When you wake up some days, have you ever wondered what the hell is really going on? Gas prices keep bouncing from one price to another, meanwhile the tank seems to be about the same. The monthly bills roll in, just when it seems that you just paid those mothers, right? Then, you turn on the TV to hear more bullshit about Wall Street thievery, lying politicians, and back stabbing housewives of whatever than you really care about. You exclaim, WTF! Is it me or does it appear that life is churning just a little harder and little more tighter these days. Well, we can count our blessings but can a brother and sister get a breakthrough! And now may we pass the cheese to go with all that wine....
Full Moon Shines Tonight
The management at Sidetracks is stepping it up another notch with its latest entertainment offering with its "Full Moon/Underwear Party, tonight at the north shore main street venue. Now, according to the few Facebook blurbs that I've been reading, there are stipulations to this event. First up or not out as the case may be, your "junk" needs to be in your under gear. Of course, when you think about it, some of you don't necessarily need to be putting your "anything" on display that may make someone sick to their stomach. In the meantime, the evening will be feature contest for the best of boxers and briefs with the audience most likely picking the winners. Also there will be drink specials for all those so attired and embracing the theme. It all starts around 8 p.m. and goes until the last pair of fruit of the loom's leave the building...sorta of.
Its been a trying 24 months for local HIV/AIDS advocacy organization, Living Affected Corp as it has struggled to survive an onslaught of issues and barriers. Evolving from the now defunct and equally embattled, Brotha and Sistahs entity, the group now known as LACorp has had to face down more Medusa's than any service organization should have to endure. Designed to fill a void in dealing with sexual health issues such as HIV/AIDS in the black LGBTQ community, the group has attempted to flourish among politicians with hidden agendas, front page news reports of alleged funding mismanagement resulting from a state audit from funds granted from the Minority Health Commission, meanwhile being paralyzed to offer its needed services through a series of grid locked decisions from the Arkansas Department of Health. How can any group really thrive after this cycle of mayhem is a wonderment to say the least.
Due to funding shortfalls, LACorp has suffered internally but is attempting to determine its future. CEO, D. Levi has stated that she "is tyring to see what the face of LACorp will look like in the future." She continues, " its been a tough couple of years and we've been in the fight our lives to exist. It's all been a little bit crazy." Even as LACorp regains its footing, the dilemma of continuing incidences of HIV/AIDS cases involving "men having sex with men" and women in the African American community is still statistically alarming. However, even though the stats speak volumes, it's the lack of "dollars" that seems to falling on deaf ears, especially in this era of budget belt tightening and deficits. The work of community based organizations such as LACorp and others is vital due to their outreach and prevention messages directly aimed at communities of color. COP 24/7 has always been supportive of health initiatives and have championed those in the struggle to end HIV and AIDS in Arkansas. This forum will continue to monitor and call to action law makers, consumers and advocates to know that this health crisis is far from over.
International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia 2011Today marks the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. The Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has issued a statement that this forum believed that it was worth sharing as we feel strongly abhor homophobia either internalized or externally and support those who are reconciling themselves through transition.
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
In every part of the world, men and women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or whom they love. Homophobia, transphobia and the brutal hostility associated with them are often rooted in a lack of understanding of what it actually means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). So to combat this terrible scourge and break the cycle of fear and violence, we must work together to improve education and support those who stand up against laws that criminalize love and promote hate. As we mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this May 17, let us resolve to redouble our efforts.
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am proud to reaffirm our support for LGBT communities at home and abroad, and to call for an end to discrimination and mistreatment of LGBT persons wherever it occurs. Whether by supporting LGBT advocates marching in Belgrade, leading the effort at the United Nations to affirm the human rights of LGBT persons, or condemning a vile law under consideration in Uganda, we are committed to our friends and allies in every region of the world who are fighting for equality and justice. These are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights.
Despite these gains and hard work, there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, know that the United States stands with you and we are unwavering in our commitment to ending this cycle of hate.
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