DNC Statement on World AIDS Day

DNC Interim Chair Donna Brazile issued the following statement for World AIDS Day:

“Today, millions of people around the globe will observe World AIDS Day to raise awareness of the disease, to mourn the loss of those who have suffered and died because of it, and to celebrate the progress we’ve made in understanding and treating it.

“HIV/AIDS affects us all, but the LGBT community, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and the economically disadvantaged remain disproportionately more likely to be affected by it. More than 1.2 million people in the U.S. are currently living with the disease, and 1 in 8 of those infected don’t know it. That’s why it’s so important to reduce the stigma associated with the disease, encourage more Americans to get tested, and to continue investing in the research that will someday lead to a cure.

“Thanks to President Obama’s leadership over the last eight years, we’ve made bold investments, developed revolutionary treatments, successfully prevented countless new infections, and extended life-saving health care to more Americans than ever before. In 2010, the Obama Administration became the first presidential administration to release a comprehensive strategy on HIV/AIDS. And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans have gained affordable health coverage without anyone being denied because of a pre-existing condition.

“Unfortunately, the ACA is under attack and now faces an uncertain future. Democrats urge the incoming administration to take seriously the grave harm and real human cost that would come with turning back the clock on access to care, not least of all for HIV/AIDS patients.

“As we remember the lives of those lost, let us recommit ourselves to making this terrible disease a distant memory and fight to ensure that access to health care will always be a right for all, not a privilege.”

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NIH Statement on World AIDS Day 2016

By Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases & Carl W. Dieffenbach, Ph.D., Director, Division of AIDS, NIAID

This year, the world marked the 35th anniversary of the first published reports of what would come to be known as HIV/AIDS. This disease has wrought enormous suffering and devastation and caused more than 35 million deaths. Yet today, thanks to remarkable achievements in biomedical science and public health, we have the tools to build a better future for individuals living with HIV and for those at risk of infection. We are hopeful that new approaches currently under exploration could expedite the end of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The greatest scientific accomplishment in HIV research has been the development of effective treatments that suppress the virus and prolong the lives of those living with HIV. Over time, scientists have refined and optimized antiretroviral therapy, delivering safer, more effective drugs that are easier to take. Today, a person living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy can expect to live a nearly normal lifespan.

Antiretroviral therapy has been transformational for both individuals and communities. Large studies conducted in diverse settings, from U.S. cities to African villages, have demonstrated the power of treatment to preserve the health of those living with HIV. Additionally, studies have proven that when an individual living with HIV is on antiretroviral therapy and the virus is durably suppressed, the risk that he or she will sexually transmit the virus is negligible. Research also has repeatedly demonstrated that HIV incidence diminishes when HIV testing is aggressively implemented, individuals with HIV infection are linked to treatment, and support is provided to keep them in care. The power of treatment as prevention cannot be underestimated in helping to achieve global targets to dramatically reduce new infections and improve the health of those already living with HIV.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is supporting the development of new, innovative methods to prevent the spread of HIV, building on proven HIV prevention tools such as antiretroviral treatment; condoms; voluntary medical male circumcision; and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill that uninfected people can take to prevent infection. Earlier this week, NIH announced the start of HVTN 702, a large HIV vaccine efficacy trial in South Africa that builds on the modest success of the RV144 vaccine trial conducted in Thailand. The HVTN 702 vaccine candidate is designed to prevent infection by the HIV strain most commonly found in southern Africa. About 3,700 people become infected with HIV every day in sub-Saharan Africa.

In April, NIH launched the Antibody-Mediated Prevention Trial (AMP) to test whether a broadly neutralizing antibody delivered intravenously to uninfected individuals is safe, tolerable and effective at preventing HIV infection. Many scientists believe that if an HIV vaccine could elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies in people, it would protect them from infection. By giving participants this antibody directly, researchers expect to gain critical insights to inform HIV prevention and vaccine science.

NIH is testing HIV prevention options that address the unique needs of women, such as a vaginal ring infused with the antiretroviral drug dapivirine, which reduced the risk of HIV infection by only a modest 27 percent in a large clinical trial reported this year. Additional analyses suggest that this product may be much more effective when used regularly. A study launched in July aims to clarify further the relationship between adherence to the ring and efficacy, as well as to understand better the complexities women face when adhering to a vaginal ring.

Science has made remarkable strides in preventing the transmission of HIV from mother to infant during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. This summer, researchers reported the results of the PROMISE study, which demonstrated that for mothers living with HIV whose immune systems are in good health, taking a three-drug antiretroviral regimen during breastfeeding essentially eliminates HIV transmission to their infants.

While preventing new infections is essential, it remains critical that the 36.7 million people living with HIV globally benefit from cutting-edge science. Today’s treatments are lifesaving, yet people living with HIV still suffer from higher rates of chronic disease than their uninfected counterparts. Clinical trials are exploring interventions to help prevent these diseases. One example is the REPRIEVE study, a large, international trial exploring the use of a statin drug to prevent heart disease in women and men living with HIV.

Researchers also are working toward the goal of inducing sustained viral remission or absence of viral rebound following discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy. They are testing a number of approaches to successfully withdraw antiretroviral therapy in individuals whose virus is well controlled. In October, a provocative and potentially important advance was achieved in an animal study: An antibody directed against a cell surface marker involved in the homing of lymphocytes to the gut given together with antiretroviral therapy for 5 weeks in monkeys infected with a monkey version of HIV led to a sustained suppression of viral rebound for up to 2 years following discontinuation of all therapy. A study is now underway to explore this strategy in people living with HIV.

These global efforts bring hope on this World AIDS Day that an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic is achievable. We applaud the trial participants, researchers, health care professionals, advocates and others who are working to make this future a reality.

NIAID conducts and supports research — at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide — to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.
 
NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

HIV & PrEP: Denver Brings It Up

Let's talk. No, let's really talk. About HIV. While we have come far, gay and bisexual men continue to bear the greatest burden of this disease in Colorado. Nearly four of out of every five individuals newly diagnosed with HIV identifies as a gay or bisexual man. We still have more work to do to get that number to zero. Let's work together to change the future of HIV/AIDS by talking about testing, PrEP and staying in care.

Since talking about HIV in the heat of the moment can be a buzz kill, why not bring it up before you get it up? By bringing it up, everyone wins.

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Denver Achieves Second Major Milestone in Global Effort to End AIDS Epidemic

Just over a year after Mayor Michael B. Hancock signed the Paris Declaration to join the global effort to end the AIDS Epidemic by 2030, Denver has achieved the second of three major milestones set as part of the United Nations 90-90-90 targets.

In July, Denver was among the first cities in North America to reach the United Nations 90-90-90 target of having 90 percent of people living with HIV know their HIV status. Today, Denver has achieved a second target of having 90 percent of those in HIV care with suppressed viral loads.

The achievement comes just ahead of tomorrow’s World AIDS Day, which Mayor Hancock has proclaimed as “World AIDS Day in Denver.”

“I can’t think of a better way to mark World AIDS Day than with this phenomenal progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” Mayor Hancock said. “Denver has one of the most comprehensive networks supporting people living with HIV, and as a community, we are changing the future of those living with HIV/AIDS.”

Denver was the fourth North American City to join the Fast-Track Cities initiative when it signed on in August 2015. Progress for all participating cities is available on the Fast-Track Cities website.

“Denver’s final target is having 90 percent of people living with HIV be in care,” said Sarah Rowan, MD, director of HIV and Viral Hepatitis Prevention at Denver Public Health. “To achieve this, Denver Public Health will launch a program in 2017 to encourage patients who haven’t been seen in clinic for more than a year to reengage in care.”

The Paris Declaration Agreement was launched in Paris on World AIDS Day in 2014 by the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), as part of an effort to dramatically reduce new HIV infections and future AIDS-related deaths through increasing testing, treatment and education.

In signing the Paris Declaration, Denver agreed to meet the following targets by 2020:

·         90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status.

·         90% of people who are HIV-positive are in care.

·         90% of people who are in care have suppressed viral loads.

·         Zero discrimination, including stigma.

Denver’s Office of HIV Resources, Denver’s HIV Resources Planning Council, Denver Public Health, and the Ryan White Part A funded service providers work collaboratively to offer HIV testing and prevention services, expand HIV care and adherence to treatment, and to end discrimination through expanded access to care and support services, education and public information campaigns.

Cherry Creek North Celebrates the Joy of the Holiday Season with Winter Fest!

Experience the joy of the holiday season in Cherry Creek North on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the inaugural Winter Fest on Fillmore Plaza.

This free, family-friendly, festive celebration will transform Fillmore Plaza (between 1st and 2nd Avenues on Fillmore Street) into a winter wonderland with live ice sculpting, carolers, elves, temporary fire pits, complimentary treats and warm beverages, music, giveaways and more.

“We welcome the Denver community and visitors to soak up the spirit of the holidays by visiting Fillmore Plaza, one of our city’s premier outdoor event spaces, on December 10,” said Julie Underdahl, president and CEO of Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District. “This inaugural, free event captures the Colorado spirit of experiencing winter through outdoor fun.”

In addition to the festive fun on Fillmore Plaza, art galleries, restaurants, fashion boutiques, and spas and salons will offer discounts and promotions on December 10. View the Cherry Creek North online directory, which shows the diversity of the 260 retailers in the district that extends 16 blocks from 1st Avenue to 3rd Avenue, and from University Boulevard to Steele Street.

Shop, eat, stroll, socialize and spread the joy of the holidays in one of Denver’s most walkable and accessible shopping districts. Visitors can plan an entire winter Saturday outdoors or cozy up in one of the many unique retailers, restaurants and spas in the area. While visitors are out and about, look for Santa's helpers handing out fun surprises or get caught up with a group of carolers.

The holidays are a busy time; it’s easy to park or valet once, stop at Fillmore Plaza, and walk the 16 blocks to everything Cherry Creek North has to offer. Many public parking garage options include $5 flat rates on weekends and evenings or valet opportunities at numerous locations throughout the area.

Trump's HHS nominee Tom Price "bad for our nation's health"

The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund is condemning the nomination of Tom Price as the nation’s next Secretary of Health and Human Services as a foe to reproductive health care, Obamacare, Medicare and Medicaid.

“The Trump Pence Administration is replete with well-known opponents of progress—and most recently with Tom Price's nomination as HHS secretary. This is someone who will do everything in his power to strip away reproductive rights, destroy Obamacare and gut Medicare and Medicaid. This destructive approach would be a setback for our nation’s health and well-being. Let’s be quite clear: if confirmed, Price’s decisions will impact the health and social services of millions of people — especially the most vulnerable populations who rely upon access to quality, affordable, culturally competent care. If confirmed, Tom Price would steer HHS in a dangerous direction that's motivated by profit and the desire to control our bodies,' said Rea Carey, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund.

Holiday Concert Season Is Here!

 

The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra presents Holidays with the CJRO at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13 at the Lakewood Cultural Center.

Along with the beautiful vocals of Heidi Schmidt, CJRO will help you celebrate the season with a fresh mix of traditional favorites, like selections from Duke Ellington’s “Suite from the Nutcracker,” a rousing “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and contemporary tunes like “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Christmas Time is Here.”

Executive Director Art Bouton, Professor of Saxophone at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, founded the band four years ago with the mission to perform classic big band and modern large ensemble jazz with Colorado's best musicians.

In a recent article Clarke Reader with Colorado Community Media quoted Art Bouton as saying, “Live jazz is amazing, because you’re able to see and hear people create music on the spot. Jazz is always changing, and I can’t wait to hear what the music sounds like in six years.”

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A Heartwarming Coming Out Story

 

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Denver Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Announces Board of Directors Openings

Wade Frisbie and Jim Smith, co chairs of the DGLCC, have announced there will be open positions on the Board of Directors for the DGLCC. Anyone interested in applying for consideration should follow this link and fill out the application. Interviews will be conducted in December.

Are You Gay With Something To Say? Bloggers Wanted For Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Are you a new or experienced writer or blogger? Do you want to be? Or maybe you're just some gay guy with something to say? Well, what better forum for you than MileHighGayGuy?

MileHighGayGuy is looking for regular and guest bloggers to write about local news and events, do music and movie reviews, or write opinion or feature pieces from a gay perspective.

These are unpaid positions but offer the opportunity to be published in Colorado's Best Gay Blog (2010, 2011, 2012 OUTstanding Awards, Denver 2012 #WebAwards), expand your audience and gain valuable experience. There's also swag available in the form of free movie and concert tickets, music, books and other cool stuff.

If interested, shoot an email over to Drew Wilson at drew@milehighgayguy.com. And if you've got column or story ideas to pitch, this is the place to do it.

Debt Free Guys: 4 Things That Are More Expensive Because You’re Queer and What to Do about Them

By John R. Schneider, III

The road of progress is never straight. The queer community has made much progress over the last few years. Even with as much progress as we have made, there are still 28 states in which sexual orientation and gender identity can be grounds for termination without recourse.

Add that some states are making it legal to deny their queer citizens basic services based on religious principles. While the argument has been dumbed down, it is about more than cakes and pizza.

Here are four things more expensive for the queer community and what we can do about them.

1. Having a Family  
According to the Human Rights Campaign, private agency adoptions can cost between $5,000 and $40,000. Many same-sex couples must pay for second adoptions, which costs an additional $2,000 and $3,000.

For queer couples who want biological children, the costs are higher, especially if they cannot bear children. Surrogacy can cost between $70,000 to $150,000 per child.

Be clear about what you want. Budget appropriately for expenses and add a 10 percent cushion. Find out if your employer and your health insurance will help cover you chosen option.

2. Long-Term Care
For many older queer people today, a family was not Plan A. Thus they must rely on themselves. The average annual cost for a basic nursing home is about $80,000, according to Genworth's 2015 Cost of Care Survey. This cost can eat up a lifetime of savings fast.

Because the Equality Act is still making its way through Congress, many long-term care facilities do not currently offer sexual orientation and gender identity protections. This limits the number of facilities to which queer people can go for our unique needs.

Ensure your long-term care facility of choice includes policies and training that meet your unique needs.

3. Career Advancement
While open discrimination wanes, soft discrimination remains. Someone who's not part of the "boys’ club" doesn't get the same time and attention of their boss as someone who is.

Neuroscientist and data analyst Vivienne Min did a study that showed gay white men in the U.K. must spend about $54,000 gaining more degrees and experience to keep up with their straight white male peers.

Look for anti-discrimination policies, LGBT ERGs and leadership diversity of companies to which you seek employment.

4. Housing
In some states, queer people can be refused housing because of our sexual orientation or gender identity. Living in more accepting places gives some of us a higher sense of security but usually at a cost.

With the risks of being refused housing, evicted or physically harmed, queer people in these states need larger emergency savings accounts.

It is incumbent for queer people to assess our situation and plan accordingly. Starting a family, choosing a career, planning for retirement and deciding where to live affects everyone. For queer people, such costs are higher and may be prohibitive to our wants and wishes.

World OutGames Miami Gains Support from IIREHR for 2017 Human Rights Conference

World OutGames Miami 2017, a ten-day multi-sport, human rights and cultural event from May 27 until June 4, 2017, has joined forces with the International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights (IIREHR) in support of the World OutGames Global LGBTQI Human Rights Conference. Their vital support will aid in developing the 3-day exchange of ideas with distinguished panelists from around the world.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the IIREHR whose generosity will help create an impactful conference as part of our 10-day event,” said Ivan Cano, chief executive officer of World OutGames Miami. “We extend our appreciation to IIREHR Executive Director Carlos Quesada and his staff for their commitment to our efforts which will inspire, motivate and transform thousands of our athletes, participants and activists.”

The IIREHR will provide two workshops at the Human Rights Conference in Miami Beach (Friday, May 26 through Sunday, May 28, 2017) and two plenary lunch speakers. Their support will make it possible to welcome 12 LGBTQI human rights activists from Latin America, the Caribbean and Cuba to the highly anticipated conference.

“It is our privilege to show our support of this global event,” said Carlos Quesada, executive director of the IIREHR. “We look forward to a meaningful conference which can highlight challenges and pursue solutions for a unified world.”

The highly anticipated 10-day event will bring to life 34 sports and more than 450 events across the areas of Sport, Culture and Human Rights. Every four years, World OutGames brings together LGBTQ athletes, many from countries where homosexuality remains illegal and hidden. In the spirit of true inclusiveness, World OutGames is open to all, regardless of sexual orientation.

World OutGames Miami registration for participants is available online at outgames.org. The comprehensive registration package includes admission to Opening and Closing Ceremonies, access to OPEN sports and culture events, access to Festival Village and much more.