Advoacy Monday

Awareness in Terror Continues
It's happened again. The intersections of terrorism and extremist have swirled together to raise its head to assault our senses on all levels. Last weeks attack in Paris in which journalist of Charlie Hebdo were savagely massacred again demonstrated the level of incitement or agitation that is the end result of those whom can't embrace all elements of free speech.

Although the term "satire" is being used, we can not deny that often times when "voices carry," within the context of freedom of the press it can caused great disruption and these days perhaps certain death.  COP 24/7 joins those 3.7 million of mourners in their "Je Suis" mantra as we have also felt solidarity with the mantra's of "I can't Breathe," "Black Lives Matter," and applaud those both nationally and locally who have expressed their concerns with citizen and police interaction. For us at COP 24/7 we've always taken the position that "all lives matter," and our platform has made a conscious effort to be inclusive while not excluding the facts of any and all post that we share since our inception some ten years ago. We've taken the position as those at Charlie Hebdo, that we can be a equal opportunity stimulator hopefully without harm.

Just as we deal with that ordeal, it is now reported that Boko Harum has committed it's version of genocide with over 2000 civilians killed in North Nigeria and now this despot of marauders have used a young girl as human bomb in its killing spree and still keeps over 200 hundred school girls kidnapped. We had short term outrage about the young women that suddenly left the radar screen as the next horror filled our information screens with the latest act on any manifesto of hate.

As a supporter of our civil liberty of speaking out loud, COP 24/7 felt compelled to acknowledge that many of the "voiceless," continue to remain in the margins without representation, no marches to illuminate their causes, powerless without celebrities who wave phones or ceremoniously wear buttons or ribbons.

We can't ignore these "justice, no peace," outcries amidst the many heinous incidents especially those unemotional ISIS beheadings that capture our full attention, while often times everyday lack of economic parity or equity influence to policy makers are seen as business as usual. More closer to the home front, it is imperative that we not forget that there's still much to discuss within the LGBTQ community ranging from community cohesion to further understanding issues around race. COP 24/7 vows to continue to be a provocative and progressive in addressing many of the "ism's" impacting our world and local community. Stay tuned...

BGRG Announces Summit

The Black Gay Research Group (BGRG) announced that the 2015 BGRG Summit will be held January 15-18, 2015.
together with the UCLA Health, Hope, and Healing (H3) Conference on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 in Atlanta at the Renaissance Airport Hotel. The summit will coincide with the 2015 National African American MSM Leadership Conference on HIV/AIDS and other Health Disparities on

 

BGRG will celebrate the achievements of scholars and activists in the field who exemplify a commitment to the health and well-being of Black gay men with its BGRG Awards. Awards will be presented at an evening reception on Wednesday, January 14, 2015. The awards and recipients include: 

 

BGRG Lifetime Achievement Award 

for Distinguished Scholarly Contributions & Leadership

Christopher H. Bates

BGRG Founders’ Spirit & Soul Award

for Outstanding Contributions in Scholarship and Service to the Black Gay

Community

Frank Leon Roberts

BGRG Next Generation Emerging Scholar and Leadership Award

Ja’Nina J. Walker, PhD

The Summit will also feature two keynote speakers: Dr. Gail Wyatt, Professor in the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Mr. Francis Boakye, Executive Director of Priorities on Rights and Sexual Health (PORSH) in Ghana.            

The Summit’s daytime program is organized into nine innovative interdisciplinary tracks including:   

• Black MSM Research Strategy                              
• Hope, Health and Healing in the Lives of Black Same Gender Loving Men                 
• International Contexts,
• African Diasporic Inquiry, and Human Rights
• Advance in HIV Prevention Research
• Education & Agency                         
• Religion & Spirituality House/Ball and Pageant
• Community – Partnership,                             
• New Writings by
• Black Gay Men                   
• Advances in HIV Prevention
• Research II
• Research and Capacity Building

Save the Date, February 13, 2015 in the Arkansas Department of Health Auditorium, 10 am - 1 pm

Check our Facebook page for more details at www.facebook.com/arkansasHIVplanninggroup

 

Doing A End Week 360

Tales from the South: Arkansas Women's Stories
When: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 - Dinner 5 pm- 6:30 pm, Show starts at 7 pm
Where: South on Main, Little Rock
Admission: $10

The Arkansas Women's History Institute will cosponsor a Tales from the South radio show focused on tales of Arkansas women.  The live show will be recorded on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at South on Main in Little Rock.  Those interested in submitting and performing a piece on women in Arkansas should contact Tales from the South at www.talesfromthesouth.com

"Tales from the South" is a showcase of writers reading their own true stories. While the show itself is unrehearsed, the literary memoirs have been worked on for weeks leading up to the readings. Stories range from funny to touching, from everyday occurrences to life-altering tragedies. "Tales from the South" is uniquely Southern, in that while we don't require that stories are set in the South (though a majority are), writers must be either originally from the South or live here currently, and the distinct Southern art of storytelling rich in language, detail, and voice is alive in all of them.  Contributors are from all walks of life and include professional writers as well as those who have never been published.

Along with the storytelling, we also have live music by different Southern musicians who continue the storytelling tradition and play everything from folk to blues to bluegrass, and more.  Musicians play during dinner. Acclaimed blues guitarist Mark Simpson plays the blues live each week during the taped portion of the radio show.

"Tales From the South" is a radio show created and produced by Paula Martin Morell, who is also the show's host, in conjuction with UALR's Dept. of Rhetoric and Writing. The show is presented by The Argenta Arts Foundation with additional support provided by AY Magazine, The North Little Rock Visitors' Bureau, William F. Laman Public Library, and The Oxford American. The show is taped on Tuesday nights in various restaurants and venues throughout Central Arkansas.  The show goes on the road throughout Arkansas, with plans  to begin branching out to other Southern states. Both dinner and show are included in the $10.00 admission and is open to the public.

Decision forthcoming despite significant roadblock citing definition of “gay”

by Chuck Colbert

The effort of dotgay LLC to secure a top-level domain (TLD) for the LGBT community hit a significant roadblock when ICANN — the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers — released results late last year that denied community status to the .gay application.

The decision to deny priority status for the only community-based application for .gay is a huge setback, potentially requiring the community to buy the TLD at auction.

ICANN is the non-profit corporation, which serves as the governing body for domain names and addresses on the Internet. 

dotgay LLC vice president of marketing
Jamie Baxter

The rub for ICANN evaluators was that that .gay did not meet the standards for community designation, explained dotgay LLC spokesperson and vice president of marketing Jamie Baxter over the telephone.

In determining Community Priority Evaluation, ICANN relied on a third-party evaluator, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which is a part of The Economist Group and The Economist magazine.

In its determination, EIU said that “gay” is “not a well-known short form, or abbreviation of, the community.”

However, terms like “gay rights,” “gay pride” and “anti-gay” are “globally used under an inclusive interpretation or umbrella term in mainstream media on a daily basis,” according to a dotgay LLC press statement.

The EIU also said that dotgay LLC ‘”substantially over-reaches” to include trans, intersex and ally in the common community use of the term “gay,” citing the Oxford English Dictionary definition as “a homosexual, especially a man.”

Oddly enough, The Economist magazine uses the word “gay” to refer to all segments of the LGBT community and “goes on to describe the colorful acronyms that gay encompasses, extending out from LGBT to intersex and queer,” said dotgay's Baxter.

The EIU’s critique stands as a “double standard,” he added, "one that penalizes dotgay LLC and contradicts even their publishing arm’s use of the word 'gay.' By EIU definition, gay rights discussions — and events like gay pride — would be exclusive to 'homosexual men,' which is untrue."

Baxter said he believes that ICANN evaluators "don’t understand our community. We are being overlooked because of this weird word semantic. I can guarantee that when you use [the word ‘gay’], people understand what you are talking about.”

Meanwhile, letters supporting reconsideration for .gay have been submitted by a number of organizations, including the International Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (or ILGA), the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), The Federation of Gay Games, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and Dr. David Gudelunas. 

Just as national gay and lesbian chambers of commerce in Argentina, Canada, Columbia, and Mexico co-signed NGLCC’s letter, so more than 80 groups from around the world co-signed the Gay Games' letter.

For Anne Stockwell, former editor-in-chief of The Advocate, the heart of the matter is community — “a word so central to us that it's almost beyond definition. It's the all-important ‘we,’ a circle of safety that materializes only after we've found each other,” she wrote in Huffington Post’s Gay Voices. “None of us knows the precise measure of our community. But we all know that it exists, because we know how unbearable life was without it. Surely that's why dotgay's community approach has earned the backing of so many of our people worldwide. More than 240 international organizations, representing millions of LGBTQIA people from all segments of our world, signed letters of support for dotgay's application.”

Other LGBT outlets than ran stories include Boston’s The Rainbow Times, The Agenda Florida Edition and Oklahoma-based The Gayly.

Dotgay’s letters in support of reconsideration and other materials are available at https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/14-44-2014-10-22-en.

 

 

 

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Speaking Volumes Out Loud

Made in America With Mexican Parts

ROMO - a radical queer Xicana cabroncita, art making, word slinging revolutionary making observations about the personal and the political...with the occasional weather report.

 

A Letter to My White Sisters, Brothers, Transgender, & Gender Non-Conforming LGBTQ Community by R. Romo

I have been of late trying to staunch the loss of blood as my heart repeatedly shatters and bleeds out each time one of you parrots the narratives that Mike Brown and Eric Garner would not be dead if they’d just done what they were told by an officer.

As a queer Latina I understand that we are all products of our race/ethnicities, home communities, cultures, our countries of origin, abilities and religions. I intellectually understand that being queer does not mean that we are ourselves automatically immune from being perpetrators of racism, prejudice, bigotry and discriminatory behaviors. And yet, I find myself repeatedly grief stricken when white LGBTQ people take up the racist narrative that supports the death of people of color at the hands of law enforcement. That because he was a big black kid, Mike Brown somehow deserved to die, shot multiple times by a policeman and left to lie dying in the street. That Eric Garner somehow deserved to be choked to death by a banned hold. That despite the NYC coroner declaring Eric Garner’s death a homicide, somehow you can still believe that he deserved to die. Both of these encounters began with ticketing misdemeanors, jaywalking and allegedly selling single cigarettes. 

Even worse, is that you can believe that the officers involved in these deaths should be immune, that they should not have to stand trial. There’s no room for you to seriously consider that not only was there police misconduct, but there was also misconduct by the prosecutor as well. You willingly give face value to a badge as somehow automatically decreeing fair and just treatment. Worse still that you buy into a false narrative about black people and crime, but refuse to consider and examine the reality of police brutality against black people.

I have listened to white LGBTQ people repeatedly condemn these two men while vilifying the anguished rage of black people who have lashed out against a system that has repeatedly targeted their lives. And although I know the why of your thinking, a product of whiteness and the ensuing privilege of skin color; ridiculous on my part though it be, I still marvel at your lapses in memory.

LGBTQ people RIOTED because they were sick and tired of being targeted, harassed, arrested, beaten and in some cases raped by the police. Stonewall. It. Was. A. Riot. Stonewall, a bar in New York City patronized primarily by working class drag queens, transgender folks, lesbians and gay men, a great many of them people of color. On a hot summer night in June these are the ones who were a part of the infant Rainbow Revolution, those who fought back against the oppressive brutality of the police. Transgender women of color; Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major, and Marsha P. Johnson were right there in the thick of it. Before that was the Compton Cafeteria Riot where police targeted drag queens, transwomen and others. Sick and tired, they too fought back against police brutality.

Let’s not get this twisted. LGBTQ people of all hues have been historically oppressively policed, arrested and brutalized at the hands of the police. And many of us still are, right now, today. Although the reality is that LGBTQ people of color are much more likely to have a negative encounter with law enforcement; especially if they are visibly Trans, stud, or gender-nonconforming. BINGO! These are who have an increased risk of being profiled and targeted by the police. Right now. Today.

LGBTQ people in America have historically been reviled, demonized, and criminalized. We have been beaten and we have been murdered, just for being who we are. We have been stopped and terrorized by the police again and again, simply for being who we are. We have been disowned from our families and churches, fired from our jobs, evicted from our homes, refused services - simply for being who we are. Just for being who we are, something that the vast majority of us can no more choose than choosing the color of one’s skin.

As LGBTQ people we have had to beg and plead for straight people to learn about us, to understand that we too are human beings; that our families are valuable and that we have the same needs of living wage jobs, education access, housing, health care, etc. We continuously plead with straight people to not assume that they know us based on what Fred Phelps, Jerry Cox, Pat Robertson, etc. say about us. Right now, today there is a minister in Arizona who is proclaiming from his pulpit that ALL LGBTQ people should be put to death. We as LGBTQ people are still locked in a fight for equality. And while marriage equality is grand, it doesn’t help us all. A legal same sex marriage will not protect employment, housing and public accommodations. Despite being more accepted by society, we are STILL NOT EQUAL under the law.

We still are not being treated equally by many of our fellow Americans. And many of us are still profiled and targeted by the police. Our LGBTQ kids are still killing themselves in the face of the violence and bullying they endure, the hallways of their schools are still battlefields, they are still being kicked out of their homes or running away from them trying to save themselves.

But. We have also had enough white people in our ranks with the money and power to begin shifting slowly but surely the narrative of who we are as LGBTQ people. Although that narrative has more often than not excluded LGBTQ people of color in an effort intentional or otherwise, to more solidly proclaim the defining mantra “We are just like you!”

And let’s not forget that within the LGBTQ community there is racial profiling, transphobia, classism, etc. There is bigotry, prejudice and discrimination against one another. We absolutely have to do better in our own house! And there must be an intentional examination of the learned values that perpetuates the blindness of white LGBTQ people to the real struggles of people of color. Because right now the way I see it, it’s a bunch of folks sitting in a sinking boat, throwing rocks at other folks in their sinking boat. And we are all going to drown together if we don’t start holding one another up, teaching each other how to swim in our various truths.

No. Just stop right there. Don’t come at me with that mess that black people are the most homophobic, because that it also another ugly stereotype, a myth. I will be glad to sit down with you and start calling all these fine white churches and asking them what they think on the subject. The reality is that across the board white, black, brown, etc., homo/transphobia is a reality for some of those folks. But it is not all of any of them. Think about it, if white LGBTQ people buy into the myth that black people are the most homo/transphobic, the only thing that belief system supports is a deeper divide between folks who might all get further along on the equality trail if they figured out how to help each other.  

It’s true some people are criminals. And they can be found in all groups across the board; racial/ethnic, LGBTQ, gender, age, economic status, immigrant, etc. It’s also true that depending on what group you belong to, you will likely be policed differently.  It's also true that the group that you belong to does not mean that you have am encoded genetic predisposition to become a criminal or a sexual predator, or child molester. 

The reality is that LGBTQ people are suffering. Black people are suffering. In the end, both of us want the same things. The only way we can get there is for each individual to be willing to listen, to do some work to better understand the other person’s perspective, to make room for the truth being told, and to not buy into the rhetoric. It’s hard to overcome a lifetime of thinking. We as LGBTQ people see how hard many straight people, especially people of faith are struggling to overcome that indoctrination about our community. And we see how many of them are in fact doing the hard, often painful work. We also see how many of them cling to their stereotypes, myths and outright lies about us.

In the end, that’s all that I’m asking here, for more white LGBTQ people to consider for themselves taking on the hard work to listen and to learn and to strive to overcome the ways that racism subconsciously and consciously fuels your thinking and actions. Although this letter may feel harsh, know that it is written in love for all of my beloved community. It is because of my profound and deepest love for us as a people that I have written this. If it stings, I ask that you sit with it before you respond, think on it, re-read it. Ask yourself why you feel stung. Then decide if you will choose indignation and anger or if you are ready to roll up your sleeves. We need us all.

NOTE: I have written this referencing the current issues of black people and law enforcement in the media. But this narrative of police brutality is not limited to LGBTQ people. It includes Latino, Indigenous and Asian/Pacific Islanders who are also more likely to be targeted by the police than whites .

The Wednesday Call Back

CAB Calling

The Consumer Advisory Board will begin it's monthly teleconference January 8, 11am - 12 pm. Participants should call 1-866-217-3840 / Code: 9368160# .

The group is designed to allow clinicians, providers, consumers, stakeholders and other interested individuals concerned about HIV and AIDS interventions and prevention issues in Arkansas.

The once a month call takes place each second Thursday and is hosted by a volunteer host. This call is supported by BMS Pharmaceuticals and is open to all Arkansans.

Call for Abstracts
at the 2015 Saving Ourselves Symposium in Memphis, Tennessee
 

The conference planning committee for the 3rd annual Saving Ourselves Symposium have officially launch the call for the submission of abstracts to be presented at the Community Summit held during the 2015 Symposium.  The abstract submission application contains all the pertinent information for submittal of abstracts for workshop that can be accessed online at www.trdfmemphis.com.  Also, you may click on the following link to access the abstract submission form:

Online Abstract Submission Application

Completed abstracts must be submitted online via link for online submission.  Submissions must be submitted via online by 12 midnight CST on February 6, 2015.  Questions concerning Abstracts can be sent to abstracts@trdfmemphis.com.

This year our theme is: "Solidly United: Building the Black LGBT Community Brick by Brick".  This year's theme focuses on building relationships, creating formidable networks and helping to build supportive and empowering Black LGBT individuals.  We want an atmosphere where Black LGBT individuals are celebrated, respected, honored and adored.  With that being said, and without any certainty of a doubt, "Solidly United: Building the Black LGBT Community Brick by Brick", will help us to generate action steps that will unify our community and solidify our identity as Black LGBT individuals.  

 This year marks the third year of bringing local and national leaders within various disciplines from across the United States to Tennessee in an effort to address the health and wellness of Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender [LGBT] people living in the South.  Saving Ourselves Symposium is the only Technical Assistance symposium of its kind, especially devoted to providing a safe environment to discuss prudent issues, identifying best practices, and providing technical assistance to direct care providers that work specifically with Black LGBT individuals, with an emphasis on individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

The 2015 Saving Ourselves Symposium is slated for June 4-7, 2015 at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown. 

Participant Registration is free and opens March 2, 2015.  We have opportunities for sponsors and exhibits, inquire at info@trdfmemphis.com.  

 

 

Need Coverage? You can get direct information by calling 501-379-8203 if you want to get enrolled by January 15 to have your coverage in full affect. Don't forget open enrollment ends February 15! Do it to day!!!!

 

 

Streaking into 2015 and Beyond

Awareness Day Activities 2015 Launch

Delta AIDS Education & Training will be hosting an event in commemoration of National Black

HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 6, 2015, 9 am- 2pm, in the Cox Building, 100 Rock Street in the Rivermarket.  This year's theme of 'I am my Brother's and Sister's Keeper," continues to echo the challenge that each of us should be active participant in both starting and having conversations around HIV and AIDS.  

 

The event will feature area experts and clinicians speaking to the changing landscape of health care and it's impact on those living with HIV and AIDS in Arkansas. For more info on the free registration contact: Sylvana Niciteretse MPH,BS,BA ,AETC Health and HIV Educator, Delta Region AIDS Education and Training Center, www.deltaaetc.org or 870-535-3062 ext 103.

 

In recognizing Black HIV Awareness Day 2015, Arkansas RAPPS, a Community Connector contractor will hosting it's second Impact Summit session scheduled for February 12, 2015, at The Centre at University Park (6401 West 12th Street), 10 am - 2pm in the Multi-purpose room.

 

Joining organizers in facilitating the meeting will be Mr. Ezell Breedlove, Program Consultant of the Department of Human Services Division of Community Service & Non Profit Support. His presentation will offer insights on organizational management systems and highlight obstacles to achieving agency sustainability. 

Concurrent to this session there will be free HIV Testing open to the general public within the facility, additional Community Connectors will be invited to share specifics on their concepts and other health related information will be available.

A complimentary lunch and beverages will be provided to participants. The impact session has limited seating up to 30 individuals. RSVP's must be forwarded by January 26th at nealix101@comcast.net.  For more information you may reach out to 501-349-7777

 

 

LinQ for Life Moves Forward

The emerging entity LinQ for Life has alerted COP 24/7 that it has filed all of its organizing

documents as a certified organization recognized by the Secretary of State's Office. According to Mr. Lee Brown, Founder, CEO, the entity also has submitted its application to obtain its 501c 3 IRS designation.  "I am very excited and optimistic as our efforts have moved at such a fast pace," said Brown. " It's been one heck of start up even with a few miss steps along the way. No matter, It's happening nonetheless." he concluded.

 

The group also created a social media page as well as its on website ( www.linqforlife.com) which outlines the organizational vision and mission. "All of this has been supported as I've learned much in the last couple of years. Plus I've had many experts to collaborate with that have offered me so much insight and assistance. Also there still so much to strategize and plan for 2015 and I'm particularly anticipating being a designated 2015 AHF Condom Nation partner and Community Connector contractor through the Arkansas Department of Health."

 

Currently LinQ for Life has plans for an impending "Beyond the Red Ribbon," campaign launch set for February 1, which will seek to re-imagine the symbolic "red ribbon" as a means of addressing many other social determinants that impact those living with HIV and AIDS. Also on the drawing board is a "Red Light," party with a purpose also coming in February as well as sights on establishing a "The LinQ House," a retreat which will serve as a destination for those seeking information or navigation to care and possibly a future emergency domicile.

 

 LINQ for Life was founded to continue the statewide need in Arkansas to increase the health literacy around HIV and AIDS, meanwhile serving as a catalyst to coordinate linkage to care services, provide innovative intervention and prevention programming and building micro-enterprises to support our efforts. Donations and additional information can be found at www.linqforlife.com

 

 

We are always seeking individuals to be apart of our Circle of Friends. Support this platform in its ongoing outreach and communications effort across Arkansas and beyond! Do it Today! Can we count on you?

 

 

 

Ready to Ride into 2015

Is this thing on? Hello world...! Yes it continues at COP 24/7 as this platform rolls forward seeking to see if we can stir up any interest about "what's really going on and why you should care." Its a tough business trying to poke Arkansas' LGBTQ community into some sense of engagement that doesn't necessarily have to do with marriage equality. 

Although this forum supports those whom wish to enter into such nuptials, the fact is that there's so much else such as economic parity, job opportunities, and who is not at many of the policy tables that impact many of the decisions which affects us all. So COP 24/7 still stands in the digital gap as we seek to assess our final destination of this platform and its impact on our community at large.


Vacancy in the HIV House?


Talking about is this thing on, really speaks to the allegedly and abrupt mid December departure of Arkansas Department of Health  HIV/ Hepatitis C Section Chief, Ralph Wilmoth.

As these matters goes, "mums the word,"with as usual with most personnel issues, there's been no firm details, no press releases, no courtesy "see yall later," letter and apparently no "bon voyage," party despite his leaving via the holiday season.  What we do know is that Wilmoth's departing is just as mysterious as his arrival back in  March 2013. 

Also his vacancy continues what appears to a be a cursed position at ADH amidst a "revolving door" of management that undoubtedly keeps the entire process of addressing the issues of HIV and AIDS in Arkansas in a constant flux of uncertainty and constant re-booting.

This undoubtedly begs the question why is this vital section seemingly incapable of holding lead administrators for no more than a two year tenure?  COP 24/7 has regularly reported on the complexities and often "head spinning," operations that is not for the faint hearted. This platforms can speculate, pontificate and attempt to dissect much about "what did happen," but what we do know is that our state can not just keep loosing professional of this caliber.

Nor do we need to keep not fully addressing why such individuals won't stick and stay as yet another most likely "national" search gets underway. So is it money that is at issue?  Obviously not according to the state's online check book at Transparency Arkansas which reports Mr. Wilmoth's salary at $62,032.46 yearly. That's a nice pay day from Arkansas standards and certainly should be competitive for the area.

To Wilmoth's defense, he demonstrated a formal depth of knowledge around the issues of HIV and AIDS from both a national perspective meanwhile attempting to rectify "years" of haphazard administration and indefensible poor data reporting. Through his short lived leadership, he sought to move this department into the 21st century with new technology platforms to enhance data gathering and reporting.

He was instrumental in scaling up Hepatitis testing in local health clinics and participated in numerous local activities while engaging local advocates, activist and collaborated with Arkansas HIV Planning Group in a statewide listening 2013 listening tour. According to Wilmoth's LinkedIn page he has had a distinguished career serving state health departments in Kansas, Colorado and positions with the Center for Disease Control.

PFLAG Announces Meeting Changes

The local Parent's and Friends of Lesbian and Gays has announced their first 2015 meeting which
will take place Saturday, January 17th from 2:30-4:00 pm at Satchemo's Bar & Grill, 1900 West 3rd Street. According to Carla Coley, "the group is mixing up things and chaining their meeting time and location." It appears that the group decided to get a fresh approach to seeking more participation with sights on scaling up outcomes of their mission.

Their Facebook page cites, "PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families, and friends through support, to cope with an adverse society;using education: to enlighten an ill-informed public; and
Advocacy: to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights."

PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

Contact Info:
pflaglr@gmail.com
www.pflaglr.org
501-291-2507

Open Enrollment ends February 15, 2015. Are you in need of coverage or understanding any changes that you may need for your current insurance plan? Call 501-379-8203 for updates, links and direct information for those in the LGBTQ community and beyond. Do it today!!

 

And Away We Go: Welcome to 2015

If you are reading this, then you made it over to the new year. 2014 was another year from A to Z with no limit on surprises or possible stresses. It was filled with good times, upticks and a few hot messes along the way as well. No matter what may have happened to or for you, all you can really say about any year is that we must enjoy our life's journey and how we impact people as we pass through it. Learn from the mistakes, share your thoughts and be ready for life throws your way daily. COP 24/7 has kicked our content for now 10 years running and we will see where 2015 leads us. Stay tuned...

Spin the COP 24/7 360 Wheel

Have dual responsibilities of serving as Executive Producer and chief content provider has been a challenging aspect of "doing" this blog for the past ten, yes count them, 10 damn years. Who knew
that my little experiment of daily journaling which seemed to take on a life of itself for some time and then drag me along for the ride. At one time I seem to have an obsession then I was made to believe that somehow it was my responsibility to inform, educate or pontificate about supposedly, "what was really going on."

And so I have, often time with marginal response or even some who wanted to take me to task for simply airing the truth about matters or better yet, having the balls to do so.  It's all been right here, front and center, with that personal mantra of "taking no prisoners," and not afraid to speak to power from my vantage point.  None of this was about "flaming" anyone or persecuting individuals or indicting systems.  It has all been about nothing but "just the facts," with necessary corrections or even apologies when needed.

COP 24/7 has cited much of the apathy and "disconnect" that continues to plague our LGBTQ community across the board. No matter the angle, whether its addressing what programming will be supported by what audience or if local businesses seek to cross pollinate their resources. All of this is still an issue no matter what new year it seems. There have been bright spots here and there as we've upped the ante as far as local pride activities with sights on developing a full throated organization to handle the matter.

Local community organizations continue to struggle well together as they forge for resources, beg for committed and viable board members, deal with lackluster interest and other construct support. Despite the national chorus of "Grow, Merge or Go," as far as what type of agencies will survive the changing non-profit landscape. The fallout is going to be swift and certain as what we knew as the "gay infrastructure," continues implode and fade to black.

Speaking of fading to black, COP 24/7 predicts that this will be evident as all indications point to the demise of venerable venue known as TRAXS. Much of this observations began with the rumor mongered around the closing of its once highly touted night spot acquisition of then 610 and Miss Kitty's outpost. Recently the Argenta mainstay has seriously declined with a "revolving door," of bar managers and a series of some good bartenders and other's who remain forgettable. We predict that it will be lights out at the end of the month.  Other changes that have happened is the shut down of the daily lunch offering of The New 610 which came without any announcement or explanation which we've come to accept as a norm. Satchemo's ceased its evening offerings and opted to doing lunch while seeking to be some type of weekend venue mash up. More on the horizon we foresee will be the end of The READ as a monthly in-hand newspaper due to a variety of shortfalls and internal mechanics that demanded change.

Dating While HIV-Positive: Knowing What You're Worth

It doesn't matter what your status is. Confidence is sexy on anyone.

BY Tyler Curry

As someone who is outwardly HIV-positive, I often get the privilege of hearing from other newly diagnosed people from across the country. As anyone can imagine, learning that you are newly positive can feel like taking a bullet. So sometimes it is best talk to a stranger before you can catch your breath and find your words for your family and friends. Although I am no psychotherapist, I can definitely relate and empathize with a myriad of fears that flood a person’s headspace when they first receive the news. And in almost every instance, the most pressing and immediate concern after just finding out is about how HIV will affect a person’s dating life.

I remember it all to well. When I first found out about my status, all of my romantic dreams instantly felt like dead ones. Who would love me now? Can I ever enjoy sex again? Will I ever get married? And I went wah, wah, wah into my wine glass all through the night.

Truth is, once I picked myself out of my puddle of tears, I was relatively unaltered. Besides a reoccurring doctor’s appointment every four months and a new pill to add to my pill box, my worth on the dating market remained the same. Of course, the first couple months were pretty shaky. Learning how to disclose your status isn’t something most gay men discuss over cocktails on a Saturday night, although they should be.

I had to answer the question I am asked over and over again. When is the right time to disclose? Many of my friends thought that you should let the person get to know you first before launching into your medical history. After all, you don’t disclose all of the dirty details of your life on a first date, what makes your status any different. Right?

Wrong. Being HIV positive isn’t the same as having a beast of a mother or being a Log Cabin Republican. Those dirty details are the layers of who you are as a person and they are revealed as a relationship develops. Your status isn’t a part of your character; it is a matter of logistics. Either your Friday night date is a person is someone who understands the logistics of dating someone HIV-positive, or he doesn’t.

If a potential match is afraid of dating you because of your status, your personality and charm will not remedy his fear. Your status isn’t a deep dark secret or something to hide. But acting as if it is will most assuredly scare away anyone who is unsure about dating you.

Like in any dating environment, confidence goes further than any amount of money, expensive suite or HIV negative status. If you treat your status as some deep dark secret that you are asking him to overlook because everything else is great, he will respond accordingly. But if you disclose before the first drink is served as if it is something you need to clear up for the benefit of both you and your date, you honesty will be appreciated and will most likely be a turn on.

You know what confidence is? It is knowing that the goods you are selling are worth their sticker price and you don’t need to discount them for anyone. It doesn’t matter if you are positive, negative, too short, too tall, balding or bushy browed, you should be worried about who is right for you and forget about trying to be the right person for anyone else. It may never move past the first date regardless of your status, so don’t act like you are desperate for your potential match to love you until you know you love him back.

Unfortunately, some people would like to see you stay in a state of despair rather than realize that you are the same good catch that you have always been. It is human nature for some people to want to feel superior and will use any excuse to justify their feelings. You may even have some men lash out at you for not being a sad sap and giving them the attention that they think they deserve. It’s as if that, because you are now positive, you should be grateful for their interest. Conversely, your disinterest in them may seem like a disruption in the natural hierarchy that they subscribed to.

To these types of men, you just smile more, because there is nothing more gratifying than getting under the skin of a person who wants to feel better than you, but can’t. Yes, people will try to put you down. So many people love a sob story and to hate on other people’s success. Regardless of your status, you will always deal with people who want to see you struggle.

People like their boxes. If you are positive, many will want you to stay in yours. I have been told that I have no idea what I am talking about and how I am not being realistic about how hard living with HIV really is. True, living with HIV can be quite difficult, especially if you listen to other people’s opinions and beliefs of what it’s supposed to be like. If you don’t, you are free to define how your life is going for yourself.

It is your choice whether to live your life as a tragedy, a drama or a romantic comedy. Just remember, you are in charge of casting your leading man. If he isn’t smart enough to understand your script, then he doesn’t get the part.

TYLER CURRY created the Needle Prick Project as an editorial and visual campaign to elicit a candid and open conversation on what it means to be HIV-positive today. To learn more about the Needle Prick Project, visit Facebook.com/getpricked or follow Tyler Curry on Facebook or Twitter at @iamtylercurry.

Watch for updates and announcements concerning local activities and programming coming soon...!!

 

Wednesday Wild Cards

Ryan White Part B Medical Provider Reimbursement Increase

Effective December 15, 2014

The Arkansas Ryan White Part B program has reviewed current funding and approved an increase to the program’s medical provider reimbursement rates was announced by Program Manager, Tiffany Vance. The new Part B program rates will be comparable to the Medicare rates for the state of Arkansas.
 

The new Part B medical provider reimbursement rates will be effective December 15, 2014 and the reimbursement rates will be reviewed on a quarterly basis by the program to ensure sustainability. Any changes to the reimbursement rates determined during the quarterly review will be communicated to Part B medical providers, and the changes will become effective the following month.

 For more information or additional questions, contact Sheila Clubb at 501-661-2148.


Little Rock Adds Protest Voices

As the protest continue across the country and government official seek to create blue ribbon panels and summits on how to address the civil unrest, a local group quickly mobilized as Little Rock Direct

Action Planning Group which has now morphed or been enveloped into Community Planning for Justice in Arkansas. 

According to the group's Facebook page, this group has been developed in order for community members in Arkansas to plan and execute proactive participation in our communities against injustice - specifically pertaining to racial justice, economic justice, police brutality, and other issues related to these. We want to address our concerns together.

Protestors during a peaceful but vocal protest last Sunday at Park Plaza Mall in Little Rock, staged a "die in" in response to a non indictment of the Police Officer who,using a choke hold, killed Eric Garner during an arrest on staten island New York.

 

The protest was also intended to draw more attention to the use of deadly force on African Americans throughout the U.S. Chants... of  "No justice no peace no racist police", "I can't breath", and "Hands up don't shoot" were repeated by the protestors. Many protestors held signs and formed a circle around those who chose to lay down to symbolically represent those who have been shot and killed by Law Enforcement around the country.

 Little Rock Police officers had a presence around the protest but did not engage with the protestors instead allowing the protest carry on to it's own conclusion. COP 24/7 applauds these citizens on their act to address this critical issue and demanding that law enforcement and governmental officials respond wit positive outcomes. The group is also in the planning stages of another public protest. Watch COP 24/7 for updates, links and coverage on our Facebook page.(www.facebook.com/corneliusonpoint

 

 

Out Country Singer Ty Herndon Makes First Public Appearance With Boyfriend

'This is monumental for both of us,' Herndon said at the Trevor Live L.A. benefit on Sunday.

 Country singer Ty Herndon proudly walked the red carpet with his partner Matt Collum (pictured left)  at the TrevorLIVE L.A. benefit, held yesterday at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The annual event marked 16 years of life-saving work by The Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning teens and young adults. It also marked the first time Herndon made a public appearance with the man who has been his partner since 2008.

"So many times in my life and career I’ve had to do these things alone, and leave the person I love at home sitting on the couch because I wasn’t brave enough to bring him and I wasn’t out," Herndon emotionally tells The Advocate. "So this is monumental for both of us tonight."
Herndon helped LGBT visibility in country music take a monumental leap forward when he revealed he is a gay man in a November interview with Entertainment Tonight. The 52-year-old singer says he immediately received support from several country music artists, including LeAnn Rimes — who recently spoke to GLAAD about why she’s proud to be an LGBT ally.

"When I watched him come out on TV, I texted him right away and said, 'I'm the proudest son of a bitch there is,'" says Herndon’s partner, Collum. "I was, and still am. I am so proud of this man."
Since coming out of the closet, Herndon says his life has changed for the better now that he’s able to live his life openly and honestly. And he’s thankful that he's able to see the way his honesty is having a positive effect on others.

"At my very first show after coming out, I had a young man who was 19 years old come up to me and tell me, 'I came out to my family this week, and I brought them all to this show,'" Herndon recalls. "Man, when he told me that, I just burst into tears because it was such an emotional moment for me."
"Then at that same show, there was a 65-year-old man who told me 'I'm coming out to my kids on Thanksgiving and you helped me to do that,'" he continues. "I was so moved, I just had no words."
Herndon performed his song "Journey On" from his 2010 album of the same name on the TrevorLIVE stage, noting that the track holds a special place in his heart because of lyrics which encourage people to push through dark moments for a brighter tomorrow — a perfect complement to The Trevor Project’s message.

"Before I even thought about coming out, I was writing it in my music," says Herndon. "It’s a song about being brave and finding your brave heart. I'm so proud be doing that here tonight."


LinQ for Life encourages individuals to Save the Date!

 

 

 

Hello Is This thing ON??

Testing in the City: So what's the 411?

 

In lieu of a recent article citing that Just 30 percent of Americans with HIV have it under control, even though most of them know they are infected.

Also important to this complex dilemma is the fact that  the challenge of continuing to address an estimated 4000 Arkansans whom meet the threshold of not having labs performed or engaging a primary care physician is critical in the fight to decrease infections in the state not to mention the concept of achieving a zero infection generation.
        

This conundrum could be a frightening problem because drugs can control the AIDS virus, keep people healthy and greatly reduce the odds they’ll infect someone else. But people with untreated HIV will get sicker and can die — and are much more likely to spread the virus.

 

Yet amidst all the window dressing of a testing initiatives and linkage to care verbiage, central to this issue are some critical bullet points that must be spotlighted for discussion and solutions. Although there have been great strides put forth, its could be concluded that high profile campaigns and other educational pursuits have all but fallen short in their intended goals. Ranging from individual knowledge of  access points to the capacity of area agencies to continue to offer such services within the changing scope of there missions and resources.

 

Historically, some testing has occurred in non-traditional area such as bars, book stores and other local venues. However, this approach has been plagued with numerous challenges and barriers that have included deteriorated relationships with bar owners, poor continuity, lackluster media campaign engagement, stigma and complacency of the population, no matter the orientation, is a definite factor in raising awareness.

 

COP 24/7 has been on the forefront of offering our platform for the most up to date information, links, video and commentary on HIV and AIDS. Currently this site also includes a Test Locator widget that will allow users to identify testing sites closes to their zip codes. Plus in the margins of the platform, we have provided additional links to specific information portals that have a array of resources and tools for end users to further educate, empower and get involved in their health care. In continuing our mission to share information we have included the following testing opportunities below:

 

1. Planned Parenthood of the Heartland
   Little Rock Health Center

   5921 W 12th St Ste B & C

   Little Rock, AR 72204

   United States

   855-841-7526

   Services Offered:
   

   • Chlamydia Test
   • Conventional HIV Blood Test
   • Gonorrhea Test
   • Hepatitis B Vaccine
   • Herpes Test
   • HPV Vaccine
   • Rapid HIV Oral Test
   • Syphilis Test
2. Arkansas Deparment of Health
   Central Public Health Region
   Pulaski County Health Unit Central Little Rock

   3915 W 8th St

   Little Rock, AR 72204

   United States

   501-280-3100

   Services Offered:
   

   • Chlamydia Test
   • Conventional HIV Blood Test
   • Free HIV Test
   • Gonorrhea Test
   • Hepatitis B Vaccine
   • HPV Vaccine
   • Rapid HIV Oral Test
   • Syphilis Test
3. Living Affected Corporation

   401 N Maple

   Ste A

   Little Rock, AR 72214

   United States

   Services Offered:
   

   • Free HIV Test
   • Rapid HIV Oral Test
4. Jefferson Comprehensive Care Systems Incorporated
   Open Hands Clinic

   1225 Dr Martin Luther King Dr

   Little Rock, AR 72202

   United States

   501-244-2121

   Services Offered:
   

   • Chlamydia Test
   • Conventional HIV Blood Test
   • Gonorrhea Test
   • Hepatitis A Vaccine
   • Hepatitis B Vaccine
   • Syphilis Test
5. Arkansas AIDS Foundation

   523 S Louisiana St

   Ste 216

   Little Rock, AR 72201

   United States

   501-376-6299

   Services Offered:
   

   • Rapid HIV Blood Test
   • Rapid HIV Oral Test
6. Arkansas Department of Health
   Central Public Health Region
   Pulaski County Health Unit - North Little Rock

   2800 Willow St

   North Little Rock, AR 72114

   United States

   501-791-8551

   Services Offered:

   • Chlamydia Test
   • Conventional HIV Blood Test
   • Gonorrhea Test
   • Hepatitis A Vaccine
   • Hepatitis B Test
   • Hepatitis B Vaccine
   • Herpes Test
   • HPV Vaccine
   • Rapid HIV Oral Test
   • Syphilis Test

   
   
If you did not find the appropriate service organization, click National Organizations to see a list of commercial organizations that provide testing services for a fee across the country. You may also contact CDC-INFO at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) for assistance. Locally you can contact Arkansas RAPPS at 501-349-7777 or LinQ for Life at 501-404-4799 for more navigation or counseling information.