Sweden Becomes First Country to Hit Major HIV Milestone

Today, it was announced that Sweden became the first country in the world to reach the United Nation’s 90-90-90 goals, a major hallmark in the fight to end the global HIV and AIDS epidemic. The goals refer to an ambitious target first set in 2014 that calls on each country to ensure that by 2020, 90 percent of all people living with HIV know their HIV status, that 90 percent of all people diagnosed with HIV are on sustained treatment, and that 90 percent of all people on sustained treatment achieve viral suppression.

According to Gay Star News, reports of Sweden’s success was published in HIV Medicine. At the end of 2015, it appears that 90 percent of Swedes living with HIV had been diagnosed, 99.8 percent of them had successfully started treatment, and that 95 percent of those on treatment were virally suppressed (i.e., “undetectable”). That last point is important because research confirms that people living with HIV who achieve viral suppression cannot transmit the virus to a partner.

The United States is still far from meeting this goal.  Of the 1.2 million Americans living with HIV in 2011, CDC data showed that 40 percent were engaged in care, 37 percent were on treatment and 30 percent had achieved viral suppression. In other words, only three out of 10 Americans living with HIV in 2011 had the virus under control.

For more information about HRC’s work to end the HIV and AIDS epidemic, click here.

www.hrc.org/blog/sweden-becomes-first-country-to-hit-major-hiv-milestone?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

On Red Carpet, Michelle Rodriguez Says Her Film Isn't Transphobic (Video)

www.advocate.com/transgender/2016/9/19/red-carpet-michelle-rodriguez-says-her-film-isnt-transphobic-video

PHOTOS: Arrr, Matey! Cute Guys Get Into International Talk Like A Pirate Day

Arrr, matey!

Did you know that it’s International Talk Like A Pirate Day? Did you know that such a day even existed? Well, it does. The exact origins of Talk Like A Pirate Day are a little fuzzy. According to the holiday’s official website, it started in 2002. But according to its official Wikipedia page, it dates back to 1995.

Related: Christopher Atkins Began Stoking Your Fire 35 Years Ago This Weekend, Gets Naked Again

In any event, each year on September 19 people all across the world get into the pirate spirit. They dress like pirates, talk like pirates, act like pirates, throw pirate-themed parties and events, etc., etc. In fact, the day has become so popular that both Michigan and California have officially recognized the occasion.

Scroll down for some of the sexiest male pirates on Instagram…

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DVD: “Captain America: Civil War,””The Conjuring 2,” “Take Me To The River,” & More!

It’s a week of unfortunate encounters and conflicts in our home entertainment picks.

The Marvel superheroes come to blows in Captain America: Civil War, paranormal hunters encounter yet another terrifying apparition – or more – in The Conjuring 2, and a gay West Coast teen is caught in his relatives’ backwater reality in Sundance 2015 indie Take Me To The River.

Now for trailers and details!

Captain America: Civil War

($39.99 3D Blu-ray, $32.99 Blu-ray, $29.99 DVD; Disney)

In one of the best superhero movies – full stop – Captain America and Iron Man come to blows over a key issue, bringing with them a horde of fellow superheroes including the newest, and way cool, Spider-Man. This one is so so so so good, with crazy action set pieces and characters you actually care about, plus first appearances by the likes of Black Panther, who heads up an upcoming solo movie. DC, take note would ya? Extras include making-of featurettes, deleted scenes, gag reel, commentary, and commentary.

Take Me To The River

($24.99 DVD; Film Movement)

Gay Californian teen Ryder and his parents go to visit his uncle in rural Nebraska. The relatives haven’t yet been briefed on his sexuality, but Ryder is happy to exhibit some flamboyance, yet an incident involving 9-year-old cousin Molly leads to some seriously awkward and sinister days of culture clash…

The Conjuring 2

($29.99 Blu-ray, $28.98 DVD; Warner)

Following his incredibly successful Fast and Furious 7, director James Wan (Insidious, Saw) returns to horror with this sequel based on yet another case involving the real-life paranormal experts, Ed and Lorraine Warren. This time, the pair go to London, where a family is being terrorized by the pissed-off ghost of a former tenant… and possibly something more. Scary and fun stuff with plenty of jolts and a scary nun (who, reportedly, will be subject of a spin-off too!). More please! Extras include featurettes and deleted scenes.

ALSO OUT:

The Fits

DePalma

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

Empire: Season 2

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This is What Happens When a Gay Latino Goes to an Alt-Right Press Conference – WATCH

“I’m a gay Latino going to a white nationalist press conference. Of course I’m not excited.”

Media Matters for America Research Fellow Carlos Maza decided to attend the Alt-Right’s super secretive first official press conference since emerging it emerged (tragically) as a potent force in the 2016 election.

Maza sat through a long list of speakers as they ranted on a variety of racist subjects, such as eugenics (because that is still a thing.)

Said Maza after the meeting,  “So the not surprising part of that was that these people are legitimately racist. They had this idea that there’s a white homeland or a white cultural identity that needs to be preserved. Specifically through really really strict immigration and deportation laws. They also don’t love Jews.”

What Maza found more surprising was how keenly aware the Alt-Right is of the media moment they are enjoying. “They know the election coverage has given them an unprecedented opportunity to move from the fringe into the mainstream,” he said. After all, “These people are appearing on mainstream cable news networks that would never have booked them.”

Oh, and the Alt-Right has no plans of going anywhere after this election. They fully intend on sticking around and remaining a permanent fixture in our electoral process. So there’s that to look forward to.

Watch Maza journey deep in the dark underbelly of the Alt-Right, below.

The post This is What Happens When a Gay Latino Goes to an Alt-Right Press Conference – WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.

This is What Happens When a Gay Latino Goes to an Alt-Right Press Conference – WATCH

Charlotte Mayor: Council Won’t Consider Repealing City’s LGBT Ordinance as Part of Deal to Repeal HB2

“There’s no legal reason for Charlotte to do anything” with its pro-LGBT ordinance in order for lawmakers to repeal the anti-LGBT HB2 law, Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts told the Charlotte Observer on Monday. For that reason, she said, the City Council would take no action on Monday evening to do so.

Republican lawmakers, who rushed passage of HB2 last spring in a specially-called session in order to stop Charlotte’s statute from going into effect, said they would consider repealing HB2 if Charlotte first repealed its ordinance, which protects LGBT people from discrimination.

RELATED: NC Governor Pat McCrory Planted Fake Questions at Presser to Avoid Grilling Over Anti-LGBT HB2

Lawmakers have continually and falsely tried to blame passage of HB2 on the city of Charlotte.

Thank you, @NCHouseSpeaker! #ncpol #ncgov #ncga pic.twitter.com/eKYItE5S7a

— Pat McCrory (@PatMcCroryNC) September 17, 2016

The Charlotte Observer reports:

Roberts’ comments came after a news conference in which LGBT leaders accused Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and legislative leaders of “holding Charlotte hostage.” State Rep. Chris Sgro, executive director of Equality NC, called HB2 “the worst anti-LGBT law in the nation.”

The decision came after a flurry of discussions that some hoped would lead to repeal of HB2. The Atlantic Coast Conference and the NCAA last week pulled a series of championship games from the state because of the law, which is also the subject of two federal lawsuits. HB2 negated the Charlotte ordinance.

On Friday, the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association announced it was trying to broker a compromise to stop the economic damage from HB2. And Sunday the Charlotte Chamber, along with hospitality and tourism leaders, called for the city and state to repeal the controversial laws.

The post Charlotte Mayor: Council Won’t Consider Repealing City’s LGBT Ordinance as Part of Deal to Repeal HB2 appeared first on Towleroad.

Charlotte Mayor: Council Won’t Consider Repealing City’s LGBT Ordinance as Part of Deal to Repeal HB2

Greg Louganis Launches Athleisure Fashion Line – WATCH

Legendary gay Olympic diver Greg Louganis has just launched an Indiegogo campaign to start his own line of casual activewear and to commemorate the 40th anniversary of his first Olympic winning dive.

Via Facebook,

Greg is proud to announce the launch of a new campaign on Indiegogo! Having accomplished so much throughout his illustrious career, as the greatest Olympic diver in history, a mentor, writer, humanitarian and an activist for HIV/AIDS, this Indiegogo campaign marks the next step of Greg’s journey — funding an activewear line of clothing that empowers you to perform at your mental and physical best — all while recognizing the 40th Anniversary of Greg’s first Olympic win!

The collection would include t-shirts but also other athleisure styles for men and women that are ‘geared towards achieving success on the field and in life.’

The campaign is seeking $100,000 to get Greg Louganis Activewear started. A lot of the costs the team will have to spend are typical start up expenses: “…the creation of logos, designs, patterns and purchasing raw materials — in hopes of attracting partners in the multi-billion dollar sports clothing business to further expand our reach”.

A portion of the proceeds from the campaign will also go to two charity organizations, Crossing the Line Sports Summit and the Point Foundation.

Perks for lucky backers include Greg Louganis memorabilia, a variety of different combo packages, and the chance to Skype with Greg.

Watch a pitch video from Greg, below. And consider donating here.

The post Greg Louganis Launches Athleisure Fashion Line – WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.

Greg Louganis Launches Athleisure Fashion Line – WATCH

HB2 Fallout Continues in North Carolina

As North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and Republican legislative leaders continue to face intense public backlash over the damaging consequences of HB2, they have mounted a second effort to bully Charlotte into repealing its citywide LGBTQ protections as part of a so-called “reset.”

Meanwhile, HRC, Equality NC and allies in the business community held a press conference this morning in Charlotte to denounce this ploy for what it is: an effort to smear Charlotte and cast blame elsewhere for the devastating impact of HB2 — which now includes the loss of NCAA, ACC and NBA championship games.

Leading North Carolina editorial boards are already speaking out against the thinly-veiled proposal: The Charlotte Observer called it “a step backward, both symbolically and practically” and urged the City Council not to “sell out” Charlotte’s LGBTQ community. And WRAL put it just as bluntly: “The problems that have befallen North Carolina after the hasty and poorly conceived passage of HB2 fall squarely on the shoulders of Gov. McCrory and the legislature’s leadership. They should have the conscience and integrity to repeal the bill, acknowledge and apologize for the terrible consequences at their hands and move on. Charlotte should change nothing.”

This morning, Mayor Jennifer Roberts said the issue would not be on the Council’s agenda tonight, saying “the state should overturn HB2, which the state can do at any time without any action from the City of Charlotte.”

Here are six reasons this “reset” is a setback (and a generally terrible idea):

1. It wouldn’t fix the problem. The NCAA announced earlier this year it would not locate future events in cities without nondiscrimination protections. Without Charlotte’s nondiscrimination ordinance in place, North Carolina will not win back games.
2. It pre-supposes that both the NCGA and Pat McCrory will hold up their end of the bargain. Confidence level: zero.
3. It would leave the LGBTQ community worse off. HB2 will be repealed one way or another — and when it is, the LGBTQ community in Charlotte deserves the nondiscrimination protections it’s elected leaders campaigned on and passed.
4. It’s a brazen attempt to saddle Charlotte with the political blame for McCrory’s mistake. The Charlotte City Council has steadfastly championed LGBTQ equality in the face of months of bullying by Governor McCrory and his allies — and they’re winning. Rescinding the ordinance would not only be pointless (see #1 & 2) it would create the impression Charlotte bears responsibility for this fiasco.
5. With 50 days until Election Day, voters are prepared to elect a Governor and new state legislative leaders who will simply repeal HB2. This is, of course, why McCrory and his allies are suddenly talking about a “reset” in the first place.
6. More than 135 million Americans — or 42 percent of the country — live in city’s with ordinances like Charlotte. Far from suggestions by McCrory and his allies, until HB2 overturned Charlotte’s ordinance, the city was in very good company. In fact, 19 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 100 major American cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh all have these protections.

www.hrc.org/blog/hb2-fallout-continues-in-north-carolina?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

“Gender-Fluid” Added to Oxford English Dictionary

More than 1,000 words have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in 2016, and among them is “gender-fluid.” “Gender-fluid” is used to describe “a person who does not identify with a single fixed gender; of or relating to a person having or expressing a fluid or unfixed gender identity.”

The term “gender-fluid” has been used for many years by the LGBTQ community, but its addition to the dictionary sends a message to a larger audience.

“Adding words about our identities, ideas, and community to the dictionary is a powerful gesture that helps young queer people know that they are valued, loved, and affirmed by the world around them,” said HRC supporter Jacob Tobia, host of NBC OUT’s “Queer 2.0.”

What’s more, inclusion of the term in the OED reinforces legitimacy for those who are unfamiliar with it or question its validity.

The editors of the world’s most prestigious English language dictionary have long recognized that the publication must be constantly updated to reflect the evolution of the language. There’s no doubt that increased visibility of people who identify as gender-fluid, such as Ruby Rose, have helped to accelerate the wider acceptance of the term.

OED editor Katherine Martin echoed this, telling Time that the “speed at which the English language is expanding” to accommodate different gender identities is the most thrilling for her to observe.

The full definition of gender-fluid in the Oxford English Dictionary is as follows:

“(a) (in early use) not clearly or wholly male or female; androgynous; (b) designating a person who does not identify with a single fixed gender; of or relating to a person having or expressing a fluid or unfixed gender identity (now the usual sense).”

Learn more at HRC’s Glossary of Terms. 

www.hrc.org/blog/gender-fluid-added-to-oxford-english-dictionary?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HRC Celebrates #BiWeek

Today, HRC marks the start of Bisexual Awareness Week, also known as #BiWeek. The week will culminate on Friday with Bisexuality Day.

A bisexual person is someone who can be attracted to more than one gender, and studies show that as much as half of the lesbian, gay and bisexual population identify as bisexual. In other words, bisexual–– or bi –– people comprise the largest single group in the LGBTQ community.

As bisexual people continue to gain visibility and awareness through advocates and leaders such as Anna Paquin, Shane Dawson, Oregon Governor Kate Brown, Alan Cumming, Stephanie Beatriz and Evan Rachel Wood, it is vital to remain cognizant about the issues facing the bisexual community.

For example, compared to other groups in the LGBTQ community, bisexuals face striking rates of poor health outcomes ranging from cancer and obesity to sexually transmitted infections to mental health problems. Additionally, bisexual youth face a unique set of challenges that affect their ability to flourish in their families, schools and communities.

Stay tuned to HRC’s blog to learn more about Bisexual Awareness Week and check out hrc.org/bisexual for more information about the community and the issues it currently faces.

What does it mean to be bisexual? How many people are bisexual? What concerns do bisexual people have? Check out these answers to some basic questions about bisexuality.

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