Federal funding to the state's HIV division was cut by $3.7 million and now 20 HIV prevention staffers at state health departments are slated to lose their jobs in January, according to a story in Georgia Health News.
'Tis the season for giving and many of Atlanta and Georgia's LGBT nonprofits as well as gay-friendly community groups are sending out emails asking for a final donations before the start of 2012.
Georgia Equality, the state's LGBT advocacy organization that works under the Gold Dome during the legislative session to track anti-gay bills as well as support pro-equality bills and does other advocacy work throughout the state, notes in its year-end message that less than 1 percent of the state's LGBT people regularly donate.
"In 2011, between Georgia Equality and Equality Foundation of Georgia, we raised and spent some $250,000 to advance your rights and the rights of your loved ones. Imagine what we could have accomplished if we had raised an additional $50,000 that could have been used for education, outreach or support of fair-minded candidates," says its letter titled, "Equality is Within Reach."
Help for LGBT people facing holidays continue in New Year
The holidays can be hectic and trying even in the best of times. But facing a season dedicated to family and love after the death of a partner can be particularly hard.
“Holidays after the death of a partner can be tender and difficult,” says Linda Ellis, executive director of The Health Initiative. “The empty chair at the table can leave a glaring hole amid the traditional events and gatherings of the season, and often those around us are moving too quickly to recognize the loss in the same way we do.”
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If you grew up in the 1970's or 1980's, you probably can recall "Free to be You and Me." Originally released in 1972, the project included an album of songs, a book, and a television special. A time capsule of the 1970's, the project included Marlo Thomas and her eclectic group of "friends." The guest list ranged from Alan Alda and Cicely Tyson to Michael Jackson and Carol Channing.
That diverse mashup was the perfect fit for the project created by the Ms. Foundation for Women. The goal of the project was to encourage post-1960s gender neutrality, saluting values such as individuality, tolerance, and comfort with one's identity. A major thematic message is that anyone - whether a boy or a girl - can achieve anything.
For the fourth year, Atlanta Pride attendees can learn about health issues ranging from HIV to hepatitis, breast exams to...
At the annual Fall Garden Party thrown by the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative, major news was announced — the nonprofit organization that has focused on serving lesbian health will now be dedicated to serving the entire LGBT community.
Now named The Health Initiative, the organization is expanding its services and "expanding our circle and expanding our reach," Linda Ellis, executive director, announced at the Garden Party held Sunday at Einstein's.
Hundreds of women and many men attended the annual Garden Party that serves as the largest fundraiser for ALHI. For photos from the event, click here.
"Medical professionals are seeking us out to be at the table with them. The issues we have to deal with today have to do with advocacy," Ellis said.
Healthcare professionals from across the country converge on Atlanta next week for the national Gay & Lesbian Medical Association’s 29th annual conference, slated for Sept. 21-25 at the W Hotel Midtown.
The conference aims to improve the quality of medical care given to LGBT patients, according to event organizers. More than 350 doctors, dentists, nurses and other healthcare professionals will attend.
GLMA Executive Director Hector Vargas called the conference a springboard for action.
“What we try to do with the conference is focus on the leading issues around LGBT health, from clinical and primary care issues to education and training and health policy, in a way that serves as the basis for GLMA’s agenda to ensure LGBT health equality,” Vargas said.
Medical professionals from across the country descend on Atlanta
Earlier this month, our program hosted a discussion on sexual liberation. What started as a discussion about cultural taboos and sexual tastes, quickly became a discussion on how our LGBT community cannibalizes its own. It seems to come up in most discussions that I have with gay men – no one seems to be more critical and abusive of gay men than gay men themselves.
So, why do we do it?
Those who know me, know that I’m a huge fan of all things pop culture. I love music, movies and television – and I can expound on this useless trivia ad nauseum. During the discussion, there was a voice that kept ringing in my head. It was the somber alto of Karen Carpenter, and she kept crooning “can’t we stop hurting each other?”
Those who doubt that laughter is the best medicine probably haven’t met Bryan Raybon.
My good friend, 32, who this past February was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma, is assistant clinical director for Atlanta-based Positive Impact — and an otherwise vital young man.
Bryan’s illness surfaced innocuously enough late last year, when he began a new workout regimen with a trainer. Ensuing fatigue, nausea and a small bump in his groin area were initially diagnosed as a hernia.