CDC campaign ‘Testing Makes Us Stronger’ targets black gay, bisexual men
With new numbers from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control & Prevention showing a 48 percent increase in new HIV infections for young black gay and bisexual men between 2006-2009, activists and CDC officials are trying to find ways to halt the pandemic particularly within this community.
Today it was announced at the 2011 HIV Prevention Conference that the CDC is set to launch a “Testing Makes Us Stronger” campaign with black MSMs (men who have sex with men).
Featured in posters and in social media campaigns including Facebook and Twitter, the project will urge black gay and bisexual men to get tested and know their status. The campaign will also be advertised in black gay publications as well as mainstream black publications.
Out on Film releases full schedule for Atlanta LGBT fest
Out on Film, Atlanta’s LGBT film festival, today announced the complete line-up for this year’s festival. More than 50 films from around the world will be shown during the eight day festival.
“We are thrilled at what we consider to be one of the strongest line-ups in Out On Film history, with award-wining films, lots of premieres, guests and plenty of local flavor,” said Jim Farmer, festival director of Out On Film, via a media release.
Organizers previously announced a double feature — “The Sleeping Beauty of East Finchley” and “Going Down in La-La Land” — will open the week-long festival while “Judas Kiss” will close the week.
Dire HIV numbers demand new responses for gay men
Uri Butler is a natural in front of the camera. His tall, lanky frame and soft features project confidence, love, happiness — all easily captured by a professional photographer.
Butler, 20, said he’s thought of being a model and quickly scans through his cell phone to show photos of him posing in other shoots. Right now, though, he is a junior majoring in biology at Fort Valley State University, located about 90 miles south of Atlanta, and dreams of becoming a nurse.
Outwrite Bookstore behind on bills; first fundraiser set for tonight
Philip Rafshoon, owner of Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, sat down with Richard Eldredge of Atlanta Magazine to discuss the dire financial straits the bookstore — and the city’s unofficial LGBT community center — is under as it prepares to hold its first fundraiser tonight.
Rafshoon said things are not pretty, including the store being behind on rent and bills.
Atlanta LGBT Police Advisory Board meets Aug. 22 at Outwrite
The Atlanta LGBT Police Advisory Board will meet on Monday, Aug. 22, at Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse to discuss its recent meetings with Mayor Kasim Reed and Chief George Turner about punishments handed down during the raid on the Atlanta Eagle.
The meeting is open to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m.