last year, then this summer tested negative, the Mirror of London reported. Officials at the clinic that originally gave Andrew Stimpson, 25, results that said
Back in the day: Although Jack Fritscher's memoir-novel ccasionally slows to a crawl, persevere for a strong and culturally engaging read.: Washington Blade - November 25, 2005; Greg Marzullo, Arts Reporter; SAN FRANCISCO REMAINS firmly entrenched in the gay American mythos as the Never Never Land of queer culture. During the tender years after the Stonewall riots in New York, the city became the central destination for gay people fleeing rural and closeted lives, so they could fulfill their hearts desires. Jack Fritscher
Do I hear $80,000? Gay college student attempts to auction off his tuition on eBay: Washington Blade - November 25, 2005; Greg Marzullo; EVERY COLLEGE STUDENT knows that paying for an education can be a struggle. Some lucky students don t have to worry about financial aid because of family money. Others work hard in high school for good grades and as volunteers to win scholarships. Still others take out loans and spend the next few decades paying them b
Crew Club owner honored for syphilis prevention work CDC says disease is on the rise after period of decline: Washington Blade - November 25, 2005; Katherine Volin; In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention noticed that after a decade of decline, the number of local syphilis cases was rising, particularly among gay men. Health officials worried at the time about public opposition to spending tax dollars on ad campaigns targeting gay men. Dr. B.W. Furness, who works
AIDS Quilt lawsuit settlement unravels: Ousted founder, organization head to court again over 2003 termination: Washington Blade - November 21, 2005; Andrew Keegan; An agreement to return a portion of the world s largest traveling AIDS memorial to its West Coast birthplace has unraveled due to unreasonable demands by the founder of the display, according to an attorney involved in the case. Cleve Jones, who co-founded the AIDS Memorial Quilt in San Francisco two decades ago, and t
D.C. weighs law on intentional HIV exposure: Prosecutor seeks views of gays, people with HIV: Washington Blade - November 18, 2005; Lou Chibbaro, Jr.; An assistant United States Attorney who has prosecuted sex offense cases in D.C. has invited members of the gay community to weigh in on whether the District should pass a law making it a crime to intentionally expose someone to HIV. We are not yet ready to propose legislation, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Pat Riley, l
Federal officials weigh rapid at-home HIV test AIDS groups say OraSure test must offer clear instructions, counseling: Washington Blade - November 18, 2005; Andrew Keegan; The makers of a rapid HIV test used by doctors met with an advisory committee of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration this month in an effort to get permission to sell the test over the counter. But the Nov. 3 session also included HIV organizations, some of which are concerned about what happens to someone after th
Health News: Washington Blade - November 18, 2005; British man claims to be cured of the AIDS virus LONDON (AP) - AIDS experts called for more tests on a British man who claims his body has rid itself of the virus that causes AIDS. Andrew Stimpson, 25, told two British newspapers that he tested positive for HIV in August 2002, but that tests 14 months later came back n
Talking turkey: Gay chefs share family stories and personal recipes for Thanksgiving: Washington Blade - November 18, 2005; Greg Marzullo; THANKSGIVING IS a time for tradition. No matter how close you are to family members, this time of year inspires people to carry out familial rituals and to prepare sumptuous feasts involving dishes that only get made once a year. We all have our favorites: cornbread stuffing, apple pie, sweet potatoes with marshmallows
Bohemian travesty: Washington Blade - November 18, 2005; Tray Butler, Columnist; Rent retains its original Broadway cast and prominent same-sex storylines, but manages to betray any gritty authenticity. FOR A QUICK summary of everything that s wrong with Rent, the new big-screen adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical, look no further than lyrics written by its late composer Jonathan Larso
HIV among gay men up 8 percent, federal health officials say Rise could be tied to increased testing, risky sex: Washington Blade - November 17, 2005; Dyana Bagby; Gay and bisexual men continue to account for the largest number of new HIV diagnoses, making up 44 percent of the new infections reported in 33 reporting states, federal health officials said Thursday. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention released new information in a conference call with reporters Nov. 17
Free Gary Wayne Carriker!: Washington Blade - November 16, 2005; Chris Crain, Executive Editor; A 26-year-old gay man is sitting in a Fayette County, Ga., jail for having sex with another man. Gary Wayne Carriker, a fourth-year medical student at Emory University in Atlanta, was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison for felony reckless conduct: gay sex that was private, consensual and of a type routinely
Senate OKs Medicaid for people with HIV: Proposal passes as amendment to deficit reduction bill: Washington Blade - November 11, 2005; Lou Chibbaro, Jr.; In a little noticed action, the U.S. Senate on Nov. 3 approved by unanimous voice vote an amendment that would allow an undetermined number of low-income people with HIV to become eligible for Medicaid, ending an existing rule barring them from receiving Medicaid benefits until they have full-blown AIDS. The amendment
AIDS protesters target anti-gay group's office: Campaign To End AIDS decries abstinence-only education: Washington Blade - November 11, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; Protesters with the Campaign To End AIDS targeted the Family Research Council on Monday for its anti-gay and abstinence only advocacy work. The action was part of four days of action by the group, which also goes by C2EA, in Washington, D.C., including protests, civil disobedience, rallies, an inter-faith service and l
Medical Report: Washington Blade - November 11, 2005; Study offers proof of toll HIV can take on the brain LOS ANGELES - The cognitive functions of people with HIV remain vulnerable even as drug cocktails help HIV-positive individuals live longer, neurologists who study AIDS now know, the Los Angeles Times reported. A study published last month by the National Academy of
Gay men fuel syphilis rise in U.S., says CDC: Baltimore ranks 3rd, D.C. is 7th in rates of the disease, says agency: Washington Blade - November 11, 2005; Dyana Bagby; ATLANTA - For the fourth consecutive year, syphilis rates in the U.S. are on the rise and gay men are fueling the increase, according to data released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Increasing cases of primary and secondary syphilis among men who have sex with men are believed to be largel
Alito record has conflicting views on HIV bias: Nominee fought discrimination protections in 1986, but backed them in 2001: Washington Blade - November 11, 2005; Lou Chibbaro, Jr.; U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito signed on to a 2001 appeals court decision striking down a policy that prohibited the placement of a foster child into a Pennsylvania home because another child living there had AIDS. The unanimous decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia - w
OPINION: 'Playing around' has a price tag: Could the values in gay male relationships contribute to our STD and HIV infection rates?: Washington Blade - November 11, 2005; Stephen Fallon, Columnist; A FEW MONTHS back, my friend Oscar was describing his new relationship over dinner. His boyfriend of two months had suggested that they commit to one another exclusively. When Mitch heard this declaration of exclusivity, he snorted from across the table, Please! I ll have him by Christmas. Though everyone was laughing,
Unbreakable heart: Tim Tate's glass art can even survive a new baseball stadium: Washington Blade - November 11, 2005; Greg Marzullo; THE NEW D.C. baseball stadium has many Southeast business-owners in a tizzy, trying to find new locations for places that have existed for years. Along with several gay bars in the city s Navy Yard neighborhood, The Washington Glass School received its notice of imminent domain a couple of weeks ago. For Tim Tate, gay
OPINION: Alito would allow workplace HIV bias but overturned foster care ban: Mixed views emerge from Justice Department memo, court opinion: Washington Blade - November 7, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.; U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito signed on to a 2001 federal appeals court decision striking down a policy that prohibited the placement of a foster child into a Pennsylvania home because another child living there had AIDS. The unanimous decision by the 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Philadelphia - whe
'Witness' takes the stand: In his new book 'Witness to AIDS,' gay South African Edwin Cameron addresses how the disease affects his life and his country.: Washington Blade - November 4, 2005; Katherine Volin; EDWIN CAMERON, A gay South African high court judge with AIDS, is the only public official in South Africa to be open about his HIV positive status. Now he s written a book, Witness to AIDS, about his experience with the disease. Part memoir and part social commentary, Cameron s book details how he has battled AIDS, ho
Whitman-Walker resumes search for new director: Head of lesbian services is latest official to quit: Washington Blade - November 4, 2005; Lou Chibbaro, Jr.; The Whitman-Walker Clinic board reopened its search for a new executive director last week, more than six months after officials there said they were forced by a financial crisis to suspend the search. Whitman-Walker Clinic s financial situation has stabilized somewhat in the last several months, and the board agreed t
Getting the last laugh: Comedy group yuks it up to end AIDS: Washington Blade - October 28, 2005; Katherine Volin; There are some topics that no one should make jokes about. AIDS, for instance, is no laughing matter, but coordinators for the Campaign to End AIDS, a D.C.-based organization that assists people living with HIV/AIDS, have decided to use laughter to help raise money for their cause. The Late Night Players, a Boston-base
'SVU' hypes super HIV: NBC show criticized for inciting fears of 'supervirus': Washington Blade - October 28, 2005; Andrew Keegan; A popular TV show s portrayal of an unproven HIV supervirus perpetuates fears of a killer strain of the disease and could increase bias against people with HIV, critics claim. The Oct. 18 episode of NBC s Law & Order: SVU focused on a string of murders of gay men. The show, dubbed Strain, featured a gay AIDS activi
Medical Report: Washington Blade - October 28, 2005; Experimental HIV vaccine shows promising test results SEATTLE (AP) - Test results from an experimental vaccine to treat HIV patients is showing promising results, which have prompted researchers to double the number of volunteers involved in the international study. The vaccine is the most promising in 20 years, say sc
Religion News: Washington Blade - October 28, 2005; Catholic Church reacts after Canadian priest comes out TORONTO, Ontario - One Canadian Roman Catholic priest is in the spotlight after he declared on national television that he is gay and a second has been suspended for supporting the ordination of women clergy, the Globe & Mail reported. Rev. Karl Clemens, who de
Someone please save Harriet!: Washington Blade - October 28, 2005; Chris Crain; The president s pick to replace O Connor is every bit as maddeningly moderate and certainly better than alternatives. THE SUPREME COURT nomination of Harriet Miers is facing the perfect political storm. Buffeted by stinging criticism from the right and the left, the White House strategy for Miers to sail through the Se
Learning the tricks to get HIV meds: Washington Blade - October 21, 2005; Woody Miller; Hey Woody! Like your last writer ( Feeling Helpless ), I too am HIV-positive, at a lower-income level and have had many doors shut in my face when trying to get help with medication payments and co-pays. I have applied to, and participated in, many pharmaceutical and/or hospital-based research studies in order to obtai
Health summits target challenges for gay men: Crystal meth, conservative public policies hot topics at separate events: Washington Blade - October 21, 2005; Dyana Bagby; The National Gay Men s Health Summit, slated for Oct. 19-23 in Salt Lake City, plans to tackle topics ranging from crystal meth abuse to the Bush administration s impact on public policy, according to organizers. The summit, expected to attract about 300 people from across the country, is the fourth of its kind. The ev
Miers opposed discrimination laws for AIDS: Answers so far from Supreme Court nominee often conflict: Washington Blade - October 21, 2005; Eartha Jane Melzer; During her successful 1989 bid for Dallas City Council, Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers told a conservative group that she opposed legislation to protect people with AIDS and people perceived to have AIDS from discrimination. On a survey circulated by the Dallas Eagle Forum - a chapter of the Eagle Forum, which was
Medical Report: FDA to consider approving rapid, easy at-home HIV test: Washington Blade - October 21, 2005; NEW YORK - A Pennsylvania company will get a chance to convince federal health officials that it should be allowed to sell the first rapid, at-home HIV test to make such testing similar to easy home pregnancy kits, the New York Times reported. Officials at the Food & Drug Administration and AIDS advocates have expr
Obituaries: LeRoy Whitfield, 36: Washington Blade - October 21, 2005; Jorge Valencia; LeRoy Whitfield, an author and HIV Plus magazine columnist who campaigned for AIDS awareness among African Americans, died Sunday, Oct. 9, at a Manhattan hospital from complications related to AIDS, according to the Associated Press. He was 36. During his career, Whitfield wrote about his experience with the virus. He
Activists urge Ryan White CARE Act renewal: Federal AIDS funding program expired Sept. 30: Washington Blade - October 14, 2005; Dyana Bagby; AIDS activists are calling on Congress to renew the federal Ryan White CARE Act that provides funding for services and programs for those with HIV and AIDS. The act, originally passed by Congress in 1990, expired Sept. 30. Funding for the act is continuing to be appropriated and a draft bill may come as soon as next mo
Council welcomes, warns new AIDS chief: Martin faces 'real challenge' in fixing HAA's problems: Washington Blade - October 14, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; At last week s D.C. Council Health Committee hearing, councilmembers pledged to support and cooperate with Marsha Martin, the city s new HIV/AIDS Administration director, but made it clear they would be monitoring the agency closely. Martin has a real challenge to get this structure to function, said David A. Catania (
Feds probe Viagra use, rise in unsafe gay sex: Health officials say more study needed on E.D. pills, rise in STDs: Washington Blade - October 14, 2005; Andrew Keegan; Signaling a growing concern over the misuse of erectile dysfunction drugs by gay men, federal health officials met in late September to focus on education efforts surrounding the drugs and their possible link to increased HIV infections through high-risk sex. What came from the discussion over Cialis, Levitra and Viagr
D.C. activists say Examiner fair, balanced on gay news: New daily owned by billionaire opponent of gay rights: Washington Blade - October 14, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.; The Washington Examiner, which began publishing in the D.C. metropolitan area in February as a free daily newspaper, became the subject of much speculation by local political observers, including gay activists, following its launch. Along with its sister paper on the West Coast, the San Francisco Examiner, the Washingt
Health News: Medical Report: Washington Blade - October 14, 2005; Andrew Keegan; Lambda Legal to fight denial of transplant for HIV patient PHOENIX - Lambda Legal, a national gay legal group, filed a formal appeal last week to fight a decision by Arizona Medicaid officials to refuse to cover a liver transplant for an HIV-positive woman, the organization said in a news release. The refusal may cost
Miers backed equal rights for gays but not Texas sodomy repeal: Supreme Court nominee disclosed views in 1989 gay questionnaire: Washington Blade - October 3, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.; U.S. Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers stated in a signed, 1989 questionnaire from a Dallas gay group that she opposed repealing the Texas sodomy law but agreed that gay men and lesbians should have the same civil rights as non-gay men and women. Miers response to the questionnaire from the Lesbian/Gay Political Coal
HIV, religion top priorities at black gay summit: Panelist accuses Bush of 'co-opting' black churches: Washington Blade - September 30, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; Religion and the HIV epidemic among African-Americans took center stage at the first National Black Justice Coalition conference held last week in Washington, D.C. Grassroots activists, religious leaders, union organizers and elected officials, like Rep. Gwendolynne Moore (D-Wis.), attended the three-day summit that ad
Hurricane Rita prompts cancellation of HIV conference: Four-day event in Houston was expected to draw 3,000: Washington Blade - September 29, 2005; Andrew Keegan; Although Houston escaped with relatively minor damage from Hurricane Rita last week, the nation s largest gathering of HIV/AIDS service providers took a direct hit. The mandatory evacuation of Houston prior to the storm and subsequent shortage of food, fuel and power prompted the cancellation of the ninth annual U.S. C
HIV rates among gay blacks called 'genocide': Activists demand action from health agency: Washington Blade - September 23, 2005; Andrew Keegan; ATLANTA - Dismayed by the results of a recent study that shows nearly half of gay black and bisexual men surveyed in five major cities are HIV-positive, gay black leaders recently issued an open letter and met with high-level officials from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. More than 70 gay black leader
Gay black leaders meet to address marriage, HIV D.C. summit an effort to hone message: Washington Blade - September 23, 2005; Katherine Volin; Gay marriage, HIV/AIDS, isolationism, loneliness and faith are all matters local and national black gay and lesbian leaders have cited as areas they wish to target at the first leaders summit sponsored by the National Black Justice Coalition, a Washington, D.C.-based African-American gay civil rights organization. Keit
Bush considers gay attorney for D.C. judgeship: Spagnoletti one of three candidates for Superior Court bench: Washington Blade - September 23, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; A local commission charged with helping President Bush select judges to the D.C. Superior Court has named gay D.C. Attorney General Robert Spagnoletti as one of three candidates for a vacancy on the court s bench. Spagnoletti, 42, a prosecutor for 13 years before Mayor Anthony Williams appointed him attorney general, w
Health News: Washington Blade - September 23, 2005; More than 1.5 million HIV cases in U.S. since 1981: report WASHINGTON - More than 1.5 million people in the United States have been infected with HIV since the first cases of what would become known as the AIDS virus were reported in June 1981, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. A new report summarizes the U.S.
NEED WOOD: Need help getting HIV medication: Washington Blade - September 23, 2005; Woody, a.k.a. Michael Alvear*; Hey Woody! I m hoping you can help me and other people in the same situation. I m HIV-positive and in desperate need of meds. I make practically nothing income-wise yet I ve been turned down for assistance from every AIDS organization, public health clinic and governmental group (like Social Security) you can think of.
OPINION: Standing up for gays in Iran: For years, Iran has executed men for having sex, but no one raised questions at the United Nations.: Washington Blade - September 23, 2005; Paula Ettelbrick, Columnist; THE PRESIDENT OF Iran , Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, joined the largest gathering ever of world leaders last week at the United Nations without one question being asked about his country s continued violations of international human rights law. Iran has signed both the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and
Gay legal group opposes Roberts' nomination: Discussion of gay issues at hearing called breakthrough: Washington Blade - September 23, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.; Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund, the nation s most prominent gay legal group, announced its opposition this week to the nomination of Judge John G. Roberts to become chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Lambda s announcement came a little more than a week before the Senate was expected to confirm Roberts
Medical Report: Washington Blade - September 16, 2005; Drug to stop reproduction of AIDS virus gets approval WASHINGTON - A drug developed by India s Aurobindo Pharma to prevent the AIDS virus from reproducing has tentative approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, according to a news release from the company. The drug, Zidovudine, is a generic liquid version
EDITORIAL: Cold water poured on trans Katrina refugee: Washington Blade - September 16, 2005; After five homeless days from Hurricane Katrina, all trans New Orleans evacuee Sharli e Dominique wanted was a shower. It landed her in jail for another five days. AFTER FIVE HARROWING days stuck on an Interstate 10 bridge and then at the completely lawless New Orleans Convention Center, with precious little food or wa
Police Beat: Washington Blade - September 16, 2005; Iowa man exposed three boys to HIV, police say CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Police allege that a Cedar Falls man used alcohol and drugs to impair minors before performing sex acts on them, and he now is charged with sexual assault and transmission of the virus that causes AIDS, the Des Moines Register reported. Guy Dell Sudduth
Trans, gay evacuees face harassment as waters recede: Gay groups raise thousands for Katrina relief effort: Washington Blade - September 16, 2005; Andrew Keegan; As Hurricane Katrina s floodwaters slowly recede in New Orleans, cases of discrimination against gay and transgendered survivors are beginning to surface. Gay organizations stepped in to help last week after a transsexual evacuee spent five days in jail for using a women s shower at a Texas shelter and a gay man suffer
Gay events scheduled for Millions More weekend: Black gays to rally, march in October: Washington Blade - September 16, 2005; Eartha Jane Melzer; Black gays plan to have a visible presence at the Millions More Movement march, which is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., Oct. 14-16, and is organized by Nation of Islam leader, Rev. Louis Farrakhan. After months of confusion over the role that gay groups will play in the event, and uproar over anti-gay sta
Whitman-Walker limits disclosure of Pride expenses: D.C. Center weighs releasing finance statement: Washington Blade - September 16, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.; The head of the D.C. Center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender People said this week that the group s board would decide on Sept. 20 when it would be appropriate for the Center to release its first financial disclosure statement since it was founded in 1999 and incorporated in 2002. The board wants to maintai
Health News: Washington Blade - September 9, 2005; Grant sparks new effort to help HIV-positive gays in San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO - A $1.5 million grant from the city s Department of Public Health will help the Stop AIDS Project begin new HIV prevention and support programs for HIV-positive gay men, according to the Bay Area Reporter. For us, these programs are about
Gay hurricane evacuees face hurdles: Homes, wallets open to help gays, people with HIV in disaster's wake: Washington Blade - September 9, 2005; Andrew Keegan; New Orleans residents Richard Read and John D Addario consider themselves lucky. A week after Hurricane Katrina decimated their city, killing as yet untold thousands, the couple recalls how close they came to being victims instead of survivors. We had options, Read said. Sticking it out, going to a hotel near New Orlea
EDITORIAL: Ding dong, the chief is dead?: Washington Blade - September 9, 2005; Chris Crain, Executive Editor; He hasn t led the way opposing gay rights on the Supreme Court, but William Rehnquist s record is not only very harsh, it s the worst. IT MIGHT COME as a surprise to many that the Supreme Court justice with the worst record on issues of importance to gay Americans is not Antonin Scalia or Clarence Thomas, but the dearl
Bush nominates Roberts to replace Rehnquist: 'Ideologically driven' chief justice dies: Washington Blade - September 9, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.; The death of U.S. Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist on Sept. 3 has forced gay activists to contend with the upcoming nominations of two new Supreme Court justices who could help make or break gay rights cases for years to come. Rehnquist s death, coming on the heels of Justice Sandra Day O Connor s decision to resign
Gay AIDS office director defends Bush as he leaves White House post: O'Neill was last senior 'out' gay official in administration: Washington Blade - September 8, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.; Joseph O Neill, the gay physician who has served as director of the White House AIDS office and deputy coordinator of the president s global AIDS program, completed his last assignment with the Bush administration this week as a White House adviser on domestic AIDS issues. O Neill was the last remaining Bush administra
Health News: Washington Blade - September 2, 2005; Harmless virus may be key to finding better HIV drug IRVINE, Calif. - Chemical biologists have found that a simple, harmless virus may be a steppingstone to more effective and efficient development of HIV and anti-viral drugs, officials at the University of California at Irvine reported in a news release this week. The
OPINION: Forty-six percent and counting: Where is the outrage over the HIV crisis among black gay men? We've got to give a damn to make a difference.: Washington Blade - September 2, 2005; Craig Washington*; It s been two months since the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported the alarming findings of a study: 46 percent of black men who have sex with other men surveyed in five major cities tested positive for HIV. Phill Wilson, founding executive director of the Black AIDS Institute, expressed outrage at th
D.C. hires national figure to lead AIDS office: Marsha Martin leaves AIDS Action, vows to fix troubled District agency: Washington Blade - August 26, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.; D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams named Marsha Martin, executive director of the national AIDS advocacy group AIDS Action and a former official in the Clinton administration, to head the city s troubled HIV/AIDS Administration. Ms. Martin brings with her a wealth of knowledge and considerable expertise in the field of HIV/AI
Health News: Washington Blade - August 26, 2005; Scientists study crocodile blood for its disease-fighting qualities LONDON - Scientists hope that properties in crocodile blood may lead to new drugs to battle human infections, including HIV, the BBC reported. Crocodiles are known to heal rapidly even with serious wounds and almost without infection. Australian Adam B
Gay groups oppose Roberts nomination: Activists say Supreme Court pick hostile to minority, privacy rights: Washington Blade - August 26, 2005; Eartha Jane Melzer; Four of the nation s largest gay rights organizations announced on Thursday their opposition to the nomination of Judge John G. Roberts Jr. to the Supreme Court, claiming his record is hostile to the rights of privacy and minorities. The Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, the National Cen
Whitman-Walker's Va. site to remain open: Washington Blade - August 26, 2005; Eartha Jane Melzer; The Whitman-Walker Clinic s Northern Virginia site will stay open through December of 2006 thanks to an agreement reached by Alexandria City, Arlington and Fairfax Counties and the Virginia Department of Health, Clinic spokesperson Kim Mills said. Whitman-Walker provides health care services to those affected by HIV/AI
The serious side of looking good: Image consultant helps cancer patients look their best: Washington Blade - August 26, 2005; Katherine Volin; Hair has long been a hallmark of female attractiveness. In medieval Europe, married women were required to veil their hair, but unmarried ladies could let their locks swing freely in hopes of catching an available man. Muslim women who reveal their hair are sometimes considered immodest for so flagrantly displaying the
EDITORIAL:No more drama: Washington Blade - August 26, 2005; Kevin Naff, News Editor; It s time for D.C. Center officials to stop their infighting and finally deliver services to gay area residents. THE D.C. CENTER for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender People hasn t provided much in the way of services to D.C. gays, but it sure is delivering in the drama department. The board on Aug. 4 fired a vi
Catholics boot gay church from AIDS hospice: MCC New Orleans has 90 days to find new place to worship: Washington Blade - August 19, 2005; Dyana Bagby; A predominately gay New Orleans church is being kicked out of a Catholic HIV/AIDS residential facility after the Catholic Archdiocese learned members of the church support same-sex marriage. The Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans was told Aug. 4 it had 90 days to vacate its temporary space at the Proj
More Local News: Washington Blade - August 19, 2005; Clinical trial volunteers sought for new belly drug D.C. physician and HIV specialist Moody Mustafa is recruiting patients for a clinical trial to evaluate a new growth hormone medication aimed at treating HIV associated lipodystrophy, a condition associated with increased abdominal girth caused by side effects from ce
City fires AIDS office director: Watts' tenure marred by controversy; replacement expected soon: Washington Blade - August 19, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.; D.C. Department of Health Director Gregg Pane said he hoped to name a new director for the city s HIV/AIDS Administration late this week following his announcement on Tuesday that he had fired the current director, Lydia L. Watts, 11 months after she arrived at the trouble-plagued agency. I get paid to make tough decis
Medical Report: Washington Blade - August 19, 2005; New treatment shows promise in making HIV curable LONDON (AP) - A new treatment strategy has shown promise in helping to transform HIV into a curable infection. Preliminary research published last week in the Lancet medical journal outlines how scientists used an anti-convulsant drug to awaken dormant HIV hiding in the
OPINION: Black journalists no more on 'down low': A thundering silence among black journalists about black LGBT issues is under challenge from within.: Washington Blade - August 19, 2005; Tara Lake*; THE CONVENTION THIS year of the National Association of Black Journalists made history, though not only for reasons touted in the local press. NABJ s annual gathering was among several events in Atlanta the weekend of Aug. 5-7. That weekend, Rainbow Push Coalition s march in the city urged extension of the 1965 Voting
Keeping the faith: Troy Perry to stay active in gay rights movement after leaving MCC: Washington Blade - August 19, 2005; Katherine Volin; IF SOMEONE IN Scotland wrote a letter today and addressed it to Queer Minister, U.S.A., odds are the post office would return it marked address unknown. In the early 1970s, however, the Los Angeles Post Office knew exactly where to send it. When Rev. Troy Perry, longtime leader of the Metropolitan Community Church, an
Catholic Archdiocese boots gay church from AIDS facility in La.: MCC New Orleans has 90 days to find new place to worship: Washington Blade - August 17, 2005; Dyana Bagby; A predominately gay New Orleans church is being kicked out of a Catholic HIV/AIDS residential facility after the Catholic Archdiocese learned members support same-sex marriage. The Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans was told Aug. 4 it had 90 days to vacate its temporary space at the Project Lazarus co
District AIDS director fired: Watts' tenure at HAA filled with controversy and criticism: Washington Blade - August 16, 2005; Lou Chibbaro, Jr.; Lydia Watts, director of the city s HIV/AIDS Administration, was fired today, 11 months after Mayor Anthony Williams appointed her to clean up the trouble-plagued agency, according to mayoral press secretary Vince Morris. Dr. Gregg Pane, director of the Department of Health, which oversees HAA, informed agency employee
Minority AIDS groups question Clinic bailout: Emergency funds to Whitman-Walker slammed as unfair: Washington Blade - August 12, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; Several local HIV and AIDS providers who serve women and people of color wrote a letter to Mayor Anthony Williams in early July criticizing what they called unequal and haphazard funding by the city. Specifically, the providers ask how the District quickly found funds to salvage Whitman-Walker Clinic after their agenci
District AIDS strategy slammed by two groups: HIV Prevention Planning Group calls on CDC to intervene for Law and Justice: Washington Blade - August 12, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; The D.C. HIV/AIDS Administration is under fire by members of the HIV Prevention Community Planning Group and in a new report issued by the D.C. Appleseed Center. After HAA missed several deadlines for providing reliable, updated data on HIV/AIDS rates in D.C., the Executive Committee of the HIV Prevention Planning Grou
Meth conference to focus on 'comprehensive care': Organizers want to explore mix of drug, unsafe sex, HIV: Washington Blade - August 12, 2005; Bo Shell; A two-day conference later this month in Salt Lake City is expected to draw about 900 healthcare workers, law enforcement officials and researchers to explore the growing epidemic of methamphetamine use and its impact on HIV and hepatitis. Planning for the First National Conference on Methamphetamine, HIV & Hepatit
Concerns raised about HIV sex prosecutions: Creating 'AIDS criminals' doesn't slow transmission rates, researchers argue: Washington Blade - August 12, 2005; Dyana Bagby; New research published in an online sexuality research journal raises concerns about the rise in criminal prosecutions of people living with HIV and the creation of AIDS criminals. Reckless Vectors: The Infecting Other in HIV/AIDS Law is the title of the new issue of Sexuality Research & Social Policy: Journal of N
Study undermines belief that 'down-low' men feed HIV: Being closeted doesn't equate to risky sex, researchers say: Washington Blade - August 12, 2005; Ryan Lee; Closeted black bisexual men - popularly dubbed men on the down low and tagged with fueling rising HIV rates among heterosexual black females - are not as careless with practicing safer sex as was often portrayed in media reports, according to research published in the July issue of the Journal of the National Medical A
Medical Report: Washington Blade - August 12, 2005; Officials reconsider stance on lesbian fertility treatment ban SAN DIEGO - A U.S. medical organization that originally sided with fertility doctors to oppose insemination of a lesbian patient now may change its position, according to a PlanetOut/Gay.com report. Doctors at the North Coast Women s Care Medical Group refu
Obituaries: Anthony A. Molina, 55: Washington Blade - August 12, 2005; Katherine Volin; Anthony Tony A. Molina died on June 17 of AIDS-related complications at Maitri, a hospice and residential care facility in San Francisco for people with AIDS, according to Ben Haller, his partner of 18 years. He was 55. Molina, a longtime volunteer for gay and HIV/AIDS causes nationwide, was born on Nov. 2, 1949, in Ch
Medical Report: Washington Blade - August 5, 2005; Super-HIV not as scary as was first reported NEW YORK, N.Y. - In February it was front-page news, now it looks like the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene overreacted to reports of a virulent new strain of HIV. Connecticut physician Gary Blick announced that a patient of his is the source of the HI
Ryan White proposal would shift funds to South AIDS groups fear changes will lead to reduced services: Washington Blade - August 5, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; A revised proposal for funding the Ryan White CARE Act may shift some resources from densely populated metropolitan areas to Southern states, sources familiar with the plan said. Many Southern AIDS activists have pleaded for more federal funding, claiming they can t meet the basic medical needs for the growing numbers
Medical Report: Washington Blade - July 29, 2005; International AIDS conference unites top specialists in Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) - The third International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis & Treatment opened here this week, uniting specialists in a country whose efforts to fight the disease have won it both praise and controversy. Internation
With open arms: A handful of black area churches welcome gays: Washington Blade - July 29, 2005; Katherine Volin; For gay people of faith in Washington, D.C., choosing a place to worship where sermons opposing homosexuality are not lobbed from the pulpit can be a dicey proposition. This can be even more daunting for gay African Americans seeking spiritual solace within a predominantly black congregation. A recent sermon by Rev. Wi
More National News: Washington Blade - July 29, 2005; Judge reverses custody restriction on Mississippi aunt who is HIV positive JACKSON, Miss. - Lambda Legal officials reported this week that they won the reversal of a temporary custody restriction placed by a judge that prevented a Mississippi mother from allowing her children to be in the presence of their aunt because
Police Beat: Washington Blade - July 29, 2005; California doctor, popular among gays, indicted on fraud charges SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A Newport Beach doctor and his former assistant were indicted last week on fraud and conspiracy charges for allegedly diluting AIDS- and HIV-related medicine and cheating insurance companies out of $1.2 million. George Steven Koos
Study undermines belief that 'down low' men feed HIV: Being closeted doesn't equate to risky sex, researchers say: Washington Blade - July 27, 2005; Ryan Lee; Closeted black bisexual men - popularly dubbed men on the down low and tagged with fueling rising HIV rates among heterosexual black females - are not as careless with practicing safer sex as was often portrayed in media reports, according to research published in the July issue of the Journal of the National Medical A
Health News: Washington Blade - July 22, 2005; Activists slam Ryan White increase OK d by Senate panel WASHINGTON - Leading AIDS health officials expressed dismay as a U.S. Senate panel recommended a $10 million increase in funding for the Ryan White CARE Act, which assists the poor with AIDS care and treatment, according to a press release from the AIDS Institute.
OPINION: The truth behind 'Stella's Groove': Washington Blade - July 22, 2005; Philip Dayle, Columnist; The latest chapter of How Stella Got Her Groove Back ought to explode the myth of Jamaica s hot, available men. IT IS SAID that some heterosexual women fancy themselves capable of transforming homosexuals. Terry McMillan, bestselling author of How Stella Got Her Groove Back, may well have exploded that notion. Her
More Local News: Washington Blade - July 22, 2005; AIDS group interested in taking over Whitman-Walker s Va. clinic The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has expressed interest in taking over the services provided by Whitman-Walker s Northern Virginia clinic, which is scheduled to close in September, according to gay Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette. Since the Whitman
EDITORIAL: Fire Willie Wilson from Millions March: The anti-gay preacher should be removed as head of the Million Man March commemoration, or risk widening the divide between blacks and gays.: Washington Blade - July 22, 2005; REV. WILLIE WILSON S over-the-top, anti-gay sermon delivered on July 3 serves as a startling reminder that it s still socially acceptable to demonize and attack lesbians and gay men - even in church - and that the gap in understanding between gays and African Americans remains wide. Wilson, a former D.C. mayoral candid
Bush nominee seen as step to the right: Gay groups stop short of opposing Roberts, who has no gay record: Washington Blade - July 22, 2005; Eartha Jane Melzer, emelzer@washblade.com.; Gay rights advocates expressed grave concerns this week following President Bush s nomination of Judge John G. Roberts to the U.S. Supreme Court. Roberts, 50, has no apparent record as an advocate or judge on gay rights or HIV/AIDS issues, leading gay rights groups to criticize the appointment while stopping short of a
AIDS group interested in taking over Whitman-Walker's Va. clinic: Facility set to close in September: Washington Blade - July 20, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has expressed interest in taking over the services provided by Whitman-Walker s Northern Virginia clinic, which is scheduled to close in September, according to gay Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette. Since the Whitman-Walker Clinic announced in June that it plans to close its clini
AIDS activists convicted of trespassing: Jury imposes minor fine for anti-Bush protest: Washington Blade - July 15, 2005; Eartha Jane Melzer, at emelzer@washblade.com.; Nineteen AIDS activists who were arrested last fall at the Bush/Cheney campaign headquarters in Arlington have been found guilty of trespassing and ordered to pay $50 fines and court costs. During the vice presidential debate last fall, Dick Cheney said that he wasn t aware that AIDS was a major killer of African-Ameri
Health News: Washington Blade - July 15, 2005; Italian AIDS vaccine passes first phase of tests ROME (AP) - Italian researchers said last week that an AIDS vaccine passed a first round of tests, paving the way for a second round of trials in Italy and Africa. Researchers at Italy s National Health Institute said in a statement that the vaccine was safe and proved a
'We've got to do our parts': Local musicians plan Whitman-Walker fund-raiser: Washington Blade - July 15, 2005; Johanna Lunglhoffer; A group of local musicians will take the stage at the Staccato Music Hall & Lounge in Adams Morgan next week to sing a few songs and, in the process, raise money for the Whitman-Walker Clinic. The organization, which focuses on helping people affected by HIV/AIDS and providing health services for gay and lesbian cl
EDITORIAL: Put up or shut up: Gay men and lesbians have a dismal record of contributing cash to our causes. Religious conservatives do a great job.: Washington Blade - July 15, 2005; Mubarak Dahir; RECENT STUDY by the New York-based organization Funders for Lesbian & Gay Issues unveiled an unfortunate problem with gay and lesbian groups across the country, whether they were local or national institutions: Our organizations are woefully under-funded. The study, released in April of this year, looked at the cha
Montreal, Chicago battling for gay sports fans: Upstart Out Games event has early edge in registering athletes: Washington Blade - July 15, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; A breakaway organization promoting an international gay and lesbian sports competition in Montreal in July 2006 called Out Games has registered more athletes and teams than its rival Gay Games event, which is set to take place in Chicago two weeks earlier. But supporters of both events say it s too soon to determine wh
OPINION: Losing the battle for our youth: Conservatives derailed a gay-inclusive sex-ed program in liberal Montgomery County and our response was tepid.: Washington Blade - July 15, 2005; Graham Murphy, Columnist; OUR YOUTH ARE under attack. Within the Washington, D.C. area, where some of the largest gay organizations and brightest activists reside, we are losing the battle for LGBT youth. School districts in the suburbs that surround the District are giving in to the pressures of religious conservatives when it comes to issues
AIDS activists receive fine for protests at Bush campaign HQ: 14 activists chained themselves to building to protest AIDS policies: Washington Blade - July 12, 2005; Steve Koval; A group of 19 AIDS activists faced the possibility of a one-year prison sentence for acts of civil disobedience at the Bush-Cheney campaign headquarters in Arlington, Va., last October. But rather than jail time, the Arlington County jury that convicted them Monday of trespassing sentenced them Tuesday to a fine of $50
OPINION: Bush should call summit on AIDS: The president should call together the left and the right to address 'perfect storm' on domestic AIDS.: Washington Blade - July 8, 2005; Brent Minor*; THE FINANCIAL TROUBLES at Whitman-Walker Clinic are certainly distressing to local residents. What is even more troubling is how things might play out in other AIDS service organizations across the country. The ongoing need of people with HIV who are (fortunately) living longer, spiraling healthcare costs, government f
CDC uses peers to reach at-risk populations: New effort shows success in identifying undiagnosed HIV cases: Washington Blade - July 8, 2005; Ryan Lee; A two-year project in seven cities funded by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention urges people living with HIV to convince their peers to get tested as an attempt to increase testing among those at high risk for contracting the disease. People recruited for HIV testing through the CDC s social network proje
Health News: Washington Blade - July 8, 2005; Review substantiates concerns at U.S. AIDS research agency WASHINGTON (AP) - The government s AIDS research agency is a troubled organization and its managers have engaged in unnecessary feuding, sexually explicit language and other inappropriate conduct that hampers its global fight against the disease, an internal re
Coburn assails distribution of federal AIDS funding: Okla. senator says uneven allocations hurt the South: Washington Blade - July 8, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; Federal funding for HIV/AIDS is unevenly distributed, to the detriment of Southern states, according to U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). Coburn held a hearing last month on Ryan White funding for his subcommittee on federal financial management and security - an unusual move. The Ryan White CARE Act, authorized in 19
O'Connor vacancy 'chilling' to activists: Gay marriage may loom large in confirmation battle: Washington Blade - July 8, 2005; Eartha Melzer; Gay civil rights groups issued ominous warnings in response to news of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O Connor s retirement last week. O Connor, a moderate conservative appointed by President Ronald Reagan and the nation s first female Supreme Court justice, has been a key swing vote on the court since 1981. Her reco
Capital Pride director quits Clinic: York is 2nd high-profile departure from Whitman-Walker in past month: Washington Blade - July 8, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; Robert York, director of D.C. s annual Capital Pride festival and parade for the Whitman-Walker Clinic since 1999, and director of the clinic s AIDS Walk, resigned from his job last week without publicly disclosing a reason. Whitman-Walker spokesperson Kim Mills declined to say why York quit, saying only that his resig
More Local News: Washington Blade - July 8, 2005; Mayor, Council attach strings to $3 million aid package for Clinic Mayor Anthony Williams and the D.C. Council on July 6 finalized a proposal to provide the financially troubled Whitman-Walker Clinic with more than $3 million in city funds to help it continue delivering AIDS services to District residents. But the fina
Police Beat: Washington Blade - July 8, 2005; Tenn. state officials say giving inmates condoms not justified NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Health advocates say condoms should be given to inmates to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, but state officials argue they don t see a justification and that the move would actually promote sexual activity. The De
Medical Report: Washington Blade - July 1, 2005; Battle heats up over changing condom warning labels TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Everyone knows condoms prevent pregnancy and transmitted diseases. But how well do they work? That question is at the center of a debate over whether the labels on condom packages should be changed. On one side are abstinence advocates, including
Speedy HAA payments called 'miracle': Catania says D.C. AIDS office still plagued by unspent HIV funds: Washington Blade - July 1, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; Improvements in internal administrative procedures have enabled the D.C. HIV/AIDS Administration to pay vendors for services to people with HIV and AIDS in 15 to 20 days rather than in two to three months or longer, Department of Health Director Dr. Gregg Pane told a D.C. Council hearing on June 23. Oh, my, said Kwame
Whole lotta' LOVE: From D.C. to Rehoboth, gay revelers prepare to have a blast on: Washington Blade - July 1, 2005; Brian Moylan, Staff Writer; During summer weekends, Delaware s Rehoboth Beach may seem like a big place, with all of the gay beach-goers from D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore and other Mid-Atlantic locations crowding the boardwalk and basking in the sun on Poodle Beach. Despite appearances, it s still a small town. Rehoboth is a small community and
At long last, Logo: MTV's gay cable network arrives this week after delays: Washington Blade - July 1, 2005; Dyana Bagby; AFTER YEARS OF planning and promises, MTV Networks Logo, the nation s first gay-themed basic cable network, was set to launch on June 30 in some 13 million homes with a slate of original programming alongside previously released movies and series. But chants of I want my gay TV from metro Washington s gay residents mig
OPINION: Scared into safer sex: Andrew Sullivan's glamorization of HIV gives gay youth another reason to keep the condom in a wrapper.: Washington Blade - July 1, 2005; Wayne Besen, Columnist; IN SOME RESPECTS, I am an Andrew Sullivan fan. At his best, he is an articulate spokesperson and a brilliant writer. On more than one occasion, he has obliterated gay rights opponents on television, helping to advance our cause. As an openly gay man living with HIV, Sullivan has also accomplished the remarkable feat of
OPINION: HAA's very visible flaws: The director of D.C.'s HIV/AIDS agency is playing the race card to deflect scrutiny, and it's not the first time.: Washington Blade - July 1, 2005; Richard J. Rosendall, Columnist; THE PROBLEMS PLAGUING the District s HIV/AIDS Administration have made headlines for months, but the supposed roots of those woes might surprise you. Lydia Watts, HAA s director, testified before a June 23 hearing by the D.C. Council that the real reason behind the agency s failure to stem HIV s rapid growth in D.C. is
Chicken Little scare tactics won't stop HIV: Washington Blade - June 30, 2005; Chris Crain, Executive Editor; President Bush and his conservative colleagues think the best way to prevent the spread of HIV is to preach abstinence only until marriage. He s right, of course, that chastity until marriage is a surefire way to stop HIV in its tracks, if it bore any relation to the real world outside of Sunday school. Unfortunately,
Singing for freedom: Philadelphia to mark July 4 with AIDS awareness concert: Washington Blade - June 24, 2005; Brian Moylan; PUBLISHER MARK SEGAL is frantic. I m getting the hotel rooms for Bryan Adams, setting up a videotape recording for Walter Cronkite and arranging a jet for Elton John, he says from his office at the Philadelphia Gay News. And that s just the last half hour. The source of his stress is his role as executive producer of t
Mayor pledges $2.2 million for Whitman-Walker: Catania withdraws emergency aid bill: Washington Blade - June 24, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; D.C. Councilmember David Catania (I-At-large) withdrew an emergency bill calling for transferring at least $2.2 million in city funds to the financially troubled Whitman-Walker Clinic this week after Mayor Anthony Williams promised to disburse that amount to the clinic by July 1. Catania informed his Council colleagues
Health News: Washington Blade - June 24, 2005; Irish warned to stay alert even as HIV cases drop DUBLIN - Although figures published last week show that new HIV infections in Ireland dropped by 11 percent last year, government officials are being warned to continue aggressive efforts to prevent the spread of the virus that causes AIDS, according to news reports.
More Local News: Washington Blade - June 24, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; Chef s Best dinner nets $656k for Food & Friends Sixty of the most sought after chefs in and around the nation s capital helped the D.C. AIDS charitable group Food & Friends net at least $656,000 on June 13 as part of the group s 15th annual Chef s Best Dinner & Auction. The fund-raising event, held at the
Sex on the first date: fun or sleazy? Experts, area gays weigh in on when to have sex: Washington Blade - June 24, 2005; Mike Fleming and Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; Gay sex is everywhere these days. Flip on the nightly news to find lawmakers and pundits debating the validity of private relationships and public commitments. Change the channel and see that the recently won freedom of privacy in the bedroom brought on graphic gay sex on shows like Queer As Folk, The L Word, Six Feet
When the curtain falls: A new CD by Renee Fleming and a DVD on Montserrat Caballe offer insightful glimpses of two of the opera world's top sopranos.: Washington Blade - June 24, 2005; Jason Victor Serinus; FOR THE MOST part, pitching her voice an octave lower than she does in opera and recital, diva Renee Fleming s latest CD, Haunted Heart, unveils the voice she developed during her two years performing Sunday night gigs with a trio while studying at the Crane School of Music at the State University of New York in Potsda
Black gay men face 'extremely serious problem' in HIV: New data show 1 million living with HIV in U.S.; almost half are gay: Washington Blade - June 17, 2005; Ryan Lee; ATLANTA - The rate of HIV in several groups of black gay and bisexual men in the U.S. dwarfs that in many Third World countries, according to data highlighted this week during the 2005 National HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta. The conference also revealed risky sexual behavior is on the rise among many sectors of
Health News: Washington Blade - June 17, 2005; Ohio researcher criticizes youth abstinence curriculum CLEVELAND (AP) - Some abstinence programs taught in middle schools and high schools in Ohio contain scientific inaccuracies about contraceptives and cite religious belief as fact, according to a researcher who reviewed the material. Some of the material wrongly sug
What's the point of an HIV test? Science has taught that early HIV treatment doesn't really help, so why are regular tests important?: Washington Blade - June 17, 2005; Stephen Fallon, Columnist; WHY SHOULD YOU care that June 27 is National HIV Testing Day? Glossy posters showing smiling faces advertise this annual event, in hopes that the average American will get excited about it, and rush in for testing services. But for most, an HIV test remains a necessary if nerve-wracking rite. Over the past five years,
Helms regrets AIDS stance: Former senator 'wrong' on AIDS funding because families hurt: Washington Blade - June 17, 2005; Yusef Najafi; I was wrong, former Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) claims in an upcoming book about his outspoken opposition to laws that provided AIDS funding during his tenure in the United States Senate. In the new memoir, Here s Where I Stand, due out Aug. 30, the 83-year-old Republican who retired in 2003 after five terms, explains t
Slain bicyclist was regular park 'cruiser,' say police: Hate crime discounted as motive in killing of gay man: Washington Blade - June 17, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; A male bicyclist who was strangled in a secluded section of a federal park along the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport during the Memorial Day weekend was gay and regularly cruised area parks to meet other men for sexual encounters, according to a U.S. Park Police detective and a source who knew the bicyclist.
Catania proposes emergency bill for clinic: Whitman-Walker would receive $2.5 million from District: Washington Blade - June 17, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; Gay D.C. Councilmember David Catania (I-At-Large) said he would introduce an emergency bill next week authorizing Mayor Anthony Williams to transfer at least $2.5 million in city funds to the Whitman-Walker Clinic. Catania, who chairs the Council s Committee on Health, said the funds would come from portions of the bud
Catania, Graham join call for D.C. smoking ban: Gay bar owners say move will hurt business: Washington Blade - June 17, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams this week joined gay Councilmembers David Catania (I-At-Large) and Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) in endorsing legislation to ban smoking in restaurants and bars in the city, greatly boosting the legislation s chances of passing this year. Gay business owners and activists testified or submitted writ
Weird anti-gay science: Anti-gay researcher uses the Blade's obituaries to conclude gays die younger: Washington Blade - June 17, 2005; Dyana Bagby; ANTI-GAY GROUPS are already touting the conclusions of a soon-to-be published study by the conservative Family Research Institute that claims being gay is as dangerous as smoking or using illegal drugs, with a New York group calling for a warning label on gays. Paul Cameron, known for anti-gay research regularly quoted
Activists target Boyle as Pryor is confirmed: Lambda urges block of new judicial nominee: Washington Blade - June 17, 2005; Eartha Melzer, emelzer@washblade.com.; The Senate compromise earlier this month that preserved the minority s right to filibuster but allowed three of Bush s most controversial nominees to be put to a vote, resulted in the confirmation of William Pryor, a judge described by Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart as the most anti-gay nominee in memor
When one door closes... Transgender support services growing in D.C.: Washington Blade - June 17, 2005; Yusef Najafi; Transgender Health Empowerment s first supportive house for transgendered and gay people opened this month in Northeast D.C. Organizers say it marks a milestone for the non-profit organization and is long overdue. They say shelters for D.C. residents who have no place to live are not always welcoming when staff members
Activists raise ethics issues over HIV prevention trials: Act Up Paris efforts stall trials of tenofovir in two African countries: Washington Blade - June 10, 2005; Ryan Lee; ATLANTA - Fabrice Pilorge was prepared for cold stares and tense moments when he arrived in Seattle for a recent two-day summit to discuss trials of an HIV prevention drug underway around the globe. The multi-million dollar effort is examining whether tenofovir , a drug already used by some people livin
Health News: Washington Blade - June 10, 2005; U.N. official calls stopping spread of HIV by 2015 unrealistic UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The United Nations top HIV/AIDS official acknowledged that it is no longer realistic to hope that the world will meet its goal of halting and reversing the spread of the pandemic by 2015. Peter Piot, head of the U.N. campaign to combat
Capital Pride heroes represent diverse group: Nine locals to be feted on 30th anniversary of Pride: Washington Blade - June 10, 2005; Yusef Najafi and Johanna Lunglhofer; Amid the fancy floats, waving dignitaries, drag queens and members of the rank-and-file marching in the Capital Pride parade tomorrow, look for: A. Cornelius Baker, Ruby Jade Corado, Mindy Daniels, Daniel Furmansky, Jose Gutierrez, Rev. Robert Holum, Andy Litsky, Jerome Sikorski and David Weintraub. These nine gay righ
Whitman-Walker cuts have suburbs scrambling: Md., Va. officials work to ensure HIV services won't be interrupted: Washington Blade - June 10, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, eweill-greenberg@washblade.com.; Since the Whitman-Walker Clinic announced last week that it will close its clinics in suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia, community providers, advocates and elected officials have been scrambling to ensure there is no gap in services for the clinics estimated 600 clients. Whitman-Walker decided to close its two sa
Graham seeks $500,000 grant for Whitman-Walker: Gay councilmember hopes to keep suburban clinics open: Washington Blade - June 10, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.,t lchibbaro@washblade.com.; Gay D.C. Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) said he hopes to line up new sources of funding for the Whitman-Walker Clinic to prevent the clinic from having to close its food bank and discontinue operating its satellite facilities in the Virginia and Maryland suburbs. Graham, who served as executive director of Whitman
Time for another march on D.C.: How many marriage bans must pass before we get angry? We need to march before the next president is elected.: Washington Blade - June 10, 2005; Robin Tyler; I INITIATED THE first call for the 2000 Millennium March on Washington and then watched as our community ripped each other apart. I quit the organization team for that march and swore I would never again call for a LGBT march. I was the deep throat who leaked the story that the FBI was investigating the missing tens of
A taste of Sweet Honey: Film explores group founded here in 1973: Washington Blade - June 10, 2005; Rhonda Smith, Features Editor; When Bernice Johnson Reagon broached the subject of Iraq , Saddam Hussein and President Bush during a Sweet Honey in the Rock concert in Lawrence, Kan., several years ago, some audience members walked out. They came, one man said after the performance/political pep talk, to be entertained - not challenged.
Putting the 'P' back in Pride: Capital Pride is held in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, but it's more street fair than protest today. This party used to have a purpose.: Washington Blade - June 10, 2005; Chris Crain, Executive Editor; BRAZILIANS KNOW HOW to party. If that observation isn t self-evident to you, then you ve clearly never been to Brazil or spent much time with Brazilians. I ve done both this year, and, well, they know how to party. I was fortunate enough to spend Carnaval season in Rio de Janeiro, and along with my friends found myself
Bush State Dep't tracks foreign crimes against gays: Activists claim report reveals U.S. hypocrisy: Washington Blade - June 10, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; The 2004 State Department report on human rights, released four months ago, condemns the treatment of gays by certain foreign countries and tracks employment discrimination, arrests, murder, imprisonment and torture of gays around the globe. But some gay rights advocates claim the report shows inconsistencies between w
Police Beat: Washington Blade - June 10, 2005; Ala. judge sets $1 million bond for HIV-positive sex offender MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - A judge set a $1 million bond for a twice-convicted sex offender who told the court he is HIV positive. James Janias Young was in court last week for a bond hearing on a sodomy charge. Mobile County District Judge Charles McKnight describ
Silverdocs goes for gold: Documentary film festival features gay themes: Washington Blade - June 10, 2005; Brian Moylan, Staff Writer; For the third consecutive year, the American Film Institute and the Discovery Channel are joining forces to sponsor Silverdocs, a five-day festival that highlights documentary filmmaking. This year, after programmers reviewed more than1,300 submissions and trolled the international film festival circuit, they came up w
The dissing of Black Gay Pride: Corporate America pours money into white Gay Pride celebrations, feeding outdated stereotypes.: Washington Blade - June 3, 2005; Jasmyne Cannick*; Topping the list of most festive gay pride celebrations were New York City, San Francisco and Long Beach, Calif. But the equally popular and festive Black Gay Pride counterparts were nowhere to be found on the list. As Black Gay Pride organizers scramble to provide comprehensive cultural celebrations for their thousand
Researchers pursue post-HIV vaccine: Effort aimed at boosting viral load for HIV-positive people: Associated Press - June 3, 2005; Ryan Lee; ATLANTA - AIDS researchers are optimistic that they may have found a vaccine that would treat people already living with HIV. Participating in a panel discussion at an Emory University conference on HIV vaccine research and drug development late last month, Jean-Marie Andrieu, a virologist at the Institute of Research
Federal agency backing studies on 'down low': Some black activists skeptical about effort to quantify 'stereotype': Associated Press - June 3, 2005; Ryan Lee; ATLANTA - The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention is funding a series of studies that researchers hope will add scientific data to the simmering public conversation about men who have sex with men on the down low. Crystallized by the media as black men who maintain heterosexual relationships while also secretl
OPINION: Time for time out on safe-sex push We've been 'educated' to death about safe sex, and it has driven some gay men to do exactly the opposite.: Associated Press - June 3, 2005; Eric Rofes; MIGHT THE METHODS used for HIV-prevention drive - rather than quell - new infections and other health challenges facing gay men? The overarching terrain of gay men s sex - our desires, sexual subcultures and sex itself - was profoundly traumatized by the advent of AIDS in the 1980s. Having struggled during the 1970s to
Whitman-Walker lays off 50, slashes budget Md., Va. facilities to be closed amid financial crisis: Associated Press - June 3, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; The Whitman-Walker Clinic s board of directors approved a sweeping austerity plan Tuesday, May 31, that calls for cutting the clinic s budget by nearly $2.5 million, eliminating 62 staff positions, and spinning off or closing its satellite offices in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. The clinic will continue to the be
Health News: Associated Press - June 3, 2005; Ex-manager says J.C. Penney fired him for having HIV NILES, Ill. (AP) - A former shoe department manager at a J.C. Penney Co. store in this Chicago suburb is seeking more than $7 million in damages in a suit alleging he was fired because he is HIV positive. In his lawsuit, Joseph Manasse alleges his bosses gave him a m
Fulfilling 'Breakfast': Uncle's story of raising troubled niece transcends gay parenting memoirs with compelling account of love and self-doubt.: Associated Press - June 3, 2005; Laura Douglas-Brown; Make-up. Underage drinking. Homework. Experimenting with drugs. School clothes. Much of Breakfast with Tiffany: An Uncle s Memoir, gay author Edwin John Wintle s reflection on his first year raising his niece, reads like many other parenting memoirs - interesting, enjoyable, challenging and filled with understandable s
Celebrating Capital Pride: Social and cultural events mark 30th anniversary: Associated Press - June 3, 2005; Johanna Lunglhofer; Gay Washingtonians and their allies are making plans to celebrate, reflect and socialize June 2-12, as part of Capital Pride s 30th anniversary. Organizers have scheduled11 days filled with everything from parties and political discussions to the traditional parade on Saturday, June 11, and the massive street festival
OPINION: Toward a healthy Black Gay Pride: Up to one-third of black gay men are HIV-positive, so what can we do to protect ourselves and each other?: Washington Blade - May 27, 2005; Theo Hodge, Jr.; THIS WEEK MARKS the 15th annual Black Gay Pride celebration in the District. It s the perfect time to talk about issues that affect black gay and bisexual men, and to try to break down barriers that keep people from living full and healthy lives. As a physician who has been treating HIV-positive gay men since early in
Back in the Day: Former Clubhouse patrons reminisce about popular black club: Washington Blade - May 27, 2005; Rhonda Smith; THE CLUBHOUSE, A black gay club in D.C. that once garnered a national reputation, opened 30 years ago this month. And though it closed 15 years ago, those fortunate enough to have attended one of the all-night house parties in the yellow-brick building at 1296 Upshur St., NW, on any given Friday or Saturday, between 19
HIV-positive man arrested for having unsafe sex: Former partner brought charges against Georgia man for consensual sex: Washington Blade - May 27, 2005; Dyana Bagby; ATLANTA - An HIV-positive man has been indicted in Fayette and Fulton counties on felony criminal charges for allegedly engaging in consensual sex with three other men without disclosing his HIV status, a violation of Georgia law. Gary Wayne Carriker, 26, of Fayetteville, is charged with one count of reckless conduct i
Pane expects HAA to pay overdue bills this week: Washington Blade - May 27, 2005; Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg; After weeks of controversy and a strict deadline imposed by Councilmember David A. Catania (I-At Large), the HIV/AIDS Administration presented a new proposal for paying D.C. groups that provide services to people with AIDS and HIV. Over the past month, Catania and other members of the D.C. Council s Health Committee bl
Medical Report: Washington Blade - May 27, 2005; Longtime AIDS care program in Calif. closes for lack of funds SAN FRANCISCO - Continuum, a nonprofit group that assists low income and homeless people who have HIV/AIDS, closed its Adult Day Health Care Program effective May 27 due to cuts in funding, organization leaders said in a news release. Based in San Francisco
Breaking barriers: D.C. resident becomes first deaf winner of Mr. Baltimore Eagle: Washington Blade - May 27, 2005; Yusef Najafi; Charm City s leather scene at the Baltimore Eagle became even more diverse this year. In addition to crowning its first female participant as Ms. Baltimore Eagle 2005, during the bar s 14th anniversary, on Saturday, April 30, judges also selected the contest s first deaf winner. Jerry Garmany, a resident of Logan Circl
Researchers optimistic about vaccine for people with HIV: Effort aimed at reducing viral load in HIV-positive people: Washington Blade - May 25, 2005; Ryan Lee; ATLANTA - AIDS researchers are optimistic that they may have found a vaccine that would treat people already living with HIV. Participating in an Emory University conference on HIV vaccine research and drug development last week, virologist Jean-Marie Andrieu announced early successes of a therapeutic vaccine his team
Whitman-Walker plans layoffs, program cuts: Clinic overcharged government $2 million; staff pay withheld: Washington Blade - May 20, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; The Whitman-Walker Clinic s board of directors discussed plans for reducing the size of the clinic s workforce and cutting many of its programs this week after a shortage of funds forced the clinic to withhold half of its employees paychecks. News that the clinic had only enough cash on hand to pay half of its $475,000
Health News: Washington Blade - May 20, 2005; AIDS activists challenge vitamin guru who opposes antiretrovirals CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) - Health activists said they were confident of victory in a court case against a German-born doctor widely criticized for claiming that antiretroviral drugs are toxic and that his own natural multivitamin therapies can cure
Gearing up for Gay Days: As outreach increases, event organizers continue to feud: Washington Blade - May 20, 2005; Phil Lapadula; The Mummy roller coaster, a new psychological thrill ride at Universal Orlando Resort s Islands of Adventure park, is expected to be a big attraction at this year s Gay Days, which takes place June 1-5 in Orlando, Fla. This year, organizers from Gay Day Orlando, one of two competing companies that organizes and schedul
Lambda reaches settlement in HIV bias case: Tenn. company to adopt anti-bias policy, pay fired employee: Washington Blade - May 18, 2005; Steve Koval; Lambda Legal announced today that it reached a settlement with Murfreesboro, Tenn.-based Nodak Enterprises, bringing to a close a federal lawsuit filed on behalf of Joey Saavedra who alleged he was fired for being HIV-positive. Joseph Saavedra recently settled a lawsuit against his former employer in Atlanta. Saavedra
HIV-positive Ga. man charged with reckless conduct Allegations stem from consensual sex with three men: Washington Blade - May 18, 2005; Dyana Bagby; An HIV-positive man has been indicted in Fayette and Fulton counties for allegedly engaging in consensual sex with three other men without disclosing his HIV status, which is against Georgia law. Gary Wayne Carriker, 26, is charged with three counts of reckless conduct for allegedly engaging in consensual sex with thre
Whitman-Walker withholds staff pay: Sluggish fund-raising triggers crisis for D.C. AIDS organization: Washington Blade - May 13, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; A shortage of funds forced the Whitman-Walker Clinic to withhold one-half of the amount of its employees pay checks this week and prompted its 16 senior managers to volunteer to forgo all of their pay for at least the next two weeks, the clinic said. We re in the midst of a perfect storm for a non-profit organization i
Health News: Washington Blade - May 13, 2005; FDA to ban anonymous sperm donations from gay men NEW YORK (AP) - To the dismay of gay rights activists, the Food & Drug Administration is about to implement new rules recommending that any man who has engaged in homosexual sex in the previous five years be barred from serving as an anonymous sperm donor. The FDA
Beacons of light: Drag show at Lulu's pays homage to local leaders: Washington Blade - May 13, 2005; Yusef Najafi; When D.C. drag performer Ella Fitzgerald stands before a microphone, everyone is guaranteed a good time, her fans say. And like Madonna or any other stage diva who s been around a while, time hasn t slowed her down. The 50-year-old female illusionist still performs on Friday and Saturday nights as the leader of Ella Fi
Vatican condemns Spain's gay marriage law: Few bishops condone condom use for HIV prevention: Washington Blade - May 13, 2005; Dyana Bagby; The Roman Catholic Church s decision to try and sway Spanish officials against performing gay marriages as part of a conscientious objection campaign is simply religion gone bad, according to one gay religious activist. The Vatican s stance against legalizing gay marriage in Spain comes just weeks after Cardinal Jo
Brain responses differ among gays, straights: Swedish researchers boost biological link to homosexuality: Washington Blade - May 13, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; Researchers in Sweden have discovered that a section of the brain that may be linked to sexual arousal responds differently in gay and straight men who were asked to smell chemical scents extracted from male and female sex hormones. Swedish neuroscientists report findings showing that the hypothalamus region of the bra
Picture this: New book recounts intriguing history of gay Washington: Washington Blade - May 13, 2005; Brian Moylan; WITH NATIONAL monuments, museums and historical moments dominating life in Washington, D.C., the city s gay population is sometimes overlooked. But a South Carolina-based publishing house that specializes in documenting key details about cities and towns nationwide is helping change this. After releasing titles about D
Police Beat: Washington Blade - May 13, 2005; Iowa police arrest HIV-positive man on sexual assault charge IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - A man has been arrested on charges that he raped a 16-year-old boy and did not tell the teenager he had the virus that causes AIDS. Darrell John Alderton, 41, was charged with third-degree sexual abuse and criminal transmission of HIV.
World News: Washington Blade - May 13, 2005; New U.S. law hurts gay immigrants, asylum seekers, say activists WASHINGTON - Congress last week approved the REAL ID Act, which deals with immigration guidelines and which activists said may harm gay immigrants in particular, according to Immigration Equality. The group battles what it calls the discriminatory impact
Fight for microbicides focuses on women: Research on products for rectal use 'five to 10 years behind': Washington Blade - May 6, 2005; Dyana Bagby; A bill pending in Congress urges lawmakers to create a federal office dedicated solely to funding research on microbicides, products such as gels and creams that can be applied to the vagina or rectum to prevent HIV transmission. Senate Bill 550, the Microbicide Development Act, was introduced March 8 by Sen. Jon Corzi
Health News: Washington Blade - May 6, 2005; Novick, advocate for rights of AIDS patients dies at 79 NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Dr. Alvin Novick, 79, a Yale biologist who changed his studies in 1982 to confront the burgeoning AIDS health crisis, died at Yale University Health Services on April 10, the New York Times reported. Novick, a professor of ecology and evolutiona
Police Beat: Washington Blade - May 6, 2005; Reward offered in death of Wis. AIDS activist CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (AP) - The family of a former school board member who later became involved in AIDS education efforts has posted a $10,000 reward in hope of finding out who was responsible for his death exactly two years ago. John Klinger, 49, was last seen alive in do
More Local News: Washington Blade - May 6, 2005; Conservatives sue Montgomery County over sex ed plans The Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum joined forces with Parents & Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays on May 3 in suing in U.S. District Court to block a recently adopted Montgomery County public school health curriculum that includes instructions on how to use a
Delightful 'Sorrow': D.C. author Richard McCann scores with his first novel: Washington Blade - May 6, 2005; Brian Moylan, Staff Writer; Many writers say they felt compelled to create a novel because of some internal impulse that needed expression. Longtime D.C. resident Richard McCann wasn t compelled to write a novel, he was contractually obligated to do so. With the contract signed for a novel, this poet and co-director of the graduate program in cre
Big Easy readers: Third annual gay literary festival brings together authors and fans in historical New Orleans.: Washington Blade - May 6, 2005; Van Gower; Gay contributions to literature are well documented, and some of the best-known figures in the genre produced masterpieces in and about New Orleans. The rich literary history of the city that inspired the likes of Tennessee Williams sets the stage for the third annual Saints & Sinners literary festival May 13-15.
Asian, gay and proud: Celebrating Asian Pacific Heritage Month: Washington Blade - May 6, 2005; Before the bells, costumes and floats that signal Capital Pride sweep into town next month, gay Asian Americans in D.C. are celebrating Pride & Heritage, as part of Asian Pacific Heritage Month in May. Gay Washingtonians from three local Asian and Pacific Islander groups are introducing a new component to the month
The stuff of legends: Helen Hayes Awards to honor Broadway musician and lyricist Jerry Herman: Washington Blade - May 6, 2005; Patrick Folliard, Theatre Critic; JERRY HERMAN, who wrote the music and lyrics for long-running Broadway classics Hello, Dolly! Mame, and La Cage Aux Folles, seems forever the tremendously talented, but green kid who yearned for a hit show. At 73, the musical theater legend is enthusiastic, accommodating, sometimes a little star-struck, and still the c
Let's rat on predators: A new breed of sexual predator is using drugs and a cute boyfriend to lure others into unprotected sex.: Washington Blade - April 29, 2005; Mickey Weems, Columnist; I RECENTLY LEARNED of a sexual predator who has been swimming around in my social circles. The gentleman in question has a good job, makes lots of money, and dates a cute twink half his age. One of his favorite pastimes is to go clubbing and lure young, impressionable gay guys with drugs and the chance to hook up with
Health News: Washington Blade - April 29, 2005; Researchers link molecule on cells to sexual transmission of HIV LOS ANGELES - UCLA AIDS Institute scientists have linked a molecule on immune cells to the sexual transmission of HIV, according to a news release from the University of California at Los Angeles, Science Daily reported. Researchers have suspected for som
Summit to address concerns of gay residents: Organizers say mayor won't dodge marriage, stadium issues: Washington Blade - April 29, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; Supporters say it will be a unique opportunity for the city s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens to express their concerns in person with the mayor and top officials of city agencies and departments. Critics predict it will be a dog and pony show choreographed by the mayor s staff and political supporter
World News: Washington Blade - April 29, 2005; Malaysian groups blast cleric who seeks exile for AIDS patients KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - AIDS patients need understanding not isolation, human rights groups said Saturday, after a cleric in Malaysia suggested people suffering from the disease should be sent to live on remote islands. People having AIDS need our ca
The deliberate revolutionary: After making his mark on the West Coast, spoken-word artist Tim'm West takes on D.C.: Washington Blade - April 29, 2005; Kim Krisberg; THE VIRGIN steps onto the stage with poem in hand, putting her lips to the mic and pausing for a moment before she lifts her head toward the audience. Then, she slowly unleashes an arsenal of metaphors and similes to let the onlookers know, in no mincing words, that the smell of her lover is no ordinary scent. It s a f
Cherry turns 10: Annual spring circuit party marks milestone: Washington Blade - April 29, 2005; Yusef Najafi, Staff Writer; Flowers are blooming, the temperature is rising and Cherry Fund organizers are preparing to host their 10th annual circuit party in D.C. next week. Tonight, from 9 p.m. to midnight, before Cherry festivities really get rolling, the organization s board of directors is scheduled to take over draft beer bar duties at Tit
Fighting Pope with 'Madonna' condoms: Washington Blade - April 27, 2005; Steve Koval via Blade Blog, skoval@window-media.com; Condomania, the country s first condom store, is putting its money where its mouth is -- or something like that. The company is donating 30,000 Madonna condoms to the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center and New York s Gay Men s Health Crisis for distribution with each HIV test. The donated condoms, featuring the licen
O'Neill leaves global AIDS job, returns to White House: Gay doctor to help Bush revamp Ryan White program: Washington Blade - April 22, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.; Joseph O Neill, the gay doctor and AIDS expert who has served since August 2003 as deputy coordinator of the State Department s global AIDS office, is returning to the White House this week to work on domestic AIDS programs, a State Department spokesperson said. The White House had yet to announce O Neill s job change
Health News: Washington Blade - April 22, 2005; U.N. official predicts anti-AIDS vaginal gel in three to four years GENEVA (AP) - The United Nations AIDS chief predicted last week that a vaginal gel that protects women from contracting HIV during intercourse could be ready in as little three to four years. Researchers behind the gel, however, said it will not be eff
After 23 years, we still want our MTV: Equality Forum to honor gay-friendly music channel: Washington Blade - April 22, 2005; Yusef Najafi, Staff Writer; VIEWERS MIGHT BE sad bidding farewell to Karamo and Willie, the two gay characters on the latest season of MTV s The Real World. But turn on the music channel today and you re bound to see other gay men and a few lesbians on the channel s reality shows, dating shows and music videos. During the past 23 years, MTV has n
The new pope is perfect pick: John Paul II put a benevolent face to Joseph Ratzinger's cold-hearted anti-gay doctrine. Now that the curtains have been pulled back, the Wizard will speak for himself.: Washington Blade - April 22, 2005; Chris Crian, Executive Editor; Reaction to the selection of archconservative Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI has been met with understandable despair by many gay Catholics. After all, Ratzinger, dubbed God s rottweiler for his unrelenting enforcement of traditionalist Catholic orthodoxy, has been chief architect and attack dog of Pope
Still raising a ruckus: ACT-UP founder Larry Kramer chats about the gay civil rights movement and its grim future: Washington Blade - April 15, 2005; Brian Moylan, Staff Writer; IT S STRANGE THAT someone as outspoken as activist and writer Larry Kramer is so soft-spoken on the phone. But even when speaking quietly, Kramer knows how to cause a ruckus. The author of the best-selling 1978 novel Faggots and the groundbreaking, AIDS-inspired 1986 play The Normal Heart made headlines last November w
Health News: Washington Blade - April 15, 2005; HIV survey shows importance of doctor-patient cooperation OAKLAND, Calif. - Research commissioned by the American Foundation for AIDS Research shows that patients who previously failed at least two anti-HIV regimens continue to have high standards for their treatment success, amfAR stated in a press release. The findin
Police Beat: Washington Blade - April 15, 2005; Former NFL player saw Siegfried & Roy as threat: report LAS VEGAS (AP) - A former pro football player accused of shooting at the compound of Siegfried & Roy wanted to warn the world of the threat posed by the illusionists, according to a psychiatric report. The evaluation was performed by psychiatrist Norton Ro
Seeing with new eyes: Portraying a slave wasn't easy for Michael McElroy: Washington Blade - April 15, 2005; Patrick Folliard; It s a bit ironic that Michael McElroy s most celebrated role to date is that of Jim, the runaway slave in Deaf West Theatre s production of Big River: The Story of Huckleberry Finn. In fact, when the Broadway performer won the part a couple years ago, he came very close to turning it down. McElroy wasn t worried that
25 years of advocacy: Black & White Men Together celebrates silver anniversary in D.C.: Washington Blade - April 15, 2005; Yusef Najafi; YOU DON T HAVE to be male, black or white to join the National Association of Black & White Men Together. The national organization, founded in San Francisco 25 years ago as a social group geared toward interracial gay couples, is much more than its name implies, organizers say. Since 1980, officials say the group
Gays hope for tolerance in new pope: But next pontiff not expected to stray from church teachings: Washington Blade - April 15, 2005; Ryan Lee; When the next pope emerges onto the balcony of St. Peter s Square, after election by his fellow Roman Catholic cardinals in a conclave scheduled to start April 18, gay and lesbian Catholic groups in America hope he will be someone willing to listen to their plights as outcasts in their own religion. Short of that, gay
A papal smear: After weeks of fawning media coverage, it's past time for a hard look at Pope John Paul II's unconscionable record on HIV/AIDS and indefensible condemnation of homosexuality.: Washington Blade - April 15, 2005; Chris Crain, Executive Editor; IT WAS LIKE Ronald Reagan all over again. For the second time in less than a year, we ve witnessed a tremendous outpouring of grief and love for a major historical figure whose record on HIV/AIDS and the treatment of gay people was disturbing, at best. Except this time the mourning masses and fawning media coverage hav
Brotherly love: American Brotherhood Weekend brings a more intimate leather event to D.C.: Washington Blade - April 15, 2005; Getting geared up for leather weekend? Yes, Martin Luther King weekend in January - the traditional date for D.C. s huge Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend - is far off, but many in D.C. may forget that it s not the only weekend-long leather competition in town. The end of April brings American Brotherhood Weekend, a nationa
Activist fights 'outdated' medical phrase: Effort to debunk 'gay bowel syndrome' may face new challenge: Washington Blade - April 8, 2005; Ryan Lee; When Michael Petrelis began exploring his sexual orientation as a teen at his New Jersey junior high school, he went to the school library to research all he could about a taboo subject called homosexuality. One of the things I had seen was a section on gay bowel syndrome and how it was a problem for all homosexuals,
OPINION: Trans rights go down the toilet Where transgendered people do our 'business' isn't anyone's business, or at least it really shouldn't be.: Washington Blade - April 8, 2005; Gwen Smith, Columnist; WE DO IT every day, usually more than once. We go to the restroom. It is a natural, human need. So why is it so hard to use a restroom when you re transgendered? No, it isn t that our plumbing is so baroque and alien that basic bodily functions elude us. Rather, it seems as if others want to make it as difficult as pos
Health News: Washington Blade - April 8, 2005; British health leaders report rare disease among gay men LONDON - Britain is reporting several cases of a rare disease found among gay men in the Netherlands two years ago and since recorded in other nations, Reuters reported. The disease is lymphogranuloma venereum and affects the rectum; it can affect a portion of th
For conservative parents only? Critics say 4parents.gov advice biased against gay teens, condom: Washington Blade - April 8, 2005; Laura Douglas-Brown; If you find out your teenage son or daughter is sexually active, you should above all, tell your adolescent she/he is loved and supported. But if you think your teen may be gay or transgendered, you should consider seeing a family therapist who shares your values to clarify and work through these issues. That s the adv
Pannell hired to 'jump-start' D.C. gay summit: Activists have mixed views on 'dog and pony show': Washington Blade - April 8, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr., lchibbaro@washblade.com.; Members of D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams gay advisory committee received a surprise Wednesday when they learned that the mayor had named veteran gay activist Phil Pannell as coordinator of his LGBT Citizens Summit, scheduled for April 30. Alfreda Davis, the mayor s chief of staff, told a meeting of Williams Gay, Lesbian,
Health News: Washington Blade - April 1, 2005; -- FBI, postal service join probe of HIV/AIDS list disclosure WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - The FBI and the U.S. Postal Service have joined the criminal investigation into the disclosure of the names and addresses of some of the 6,500 HIV/AIDS patients in Palm Beach County. County Health Department Director Dr. Jean Mal
A new place to call home: Us Helping Us has moved its headquarters from Capitol Hill to Northwest D.C., into a much larger building: Washington Blade - April 1, 2005; Yusef Najafi, Staff Writer; For the first time in more than a decade, Ron Simmons, president of Us Helping Us, People Into Living Inc., said he s really feeling part of a gay community. Home for the 20-year-old AIDS service organization that specializes in HIV prevention primarily among black gay and bisexual men in D.C., has been on Capitol Hill
EDITORIAL: D.C. HAA is a big joke: Washington Blade - April 1, 2005; Kevin Naff, Managing Editor; -- But no one s laughing at D.C. s HIV/AIDS Administration, which has a long record of incompetence and poor management at the expense of fighting an epidemic. ANOTHER WEEK, another scandal at the D.C. government s HIV/AIDS Administration. Tales of mismanagement, incompetence and far worse at HAA have become de rigueur
World News: Washington Blade - April 1, 2005; Singapore government rejects charity concert featuring gay duo SINGAPORE (AP) - Singapore has denied a request by a gay Christian support group to hold an AIDS charity concert on April 3, saying the lead performance by an American duo would be against the public interest because it promotes a gay lifestyle. The state
More Local News: Washington Blade - April 1, 2005; -- Organizers seeking volunteers for 5-city HIV study coming to D.C. The Program in Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota, along with D.C. s Whitman-Walker Clinic, is launching a five-city study among men who have had unprotected sex with other men within the past year. Organizers said the study, which takes p
Police Beat: Washington Blade - April 1, 2005; -- SoCal man gets 25 years to life in slaying of gay man RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) - A reputed gang member was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally stabbing a gay man outside a Riverside nightclub nearly three years ago. Dorian Lee Gutierrez was convicted of second-degree murder last month. Police said Guti
HAA funded 'phantom' AIDS groups: D.C. inspector general reveals improper handling of AIDS grants: Washington Blade - March 25, 2005; Lou Chibbaro Jr.; The D.C. HIV/AIDS Administration awarded AIDS-related contracts to at least two community-based organizations that operated out of empty offices and did not appear to be providing any of the services for which they were paid, according to an audit conducted by the D.C. Inspector General s Office. The office managers in
New PFLAG leader to expand youth outreach: Huckaby aims for more than support group: Washington Blade - March 25, 2005; Yusef Najafi; The new executive director of a national organization created to provide support for gay families said he plans to focus more attention on helping gay youths and reaching out to faith-based groups. Jody Michael Huckaby, a 40-year-old resident of Northwest Washington, D.C., recently was hired as director of the national
Health News: Washington Blade - March 25, 2005; Conn. doctor sees state link to drug-resistant HIV virus BRIDGEORT, Conn. (AP) - An AIDS specialist believes that one of his Connecticut patients may be linked to a case of drug-resistant HIV discovered in a New York City man. Dr. Gary Blick said last week that in a preliminary study he found epidemiological and geneti
Nixing nonoxynol-9: U.N. distributes condoms with spermicidal lubricant that may lead to increased risk of HIV: Washington Blade - March 18, 2005; Van Gower; THE UNITED NATIONS Foundation distributed Trojan-Enz condoms last month in conjunction with National Condom Awareness Week, even though the condoms used spermicidal lubricant containing nonoxynol-9, an ingredient deemed ineffective against HIV that may actually lead to an increased risk of infection. The campaign was l
Health News: Washington Blade - March 18, 2005; China says it is testing AIDS vaccine on humans BEIJING (AP) - China h