- Honoring The Dream Washington's LGBT community joins in celebrating dedication of Martin Luther King Jr. memorial.
http://metroweekly.com/news/?ak=6515
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Honoring The Dream.
- Honoring The Dream Washington's LGBT community joins in celebrating dedication of Martin Luther King Jr. memorial.
http://metroweekly.com/news/?ak=6515
Thursday, August 18, 2011
What African Americans Should Know About Diabetes.
Click Link Below For Further Information:
http://www.washingtoninformer.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6689:what-blacks-need-to-know-about-diabetes-&catid=44:health&Itemid=138
http://www.washingtoninformer.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Check Out: "I Got Unstuck": A Play About Conscious Getting Unstuck From Homeless To Hollywood. 1 Woman , 1 Show.
For More : http://www.igotunstuck.org/index.html
Zuna's Annual National Black Lesbian Conference for 2011 has been cancelled.
View Details At: http://zunainstitute.org/
Obama Bars U.S Entry For Violators Of LGBT Human Rights Abroad
President Obama issued a proclamation on Thursday that could prohibit those engaging in LGBT persecution overseas from entering the United States.
White house names interim LGBT liaison.
The White House has designated a gay administration official as the interim point of contact for the LGBT community until a permanent liaison...http://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/08/10/breaking-white-house-names-interim-lgbt-liaison/
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Violence Takes Mental Health Toll on Women
Women who experience any form of gender-based violence are at greater risk of mental health disorders and related dysfunction and disability, Australian researchers found.
Those who'd been through at least one form of this abuse -- which includes intimate partner violence, rape, sexual assault, or stalking -- were almost three times more likely to experience a mental health condition than those who were never victimized (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.99 to 3.40), according to Susan Rees, PhD, of the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and colleagues.
Those who'd experienced three or four forms had an 11-fold greater risk, they reported in the Aug. 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The study "reveals a pattern of social disadvantage, disability, and impaired quality of life among women who have experienced gender-based violence," the researchers wrote .
Violence against women is a major public health concern, they said. Some work has shown that it may be associated with lifetime mental health disorders -- although those studies have had methodological limitations, they noted.
So to clarify the relationship, Rees and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional study based on data from the 2007 Australian National Mental Health and Well-being Survey, which had information on 4,451 women ages 16 to 85.
In the overall sample, the lifetime prevalence of any mental disorder was 37.8%; nearly a quarter of the women (24.6%) reported anxiety, 18.3% mood disorder, 13.9% a substance use disorder (a combination of abuse and dependence), and 9.8% reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A total of 1,218 women, or 27.4% of the sample, reported experiencing at least one type of gender-based violence. In this group, prevalence rates were highest for sexual assault, followed by stalking, then rape, and finally, physical intimate partner violence.
In multivariate analyses, the researchers found that women who had been exposed to one form of gender-based violence had a significantly higher risk of mental health disorders than those who were never exposed:
Mood disorder: OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.59 to 3.20
Anxiety disorder: OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.84 to 3.15
Substance use disorder: OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.88 to 3.74
PTSD: OR 2.82, 95% CI 2.01 to 3.95
Any mental disorder: OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.99 to 3.40
The association was particularly strong for those who experienced three to four types of violence, the researchers found:
Mood disorder: OR 3.59, 95% CI 2.31 to 5.60
Anxiety disorder: OR 10.06, 95% CI 5.85 to 17.30
Substance use disorder: OR 5.61, 95% CI 3.46 to 9.10
PTSD: OR 15.90, 95% CI 8.32 to 30.20
Any mental disorder: OR 11.00, 95% CI 5.46 to 22.17
These women were also 15 times more likely to attempt suicide than those who hadn't been victimized, the researchers said. Those who incurred one violent encounter had about a threefold increased risk of suicide.
Violence against women was also tied to more severe mental health issues, with those reporting any trauma being nearly five times more likely to have severe disorders than those who weren't abused (Or 4.60, 95% CI 2.93 to 7.22).
Victims were also more likely to report poor overall health and poor mental health (OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.82 to 8.82 and OR 7.14, 95% CI 2.87 to 17.75).
And abused women were significantly more likely to have spent at least a week out of the preceding month on disability (OR 3.14, 95% CI 2.43 to 4.05).
Rees and colleagues said the study raises questions about whether current mental health services address the disability and dysfunction associated with gender-based violence.
They concluded that although public health efforts have targeted specific forms of gender-based violence, the study "underscores the need to alter attitudes and mores that sanction violence against women at a more general level."
The study was limited by its cross-sectional design, and by its limited generalizability since the sample didn't include homeless patients, those living in institutions, and the severely mentally ill, who may have higher rates of gender-based violence, the researchers said.
-blackwomenshealth.org
Those who'd been through at least one form of this abuse -- which includes intimate partner violence, rape, sexual assault, or stalking -- were almost three times more likely to experience a mental health condition than those who were never victimized (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.99 to 3.40), according to Susan Rees, PhD, of the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and colleagues.
Those who'd experienced three or four forms had an 11-fold greater risk, they reported in the Aug. 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The study "reveals a pattern of social disadvantage, disability, and impaired quality of life among women who have experienced gender-based violence," the researchers wrote .
Violence against women is a major public health concern, they said. Some work has shown that it may be associated with lifetime mental health disorders -- although those studies have had methodological limitations, they noted.
So to clarify the relationship, Rees and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional study based on data from the 2007 Australian National Mental Health and Well-being Survey, which had information on 4,451 women ages 16 to 85.
In the overall sample, the lifetime prevalence of any mental disorder was 37.8%; nearly a quarter of the women (24.6%) reported anxiety, 18.3% mood disorder, 13.9% a substance use disorder (a combination of abuse and dependence), and 9.8% reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A total of 1,218 women, or 27.4% of the sample, reported experiencing at least one type of gender-based violence. In this group, prevalence rates were highest for sexual assault, followed by stalking, then rape, and finally, physical intimate partner violence.
In multivariate analyses, the researchers found that women who had been exposed to one form of gender-based violence had a significantly higher risk of mental health disorders than those who were never exposed:
Mood disorder: OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.59 to 3.20
Anxiety disorder: OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.84 to 3.15
Substance use disorder: OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.88 to 3.74
PTSD: OR 2.82, 95% CI 2.01 to 3.95
Any mental disorder: OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.99 to 3.40
The association was particularly strong for those who experienced three to four types of violence, the researchers found:
Mood disorder: OR 3.59, 95% CI 2.31 to 5.60
Anxiety disorder: OR 10.06, 95% CI 5.85 to 17.30
Substance use disorder: OR 5.61, 95% CI 3.46 to 9.10
PTSD: OR 15.90, 95% CI 8.32 to 30.20
Any mental disorder: OR 11.00, 95% CI 5.46 to 22.17
These women were also 15 times more likely to attempt suicide than those who hadn't been victimized, the researchers said. Those who incurred one violent encounter had about a threefold increased risk of suicide.
Violence against women was also tied to more severe mental health issues, with those reporting any trauma being nearly five times more likely to have severe disorders than those who weren't abused (Or 4.60, 95% CI 2.93 to 7.22).
Victims were also more likely to report poor overall health and poor mental health (OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.82 to 8.82 and OR 7.14, 95% CI 2.87 to 17.75).
And abused women were significantly more likely to have spent at least a week out of the preceding month on disability (OR 3.14, 95% CI 2.43 to 4.05).
Rees and colleagues said the study raises questions about whether current mental health services address the disability and dysfunction associated with gender-based violence.
They concluded that although public health efforts have targeted specific forms of gender-based violence, the study "underscores the need to alter attitudes and mores that sanction violence against women at a more general level."
The study was limited by its cross-sectional design, and by its limited generalizability since the sample didn't include homeless patients, those living in institutions, and the severely mentally ill, who may have higher rates of gender-based violence, the researchers said.
-blackwomenshealth.org
Diet High in Vegetables and Fruit Associated with Less Weight Gain in African-American Women
(Nutrition Horizon) 5/23/2011 --- Investigators from the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University have reported that African American women who consumed a diet high in vegetables and fruit gained less weight over a 14-year period than those who consumed a diet high in red meat and fried foods. This is the first prospective study to show that a healthier diet is associated with less weight gain in African American women, a population with a high prevalence of obesity. The study results, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, were based on data from the Black Women’s Health Study (BWHS), a large follow-up study of 59,000 African American women from across the U.S. conducted since 1995.
The study asked participants about their diet at the beginning of the study in 1995, and again six years later in 2001. Two major dietary patterns were identified: 1) a “vegetables/fruit” pattern high in vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish and whole grains; and 2) a “meat/fried foods” pattern high in red meat, processed meat, french fries and fried chicken.
The researchers found that women who consumed a diet high in vegetables and fruit gained less weight over 14 years than women whose diets were low in these foods. Women who consumed a diet high in meat and fried foods gained more weight than women with low intake of these foods. These associations were strongest for women whose dietary patterns did not change during the study period. The associations also were stronger among women younger than 35 years, who gained the most weight (29 pounds during the 14-year study period, on average).
According to the lead author and researcher Dr. Deborah Boggs, people tend to eat a consistent amount of food rather than a consistent number of calories. “A diet high in red meat and fried foods can lead to consuming too many calories because these foods contain more calories than the same amount of vegetables and fruit,” she explained.
The authors concluded that the findings suggest that replacing red meat and fried foods with vegetables and fruit could help to lower obesity rates.
Funding for this study was provided by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Cancer Institute.
-blackwomenshealth.org
The study asked participants about their diet at the beginning of the study in 1995, and again six years later in 2001. Two major dietary patterns were identified: 1) a “vegetables/fruit” pattern high in vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish and whole grains; and 2) a “meat/fried foods” pattern high in red meat, processed meat, french fries and fried chicken.
The researchers found that women who consumed a diet high in vegetables and fruit gained less weight over 14 years than women whose diets were low in these foods. Women who consumed a diet high in meat and fried foods gained more weight than women with low intake of these foods. These associations were strongest for women whose dietary patterns did not change during the study period. The associations also were stronger among women younger than 35 years, who gained the most weight (29 pounds during the 14-year study period, on average).
According to the lead author and researcher Dr. Deborah Boggs, people tend to eat a consistent amount of food rather than a consistent number of calories. “A diet high in red meat and fried foods can lead to consuming too many calories because these foods contain more calories than the same amount of vegetables and fruit,” she explained.
The authors concluded that the findings suggest that replacing red meat and fried foods with vegetables and fruit could help to lower obesity rates.
Funding for this study was provided by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Cancer Institute.
-blackwomenshealth.org
The Untitled Black Lesbian Elder Project
Documentary honoring the legacy of black lesbian elders.
Click Icon To See Video ^^
Affordable Care Act Ensures Women Receive Preventive Services at No Additional Cost
Historic new guidelines that will ensure women receive preventive health services at no additional cost were announced today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Developed by the independent Institute of Medicine, the new guidelines require new health insurance plans to cover women’s preventive services such as well-woman visits, breastfeeding support, domestic violence screening, and contraception without charging a co-payment, co-insurance or a deductible.
“The Affordable Care Act helps stop health problems before they start,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “These historic guidelines are based on science and existing literature and will help ensure women get the preventive health benefits they need.”
Before health reform, too many Americans didn’t get the preventive health care they need to stay healthy, avoid or delay the onset of disease, lead productive lives, and reduce health care costs. Often because of cost, Americans used preventive services at about half the recommended rate.
Last summer, HHS released new insurance market rules under the Affordable Care Act requiring all new private health plans to cover several evidence-based preventive services like mammograms, colonoscopies, blood pressure checks, and childhood immunizations without charging a copayment, deductible or coinsurance. The Affordable Care Act also made recommended preventive services free for people on Medicare.
Today’s announcement builds on that progress by making sure women have access to a full range of recommended preventive services without cost sharing, including:
well-woman visits;
screening for gestational diabetes;
human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing for women 30 years and older;
sexually-transmitted infection counseling;
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and counseling;
FDA-approved contraception methods and contraceptive counseling;
breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling; and
domestic violence screening and counseling.
New health plans will need to include these services without cost sharing for insurance policies with plan years beginning on or after August 1, 2012. The rules governing coverage of preventive services which allow plans to use reasonable medical management to help define the nature of the covered service apply to women’s preventive services. Plans will retain the flexibility to control costs and promote efficient delivery of care by, for example, continuing to charge cost-sharing for branded drugs if a generic version is available and is just as effective and safe for the patient to use.
The administration also released an amendment to the prevention regulation that allows religious institutions that offer insurance to their employees the choice of whether or not to cover contraception services. This regulation is modeled on the most common accommodation for churches available in the majority of the 28 states that already require insurance companies to cover contraception. HHS welcomes comment on this policy.
Previously, preventive services for women had been recommended one-by-one or as part of guidelines targeted at men as well. As such, the HHS directed the independent Institute of Medicine to, for the first time ever, conduct a scientific review and provide recommendations on specific preventive measures that meet women’s unique health needs and help keep women healthy. HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) used the IOM report issued July 19, when developing the guidelines that are being issued today. The IOM’s report relied on independent physicians, nurses, scientists, and other experts to make these determinations based on scientific evidence.
Today’s announcement is another part of the Obama Administration’s broader effort to address the health and well-being of our communities through initiatives such as the President’s Childhood Obesity Task Force, the First Lady’s Let’s Move! campaign, the National Quality Strategy, and the National Prevention Strategy.
-hhs.gov
“The Affordable Care Act helps stop health problems before they start,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “These historic guidelines are based on science and existing literature and will help ensure women get the preventive health benefits they need.”
Before health reform, too many Americans didn’t get the preventive health care they need to stay healthy, avoid or delay the onset of disease, lead productive lives, and reduce health care costs. Often because of cost, Americans used preventive services at about half the recommended rate.
Last summer, HHS released new insurance market rules under the Affordable Care Act requiring all new private health plans to cover several evidence-based preventive services like mammograms, colonoscopies, blood pressure checks, and childhood immunizations without charging a copayment, deductible or coinsurance. The Affordable Care Act also made recommended preventive services free for people on Medicare.
Today’s announcement builds on that progress by making sure women have access to a full range of recommended preventive services without cost sharing, including:
well-woman visits;
screening for gestational diabetes;
human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing for women 30 years and older;
sexually-transmitted infection counseling;
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and counseling;
FDA-approved contraception methods and contraceptive counseling;
breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling; and
domestic violence screening and counseling.
New health plans will need to include these services without cost sharing for insurance policies with plan years beginning on or after August 1, 2012. The rules governing coverage of preventive services which allow plans to use reasonable medical management to help define the nature of the covered service apply to women’s preventive services. Plans will retain the flexibility to control costs and promote efficient delivery of care by, for example, continuing to charge cost-sharing for branded drugs if a generic version is available and is just as effective and safe for the patient to use.
The administration also released an amendment to the prevention regulation that allows religious institutions that offer insurance to their employees the choice of whether or not to cover contraception services. This regulation is modeled on the most common accommodation for churches available in the majority of the 28 states that already require insurance companies to cover contraception. HHS welcomes comment on this policy.
Previously, preventive services for women had been recommended one-by-one or as part of guidelines targeted at men as well. As such, the HHS directed the independent Institute of Medicine to, for the first time ever, conduct a scientific review and provide recommendations on specific preventive measures that meet women’s unique health needs and help keep women healthy. HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) used the IOM report issued July 19, when developing the guidelines that are being issued today. The IOM’s report relied on independent physicians, nurses, scientists, and other experts to make these determinations based on scientific evidence.
Today’s announcement is another part of the Obama Administration’s broader effort to address the health and well-being of our communities through initiatives such as the President’s Childhood Obesity Task Force, the First Lady’s Let’s Move! campaign, the National Quality Strategy, and the National Prevention Strategy.
-hhs.gov
Lesbian Couples "Uninformed" About DC Parentage Law
American University law professor Nancy Polikoff, a nationally recognized expert on LGBT related family law, has issued an alert to lesbian couples in D.C. — getting married isn’t the best way to guarantee your rights as parents of children conceived through artificial insemination.
Polikoff said the enactment of D.C.’s same-sex marriage law last year has overshadowed another sweeping law the city enacted in 2009 that provides same-sex couples with all of the parental rights that heterosexual couples have through a legal status separate from marriage.
Among other things, the law “confers the status of legal parent on both lesbian mothers who plan a child using donor insemination,” Polikoff said in a blog posting at the time the law was passed. She said the law gives full parental rights to the partner of the couple who doesn’t give birth to the child as long as both partners sign an official Consent to Parent form.
Polikoff said that lesbian couples who marry in D.C. and other states also are given equal parental rights to a child conceived through artificial insemination. But she said that the parental right of the partner who doesn’t bear the child could be disputed or rejected by other states that don’t recognize same-sex marriage.
A signed Consent to Parent form linked to the city’s sweeping parentage law provides much stronger legal protection of the parental rights of a lesbian couple in other states, said Polikoff.
Yet many lesbian couples apparently are unaware of this form, which the city requires all hospitals to make available to female same-sex partners at the time one of the partners gives birth, Polikoff said. She noted that the form also clears the way for the names of both partners to appear on the birth certificate.
“We have to educate lesbians giving birth in D.C. about this form,” Polikoff told the Blade. “It has nothing to do with marriage. The couple doesn’t need to be married. Plus getting your name on the birth certificate because of signing this form will be more protection in other states than getting on the birth certificate through marriage,” she said.
-WashingtonBlade.com
Polikoff said the enactment of D.C.’s same-sex marriage law last year has overshadowed another sweeping law the city enacted in 2009 that provides same-sex couples with all of the parental rights that heterosexual couples have through a legal status separate from marriage.
Among other things, the law “confers the status of legal parent on both lesbian mothers who plan a child using donor insemination,” Polikoff said in a blog posting at the time the law was passed. She said the law gives full parental rights to the partner of the couple who doesn’t give birth to the child as long as both partners sign an official Consent to Parent form.
Polikoff said that lesbian couples who marry in D.C. and other states also are given equal parental rights to a child conceived through artificial insemination. But she said that the parental right of the partner who doesn’t bear the child could be disputed or rejected by other states that don’t recognize same-sex marriage.
A signed Consent to Parent form linked to the city’s sweeping parentage law provides much stronger legal protection of the parental rights of a lesbian couple in other states, said Polikoff.
Yet many lesbian couples apparently are unaware of this form, which the city requires all hospitals to make available to female same-sex partners at the time one of the partners gives birth, Polikoff said. She noted that the form also clears the way for the names of both partners to appear on the birth certificate.
“We have to educate lesbians giving birth in D.C. about this form,” Polikoff told the Blade. “It has nothing to do with marriage. The couple doesn’t need to be married. Plus getting your name on the birth certificate because of signing this form will be more protection in other states than getting on the birth certificate through marriage,” she said.
-WashingtonBlade.com
White House Honors AIDS Activist Simmons And Tenner.
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Two leaders of AIDS advocacy organizations in D.C. were honored last month by the White House as “Champions of Change” through a program that recognizes Americans who help the country meet challenges of the 21st century.
The White House selected Ron Simmons, executive director of Us Helping Us, and Adam Tenner, executive director of Metro Teen AIDS, in June for the category of “Champions of Change: Fighting AIDS.”
A White House statement announcing their selection says that under Simmons’ leadership, Us Helping Us grew into one of the nation’s largest black AIDS organizations. The group provides services for HIV-infected black gay men, women, transgender persons and youth. The statement notes that since 1992 Simmons raised more than $22 million to fund the programs and services of Us Helping Us.
The White House statement says Tenner, who has headed Metro Teen AIDS since 2001, has worked in a variety of HIV prevention and adolescent health promotion capacities for more than 20 years. It says he initiated D.C.’s first HIV prevention programs for young gay men as well as programs that make sure young people with HIV receive needed services.
-WashingtonBlade.com
Two leaders of AIDS advocacy organizations in D.C. were honored last month by the White House as “Champions of Change” through a program that recognizes Americans who help the country meet challenges of the 21st century.
The White House selected Ron Simmons, executive director of Us Helping Us, and Adam Tenner, executive director of Metro Teen AIDS, in June for the category of “Champions of Change: Fighting AIDS.”
A White House statement announcing their selection says that under Simmons’ leadership, Us Helping Us grew into one of the nation’s largest black AIDS organizations. The group provides services for HIV-infected black gay men, women, transgender persons and youth. The statement notes that since 1992 Simmons raised more than $22 million to fund the programs and services of Us Helping Us.
The White House statement says Tenner, who has headed Metro Teen AIDS since 2001, has worked in a variety of HIV prevention and adolescent health promotion capacities for more than 20 years. It says he initiated D.C.’s first HIV prevention programs for young gay men as well as programs that make sure young people with HIV receive needed services.
-WashingtonBlade.com
President Obama Raises Money For LGBT Causes.
While the gay blogosphere continues to see complaints about President Barack Obama, 12 well-heeled campaign donors associated with LGBT causes raised at least $2.35 million for the president’s reelection campaign and the Democratic National Committee in the second quarter of 2011, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington, DC research group.
“Frankly it’s bit early to tell what any of these things mean,” said Michael Cole-Schwartz, a spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay lobby, which has endorsed Obama’s reelection in 2012.
Ten of the 12 donors raised at least $2.2 million through bundling, the process by which one person collects cash from other individuals and delivers those checks as a single package. Bundlers can have an inordinate influence on a candidate or officeholder. Three of the gay Obama bundlers raised $50,000, while the remaining nine raised amounts from $100,000 to $500,000.
Some of the bundlers, such as Jeff Soref, Andrew Tobias, and Kevin Jennings, have long supported gay community causes and the Democratic Party. Jennings served in the Obama administration in the US Department of Education for two years, and both Soref and Tobias have been active with the DNC.
Only two of the 12 bundled for the Obama campaign in 2008.
“I think that the administration was very slow to get started on gay issues,” said Soref. “I think there was a lot of disappointment, a lot of frustration. Suddenly about nine months ago things changed… There has been a steady drumbeat on our issues, and I think it’s in the right direction. I think it deserves our support.”
Among all donors to Obama, the Center reported that 47 percent of his second quarter campaign cash came from those contributing $200 or less. The Center cited Obama campaign reports that noted “200,000 individuals who did not donate to Obama in 2008 have donated to his re-election efforts.”
Nearly 60 percent of the 244 individual bundlers for his re-election efforts, which includes the 12 gay bundlers, did not raise funds for his campaign in 2008.
“The president has delivered a tremendous amount of progress for the LGBT community,” Cole-Schwartz said, citing the repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy and the administration declining to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in federal lawsuits. “You’re certainly going to see the community rallying behind him. It is reflected and it’s going to be reflected in the monetary contributions the community makes to the campaign.”
- GayCityNews.com
“Frankly it’s bit early to tell what any of these things mean,” said Michael Cole-Schwartz, a spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay lobby, which has endorsed Obama’s reelection in 2012.
Ten of the 12 donors raised at least $2.2 million through bundling, the process by which one person collects cash from other individuals and delivers those checks as a single package. Bundlers can have an inordinate influence on a candidate or officeholder. Three of the gay Obama bundlers raised $50,000, while the remaining nine raised amounts from $100,000 to $500,000.
Some of the bundlers, such as Jeff Soref, Andrew Tobias, and Kevin Jennings, have long supported gay community causes and the Democratic Party. Jennings served in the Obama administration in the US Department of Education for two years, and both Soref and Tobias have been active with the DNC.
Only two of the 12 bundled for the Obama campaign in 2008.
“I think that the administration was very slow to get started on gay issues,” said Soref. “I think there was a lot of disappointment, a lot of frustration. Suddenly about nine months ago things changed… There has been a steady drumbeat on our issues, and I think it’s in the right direction. I think it deserves our support.”
Among all donors to Obama, the Center reported that 47 percent of his second quarter campaign cash came from those contributing $200 or less. The Center cited Obama campaign reports that noted “200,000 individuals who did not donate to Obama in 2008 have donated to his re-election efforts.”
Nearly 60 percent of the 244 individual bundlers for his re-election efforts, which includes the 12 gay bundlers, did not raise funds for his campaign in 2008.
“The president has delivered a tremendous amount of progress for the LGBT community,” Cole-Schwartz said, citing the repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy and the administration declining to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in federal lawsuits. “You’re certainly going to see the community rallying behind him. It is reflected and it’s going to be reflected in the monetary contributions the community makes to the campaign.”
- GayCityNews.com
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wanda Sykes, Julian Bond Speak at NAACP, LGBT Forum
Wanda Sykes, an out lesbian comedienne and Julian Bond, an openly gay former NAACP chairman, both spoke at the LGBT forum about gay rights. They made the case that LGBT rights are civil rights! For more information about this forum and to read a full article please see: http://newsone.com/nation/ggaynor/naacp-lgbt-forum/
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Growing Leadership Film
Check out this video put out by the HOPE foundation, highlighting the leaders of organizations that work with the great community to make it a more welcoming place. This film focuses on those leaders that work so hard to increase acceptance and understanding for LGBT persons of color. It is one of a series that will be made. We hope you enjoy it!
http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/lgbt711.aspx
http://www.modeldmedia.com/
Monday, July 18, 2011
Unhealthy Eating Increases as Black Unemployment Rises
African-American unemployment is at 16.2% compared to overall Americans unemployment sitting at 9.2%. As unemployment rises, so do trips to fast food establishments due to their cheap offerings and ease of access. The quality of food is less, but so is the price and time it takes to get the food. With people trying to make ends meet by working multiple part time jobs or hunting for jobs, this makes unhealthy eating a sometimes necessary option. The foods at fast-food 
places are cheaper and more convenient but at the price of having more calories that fill you up less.
In a twist of irony, hunger is spreading with soup kitchens and food pantries are seeing a record increase in demand as the recession continues. One non-profit out of New York City reported over a 100,000 person increase in 3 years in people served. This unprecedented call for help reminds us to give thanks for what we have.
places are cheaper and more convenient but at the price of having more calories that fill you up less.In a twist of irony, hunger is spreading with soup kitchens and food pantries are seeing a record increase in demand as the recession continues. One non-profit out of New York City reported over a 100,000 person increase in 3 years in people served. This unprecedented call for help reminds us to give thanks for what we have.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Focus on: Simone Bell
Simone Bell is an elected representative in the Georgia state House of Representatives. She is the first African-American lesbian lawmaker and has advocated for LGBTQ rights and health care throughout her political career. She was recently selected to speak at the San Diego Women's Pride Brunch. Please see her website for more information about this inspirational representative!: http://www.simonebell.com/index.cfm
Monday, June 27, 2011
American Medical Association Announces its Support for Same-Sex Marriage
The AMA passed a resolution supporting same-sex marriage. Here is the wording:Our American Medical Association: (1) recognizes that denying civil marriage based on sexual orientation is discriminatory and imposes harmful stigma on gay and lesbian individuals and couples and their families; (2) recognizes that exclusion from civil marriage contributes to health care disparities affecting same-sex households; (3) will work to reduce health care disparities among members of same-sex households including minor children; and (4) will support measures providing same-sex households with the same rights and privileges to health care, health insurance, and survivor benefits, as afforded opposite-sex households.
This was adopted June 20, 2011
NY Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill
On Friday June 24th, New York State Senate Passed a Same-Sex Marriage Bill to be enacted within 30 days throughout the state. This marks the largest and most populous state to pass a same-sex marriage law and may indicate a soon sweeping change across many other areas of the country. The ability to repeal this law by vote is extremely difficult to do, so it looks like this one will be staying on the books! http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/27/same-sex-marriage-celebrations/
People across the country and even the world celebrated over the weekend and continue to celebrate!
UN Passes Gay Rights Protection
The UN passed a historic measure that endorsed the rights of gay, lesbian, and transgender people. It called for universal protections and a future discussion about mandating anti-violence and anti-discrimination. This resolution is the first of its kind and the most wide-sweeping worldwide protection for all LGBT persons throughout the world. People throughout the world celebrate this historic victory!
Sebelius Annouces that HHS will collect LGBT data
In response to the report published by the Institute of Medicine, HHS Secretary K. Sebelius announced that the HHS will collect LGBT data. This data will work towards LGBT persons gaining better access to care by providing a broad brush stroke of our health disparities and needs. The data collected will be given to physicians to improve their treatment methods and focus when encountering an LGBT person at their practice. Finding out more information is key to changing medical and public health practices.
The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People
The Institute of Medicine recently came out with a report outlining the need for more research into LGBT health issues and concerns. They recommend that sexual orientation and gender identity be included in demographic information collected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to increase available data for practitioners. Please click on the link for a briefing on the report:
http://www.fenwayhealth.org/site/DocServer/lgbthealthreportbriefembargoed.pdf?docID=8321Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Groundbreaking Essence Magazine Article
Essence magazine’s March 2011 issue (on newsstands now) breaks new ground by publishing a four-page article in which a Black, active duty, female servicemember details her life as a lesbian living under the discriminatory and now—thankfully—repealed Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) policy. Take a moment and pick up your copy today!
Today is International Women's Day!
Tuesday, May 8, 2011 marks the 100-year anniversary of International Women's Day - a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. For more information about International Women's Day visit the website.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sex & Menopause
Mautner Project is pleased to welcome back University instructor, published author, respected presenter, and dedicated activist, Dr. Ruth Neustifter. Affectionately known by her clients and co-workers as Dr. Ruthie, she makes her home in the DC area with her partner and pets.
The best is yet to come; are you ready to enjoy sex before, during and after menopause? Learn how to make this intimate form of body language a source of inspiration, comfort and intimacy during menopause with Dr. Ruthie. You'll learn what to expect as our bodies approach and transition through the stages of menopause, and how you can experience better, happier and more creative sexuality at every step. Sexuality can remain a vital part of our relationship with ourselves and our partners at every age!
RSVPs are required. If you are a current client, you may qualify to attend this workshop for free. For questions, to RSVP, or for more information, please contact Rachelle at rdixon@mautnerproject.org.
Date: March 10th
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: $15 per person.
Location: Mautner Project offices --
1875 Connecticut Ave NW #710 WDC
You can buy your ticket in advance or at the door.
RSVPs are strictly required. Please email Rachelle to RSVP or if you have any questions.
Monday, February 7, 2011
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Feb. 7th: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), even though African Americans make up 13% of the US population, African Americans account for about half (49%) of the people who get HIV and AIDS. In 2008, African Americans accounted for 52% of new HIV diagnoses and 48% of AIDS diagnoses alone -- and among women diagnosed with AIDS, 77% were black/African American women. African American women are disproportionately affected and we must be aware of the risk and get tested to protect ourselves and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in our community!
Take a moment today - get educated, get tested, get treated, get involved. For more information, visit http://www.blackaidsday.org/ For information on testing and counseling centers in your area, please contact your local department of health, non-profit LGBT organization, or feel free to contact the Mautner Project.
Feb. 7th: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), even though African Americans make up 13% of the US population, African Americans account for about half (49%) of the people who get HIV and AIDS. In 2008, African Americans accounted for 52% of new HIV diagnoses and 48% of AIDS diagnoses alone -- and among women diagnosed with AIDS, 77% were black/African American women. African American women are disproportionately affected and we must be aware of the risk and get tested to protect ourselves and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in our community!
Take a moment today - get educated, get tested, get treated, get involved. For more information, visit http://www.blackaidsday.org/ For information on testing and counseling centers in your area, please contact your local department of health, non-profit LGBT organization, or feel free to contact the Mautner Project.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Welcome to the relaunch of S.H.E. Circle's "Talk Circle."
Whenever we come together as women – especially as African American women – there is magic and power!
Based on the principle of Ujima – “collective work and responsibility to build and maintain our community together”– S.H.E. Circle harnesses the power of this sisterhood to empower, energize, and engage African women in a personal journey to healthy living.
As the first national health education program focused on African American women who partner with women, the local S.H.E. Circles provide a safe space where African American lesbian and bisexual women can learn about health issues, ask questions, share information, connect with resources, and provide support to each other.
Let S.H.E. Circle be a starting point for you to rediscover yourself. Learn more about your body, mind and spirit - and let us begin a journey toward wellness, wholeness and health - together. Stay tuned for more information on health topics, ongoing and upcoming S.H.E. Circles, and more.
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