HRC Joins Equality Caucus to Announce Transgender Equality Task Force
Daily Archives: November 17, 2015
Matias
Chakana Colectivo posted a photo:
“con las nueva leyes estamos de igual a igual ante cualquiera”.
Apoya a la marcha por que se siente totalmente identificado.
Profesional y trabaja, ve el futuro medio incierto en cara a las elecciones, sin embargo es optimista.
Fact-Checking the Media on Charlie Sheen and HIV
Fact-Checking the Media on Charlie Sheen and HIV
Before Charlie Sheen revealed his HIV-positive status on the The Today Show with Matt Lauer, numerous online media sources began reporting on Sheen’s status and his personal life. Since many mainstream media sources do not typically report on HIV-related news, several publications have released stories with inaccurate and inflammatory statements, unknowingly stigmatizing people living with HIV.
Here is a compilation of reports from publications that got it wrong.
False. Although the use of protection may be the optimal scenario, this, unfortunately, was a missed opportunity to stress the importance of an undetectable viral load. Achieving an undetectable viral load reduces an HIV-positive person’s chance of transmitting the virus by 96 percent regardless of whether a condom is used or not. To date, there has never been one confirmed case of HIV transmission from someone with an undetectable viral load.
False. There is not an AIDS virus, and this use of editorial creativity represents an example of the media attempting to make the story more dramatic and severe. HIV is a virus, and without medication, it can lead to the advanced stages of the virus. AIDS is a diagnosis.
National Enquirer: “The Charlie Sheen AIDS Cover-Up”
False. Charlie Sheen does not have AIDS to cover up. In fact, many doctors and activists believe that the term “AIDS” should no longer be used. HIV is a virus, and AIDS is a term used to describe the advanced stages of HIV. Now that treatment has advanced, there isn’t a need to differentiate advanced HIV with a specific diagnosis, and many believe the term only perpetuate outdated, stigmatic viewpoints. Moreover, no publication should be reporting on information that comes from the National Enquirer as fact.
Charlie Sheen on TMZ: “My blood is now HIV free.”
Could be sort true, sort of. After TMZ originally broke the news about Sheen’s scheduled interview, the source released a video with the headline, “Charlie Sheen: My Blood Is Now HIV Free.” While trying to capitalize on Sheen’s often-shocking statements, the publication failed to report on the meaning behind his statement.
Regardless of Sheen’s personal style, this one can be classified as “kind of true.” Sheen has reportedly begun treatment and has reached undetectable levels of HIV. He is still HIV-positive, but for lack of better words, his blood could be considered “HIV free,” meaning that he has less than 20 copies of the virus in his blood. HIV, however, lives in the reservoirs of the body, and he is still HIV-positive. Sheen will need to continue treatment in order to maintain these levels.
National Enquirer: “Decades of Debauchery Have Finally Caught Up to Charlie Sheen”
False. Promiscuity does not transmit HIV. One exposure to the virus contained in blood, semen, pre-ejaculatory semen, vaginal fluids, anal fluids, or breast milk is how HIV is transmitted. HIV does not discriminate against people who have had one sexual parter or 5,000 sexual partners, nor should the national media.
The Daily Caller: “Charlie Sheen has AIDS?”
False. No, he doesn’t have AIDS. The term AIDS should not be used when discussing anyone who reveals their HIV-positive status. When it does, please report it in the comments section below.
BET.com: “The actor allegedly spread the virus to several other women.”
False until further clarified. As of now, the only publication reporting that Sheen has infected others is The National Enquirer. This is evidence of the failure of the mainstream media’s ability to responsibly report on HIV. Until one of Sheen’s sexual partners chooses to step forward and produce test results corroborating her accusation, the media should withhold its statements on other transmissions. Sources like BET would typically never cite the National Enquirer as a source, but given the salacious nature of a celebrity who is reportedly HIV-positive, it is evident that respectable publications are willing to compromise their integrity. Currently, no source is discussing the responsibility of Sheen’s sexual partners in regards to HIV transmission and disclosure, only that of Sheen’s.
False until further verified. Again, the National Enquirer has a famous history of fabricating stories. Even though Radar Online is not widely considered to be a trusted news source, it is this kind of unverified and stigma-fueled language that leads people to keep from disclosing their status to their friends and family.
News.com.au: “Sheen to Say He’s Cured of HIV”
False. This irresponsible editorialization of Sheen’s alleged undetectable HIV-positive status was used to intentionally mislead the site’s audience into thinking Sheen was up to his antics as usual. Sheen, who allegedly said he “has conquered” HIV, is referring to his successful use of treatment to acheive and undetectable viral load. Upon clicking the social media link, the headline changes to “Sheen to Make a ‘Revealing Personal Announcement,'” demonstrating a clear, intentional use of a salacious headline to encourage clicks at the sake of compromising the validity of Sheen’s statement.
Tyler Curry
www.advocate.com/hiv-aids/2015/11/17/fact-checking-media-charlie-sheen-and-hiv
Rio De Janeiro's LGBT Pride Parade Turns 20 In Spectacular Fashion
Rio De Janeiro's LGBT Pride Parade Turns 20 In Spectacular Fashion
Revelers from all over the world touched down in Rio de Janeiro this past weekend for the 20th anniversary of the LGBT Pride parade, and from the looks of these photos, the event was as epic as ever.
The 2015 festivities began with a poignant tribute to the victims of last week’s attacks in Paris, as well as those who died after two dams burst and caused a mudslide in southeastern Brazil earlier this month.
“Despite the great joy we feel to be alive, we cannot forget the tragedy for those families who have lost their loved ones, just as so many of us have lost loved one too,” one drag queen told Reuters.
Of course, there was plenty of sparkle amidst the anguish. Check out photos of the celebrations below!
— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
REVIEW: Haché Burgers – Shoreditch, London
REVIEW: Haché Burgers – Shoreditch, London
Haché Burgers in Shoreditch is part of a relatively upmarket chain of burger joints.
Comfortable seating, seductive lighting, cool music – this is a burger restaurant for when you want to relax, take your time, and enjoy your burger while catching up with friends after a long day in the office.
The service was friendly and professional – the young, attractive manager was particularly switched on – and the burgers were good.
I had a basic cheese burger, but it was a solid beef patty served medium and still juicy and full of flavor, washed down with a bottle of Budvar beer.
Dinner at Haché Burgers isn’t going to be the most exciting night of your life, but it’s a good place to get a burger.
The post REVIEW: Haché Burgers – Shoreditch, London appeared first on Gay Star News.
Gareth Johnson
www.gaystarnews.com/article/review-hache-burgers-shoreditch-london/
#AM_Equality Tip Sheet: November 17, 2015
#AM_Equality Tip Sheet: November 17, 2015
First-Ever Congressional Forum On Anti-Trans Violence As FBI Releases Hate-Crimes Report….Utah Judge On Same-Sex Foster Parent Case Recuses Himself….Jim Obergefell Endorses Hillary….
HRC.org
www.hrc.org/blog/entry/am-equality-tip-sheet-november-17-2015?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed
Pat Robertson Says Sodom’s Sin Wasn’t Homosexuality, Hell Freezes Over
Pat Robertson Says Sodom’s Sin Wasn’t Homosexuality, Hell Freezes Over
Pat Robertson, host of The 700 Club, told viewers yesterday that the “sin” of Sodom was pride and not homosexuality. Yes, that Pat Robertson. The same Robertson most famous for his routine rants that any pro-LGBTQ progress will lead to the destruction of America “like it did Sodom and Gomorrah,” two Biblical cities destroyed in the Old Testament book of Leviticus.
While scholars have long argued what the “sin” actually was–some contend that it was actually the sin of “inhospitality”–conservative Christians have adamantly declared that homosexuality was the true cause. They then invariably go on to claim we are destroying America, which is not only an inhospitable thing to say but makes us vulnerable to everything from discrimination to much worse. Moderate and progressive Christians cite another book of the Old Testament, Ezekiel, to claim the cities were destroyed because they were too prideful.
Ezekial 16:49 reads, “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.”
“Pride, the Bible says, idleness and abundance of bread, neither were they thankful, that was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah,” Robertson told viewers. “He didn’t talk about homosexuality.”
Anyone want to take bets on how long it will take America’s Best Leviticus Lover to switch his mind and go back to proclaiming that gays caused the downfall of the two ancient cities?
Bil Browning
What Happens When A Hook Up Turns Into A Long Distance Relationship? – WATCH
What Happens When A Hook Up Turns Into A Long Distance Relationship? – WATCH
Last week, we told you about a new gay web series that follows two college guys, Dustin and Shane, whose frequent hook ups turns into something more. But what happens when that something more becomes a long distance relationship?
That’s the subject of this week’s episode that sees Dustin head off to Hong Kong and Shane left wondering what he will do now that he’s (physically at least) alone.
Watch the lovers navigate the perils of dating long distance, below:
RELATED: New Gay Web Series Looks at What Happens When a Hook-Up Turns Into Something More: WATCH
The post What Happens When A Hook Up Turns Into A Long Distance Relationship? – WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
Sean Mandell
What Happens When A Hook Up Turns Into A Long Distance Relationship? – WATCH
Guada y Claudia
Chakana Colectivo posted a photo:
Siempre apoyan y van a apoyar la marcha del orgullo LGBTTIQ. Se sienten aceptadas en el ambiente familiar. Y buscan una mejor posición laboral.
Showdown Over LGBT Rights in Indiana Starts Today
Showdown Over LGBT Rights in Indiana Starts Today
The battle for LGBT nondiscrimination protections will flare up in Indiana today as the state legislature convenes to organize in preparation for next year’s session. Opponents and supporters of the measure will face off in dueling rallies at the Statehouse while lawmakers work to find a bipartisan solution that balances Democrats’ press for full equality and Republicans’ concerns about “religious liberty.”
Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long confirmed Monday that a bill will be heard during the 2016 session. “We’re trying to do our best to get a balanced piece of legislation,” Long said during the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative preview luncheon. “It will be comprehensive.”
Religious leaders and antigay activists around the state have spread rumors that lawmakers plan to introduce, have hearings on, and pass LGBT nondiscrimination protections today. While it’s technically possible for a law to be passed in a single day, legislators do not hear legislation on Organization Day.
Both Republican and Democrat leaders have said the rumor, perpetuated by Eric Miller, one of the state’s foremost antigay activists, as a “sneak attack,” is false. Republican state senator Brandt Hershman went so far as to publicly challenge Miller to bet $10,000 that the legislature will not advance a LGBT rights bill today; Miller refused to accept the wager. The money would have gone to charity.
Supporters of LGBT protections will also rally today on the Statehouse lawn at noon.
Following the state’s controversial passage of a “religious freedom” bill that would have allowed businesses to actively discriminate against LGBT people, outraged activists and the media castigated state political leaders for promoting bigotry against the LGBT community. Several organizations canceled plans for conferences in the state, businesses put expansion or relocation plans on hold, and celebrities canceled planned appearances.
Governor Mike Pence, once considered a potential presidential candidate, supported the bill and became the face of the measure after refusing to answer whether the law would legalize discrimination during an interview on national television. Lawmakers quickly passed new legislation to “fix” the law to specify that it couldn’t be used to discriminate against LGBT people after national outcry, but fallout from the law had already caused an incredible amount of economic and public relations damage.
House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath said the state needs to pass protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity to move past the controversy. “It’s simple. It’s passable, and most of all it will put this issue behind Indiana. Get it over with,” he urged. “It would be, long term, the best political thing for everybody to do, but it would also be the right thing to do.”
Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma, who has long opposed any measure to improve the lives of LGBT Hoosiers, wasn’t as supportive of the proposed legislation but seemed resigned to the bill’s introduction. “It will be a big challenge,” Bosma told the Journal Gazette, adding that “we will not be blackmailed into a policy-making decision. Elected officials will not be bullied or badgered.”
“With the state’s top businesses, a majority of Hoosiers, and even the media calling for across the board protections for the LGBT community, Mike Pence’s negligence on one of today’s top issues puts him on the verge of once again embarrassing the state of Indiana,” said Drew Anderson, communications director for the Indiana Democratic Party, in an emailed statement. “But after putting Indiana in a $250 million economic panic this spring, Hoosiers know what kind of governor Mike Pence truly is for them. Pence’s agenda is one kneejerk reaction after another that consistently sides with his out-of-touch ideology.”
The Indiana legislature will officially reconvene on January 5.
Bil Browning
www.advocate.com/politics/2015/11/17/showdown-over-lgbt-rights-indiana-starts-today
