As the Worlds Turns, part 1

Take one and take Two. As the world turns is in full affect these days, with some people going, "what the hell is this?" Could you be one of those trying to figure out just what's really going on? If not, I'm certainly monitoring all the news sources and then some, almost on a 24 hour basis. It's almost just to much! However, I'm keeping a eagle eye and steady hand on the wheel to keeping our special brand of news, commentary, links, and all we can muster beaming into your desktop. So, here we go!...

Haters Cometh: Don't forget that the PhelpPhobes have Central City in their sights this weekend. They will be flame throwing their "God Hates Fags" rhetoric and other Christian right dogma to unsuspecting visitor's and citizens. Their schedule is as follows:

Friday September 19th
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Little Rock, AR The Peabody Hotel (National Conference of Editorial Writers)
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Little Rock, AR Clinton Presidential Library
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Little Rock, AR The Peabody Hotel (National Conference of Editorial Writers)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Jacksonville, AR Little Rock Air Force Base
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Little Rock, AR The Peabody (National Conference of Editorial Writers)
And for good measure
Saturday, September 20th 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Little Rock, AR The Peabody (National Conference of Editorial Writers)

If you would like to participate in a fundraising effort by the UALR/Straight Alliance, click it to http://www.westboroiscoming.com/ for more info.

Positive Gay Men are Healthier: What about You?

The degree of negativity toward homosexuality is what predicts poor sexual and mental health in gay men, according to a University of Minnesota study.
422 Midwestern gay and bisexual men completed surveys assessing their degree of homosexuality, their degree of positive or negative attitudes towards homosexuality, and a range of mental and sexual health variables.
In all cases, internalized homonegativity, not being homosexual, predicted poorer mental health (particularly increased depression) and worse sexual health.

Negative attitude linked to poorer health
Researchers say the study helps inform the debate of whether or not being homosexual is healthy.
“This study is a missing link in our understanding of the relationship between sexuality and health,” Simon Rosser, Ph.D said. “It provides new evidence that negative attitudes towards homosexuality, not homosexuality itself, are associated with both poorer mental and sexual health outcomes seen in sexual minorities. Conversely, positive attitudes towards homosexuality are associated with better mental and sexual health.”
Age-old debate
For more than 150 years, scholars and educators have debated whether homosexuality is an objective disorder or whether societal prejudice, not homosexuality, leads to the elevated rates of depression, drug use, and HIV/STD epidemics seen in studies of gay men, Rosser said. This study tested both theories.
“Given the debates in many religious denominations about homosexuality, and in society about homosexuals and civil rights, it’s also timely,” Rosser said. “In particular, the old advice to gay men to fight, deny, or minimize their homosexuality likely only increases depression, greater isolation, and poorer sexual health. In short, viewing homosexuality as a disorder is not only inaccurate, it may be harmful as well.”

Added bonus
The research, part of a state-funded HIV prevention program, has also been shown to be effective in reducing unsafe sex.
The study appears in the September issue of the Journal of Homosexuality.