Throughout the administration, we operate on the fundamental belief that every American deserves equal opportunity, equal protection, and equal rights under the law. That’s why the Affordable Care Act is so important for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans. The health care law prevents health insurance companies from charging anyone a higher premium just because they happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. It also prevents insurers from raising rates or … [Read more...]
Aids.gov, What Does Two-Spirit Mean?
March 20th is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness of the terrible toll that HIV/AIDS continues to take on Native American populations. HIV/AIDS is a crisis that affects many American Indians and Alaska Natives, but particularly Two-Spirit individuals, who often experience stigma and discrimination in both Native and mainstream society. What Does Two-Spirit Mean? The term “Two-Spirit” has several meanings within Native cultures and communities, but it is … [Read more...]
Russian Duma urged to Take Action scrapping Bill on “homosexuality propaganda”
United Nations human rights experts on Friday called on the Russian Parliament, the Duma, to discard a draft bill that could compromise the rights of the LGBT community. The experts on freedom of expression, human rights defenders, cultural rights and the right to health warned that the bill may undermine the enjoyment and promotion of human rights in Russia, unjustifiably singling out the LGBT community –lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people — who have increasingly become … [Read more...]
Sharon Love, M.Ed. (Psychology), CEO – WOMAN of ACTION™
A Celebration of Women™ is elated to Celebrate the Life of yet another trail blazer inside the Women of our World. This Powerhouse has managed to raise over 1,000,000 interested souls in her mission through the tools of social media, single handedly. Her Mission in this Lifetime works for the basic rights of life - human rights, civil rights, sexual rights, life rights. A true pioneer in the Gay Communities, this WOMAN of ACTION™ speaks for herself below. WOMAN of ACTION™ … [Read more...]
Hillary Rodham Clinton – International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Washington, DC May 17, 2011 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 … [Read more...]
The International Day Against Homophobia – May 17, 2011
International Day Against Homophobia May 17 marks the 8th International Day Against Homophobia . As a gay man, this day allows me to reflect on the effect of homophobia and the way it intersects with HIV/AIDS. I want to remember that the impact of homophobia can lead to HIV risk-taking behaviors. Homophobia may keep people from getting information about HIV, and it may keep them from getting tested, or seeking the treatment and support services they need. I want to remember David … [Read more...]
Uganda – Death Penalty for GAYS: Emma Ruby-Sachs
In 48 hours, Uganda could pass a law that imposes the death penalty for homosexuality. An international outcry shelved this bill last year -- we urgently need to ramp up the pressure to press President Museveni to stand up for human rights and stop this brutal law. Sign below, and tell everyone: In 48 hours, the Ugandan Parliament may vote on a brutal new law that carries the death penalty for homosexuality. Thousands of Ugandans could face execution -- just for being gay.We've helped stop … [Read more...]
NHAS: Federal Leads Continue Collaborative Efforts
Federal Leads Continue Collaborative Efforts On Monday, April 4, 2011, representatives from the six Federal agencies designated by the President as lead agencies with responsibility for implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) met to continue our collaborative efforts to implement the Strategy. The primary focus of the meeting was the continued exploration of the impact of homelessness and housing insecurity on HIV/AIDS outcomes with a focus on how to better coordinate … [Read more...]
SAMHSA, Behavioral Health – National HIV/AIDS Strategy (Part I)
Behavioral Health and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (Part I) As the recently appointed Federal inter-agency liaison for HIV/AIDS at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), I am pleased to join the discussion here on the AIDS.gov blog about how the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) is being implemented across the Federal government. In support of the NHAS, SAMHSA is engaged in a variety of activities that address the behavioral health needs of people at high … [Read more...]