Sterling Washington to be honored at the DC Center Fall Reception

Sterling Washington is one of three honorees at the DC Center Fall Reception.  Find out more about Sterling's contributions to the LGBT Community here: http://tinyurl.com/SterlingLGBT #LGBT #DC 

LHP Hispanic LGBTQ Heritage Awards

Congratulations to the Latino GLBT History Project for another wonderful Hispanic LGBTQ Heritage Month Reception.  See more pics on the Center Latinos page at www.fb.com/centerlatinos  #Latinos #Heritage #DC #LGBT

Fwd: New PrEP Shirt Benefits the DC Center

Alex Garner designed this amazing PrEP shirt.  Order one now and $8 from every shirt sold will go to support the DC Center #PrEP #HIV #DC #PrEPteeshirt.  Get yours now at: http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace/ink-detail/38762

Film: Tru Love at HRC Equality Center

At 37, Tru (Shauna MacDonald) finds herself a serial bed-hopping lesbian who cannot commit to a relationship or a job for long. Then she meets Alice...... http://www.reelaffirmations.org/tru_love #LGBT #FILMS #DC

LGBT Veterans & Servicemembers Survey

Calling all veterans, servicemembers, and their family members. Please take a moment and complete the #centermilitary survey. Find out more at: http://tinyurl.com/CenterMilitarySurvey

Immigration Rally

Jesus Chavez (Latino GLBT History Proj)ect and Eric Perez (The DC Center) at the immigration rally today.  For LGBT immigrants, deportation can be a death sentence.  It's time for a new approach.  

Join the DC Center Team for Walk to End HIV

You are invited to join our team for the walk to end HIV. Walk with the DC Center HIV Working Group. sign up now: http://tinyurl.com/walktoendhiv #fighthivindc #DC #LGBT #HIV #walktoendAIDS

Center Global September Meeting

Hanging out after the Center Global September Meeting. #DC #LGBT #Uganda #Russia

Free HIV Testing at the DC LGBT Center

Join us next Saturday for free HIV Testing at the DC LGBT Center. #gayindc #LGBT #DC #knowyourstatus

Volunteer Orientation

Would you like to volunteer for the DC LGBT Center but don't know where to start? Attend this volunteer orientation Saturday September 27th and find out where you fit in.  http://tinyurl.com/volunteersDCLGBT #DC #LGBT #Center 

Weekly Meditation at the DC LGBT Center

The DC LGBT Center & the Campbell Center invite you to a six week mindfulness meditation class at the DC Center. Find out more at: http://tinyurl.com/meditateDC #meditation #LGBT #DC

International Bisexuality Day

Bi Pride Awareness Day takes place Monday, September 22nd at 6:30 PM - Find out more at: http://tinyurl.com/BiPrideDC

 #bi #bisexual #pride #pansexual #LGBT #DC

American University Students Volunteer at the DC LGBT Center

As part of their orientation, students from American University volunteered at the DC LGBT Center.  They sent us this banner they made as a thank you present.  #DC #LGBT #Volunteer 

Reel Affirmations Presents First Period

If John Waters were to direct a John Hughes film ... you would get this fun film!  Reel Affirmations Presents 'First Period' on Friday, October 17th  http://www.reelaffirmations.org/first_period  #LGBT #DC #camp #movies #fun

Center Bi Meetup Group

We are a coed Bisexual Group here to provide social interaction and support for bisexual men and women in the VA/DC/MD region in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. We have brunches, dinners, happy hours, hikes, and more. Come join us! Check us out at: http://www.meetup.com/CenterBiNet

Find the DC Center on Flickr

Have you seen the DC LGBT Center Flickr page?  Find us at: http://www.flickr.com/thedccenter #DC #LGBT 

The DC Center on Pinterest

Are you on Pinterest?  So are we!  Check us out at http://www.pinterest.com/thedccenter #LGBT #DC #Pinterest 

Iona Senior Services

Iona stopped by the DC Center to share information and resources.  Iona supports people as they experience the challenges and opportunities of aging.  We educate, advocate, and provide community-based services to help people age well and live well.  We have found them to be a culturally competent and LGBT inclusive agency.  Find out more at www.iona.org #LGBT #DC #Aging #Seniors

Would you like to Cook Dinner?

Center Global hosts a monthly dinner and discussion for LGBT Asylees and Refugees who have fled Russia, Uganda, and other countries seeking asylum based on sexual orientation or gender identity expression.  Is your church or civic group looking for a volunteer opportunity?  How about providing dinner for our asylees and refugees?  Call the DC Center to learn more...

Center Military Reception TONIGHT

Center Military is a unique program to support LGBT Veterans, Servicemembers, and their Families. Join us TONIGHT to learn more! http://thedccenter.org/supporters_military.html #LGBT #DC #Veterans #Servicemembers

Suicide Prevention Resources

While the causes of suicide are are complex and determined by multiple factors, the goal of suicide prevention is simple: Reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote RESILIENCE.  Learn more from our friends at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and remember the District of Columbia has a 24/7 Mental Health Access Helpline at  1(888)7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357 #LGBT #DC #RESILIENCE #HELP

Speed Dating for Gay Men on Thursday August 21st

 Are you open to meeting someone new?  Join us for speed dating for gay/bi men on Thursday August 21st at Chi-Cha Lounge - details at: http://goo.gl/vzIDq1 #gay #men #dating #romance #DC

See the Movie TEST

An astutely crafted 1985 period drama set in the gay Mecca of San Francisco, Test lovingly portrays this uniquely exciting and harrowing era as young Frankie (spectacularly lithe real-life dancer Scott Marlowe) navigates gay life in the big city.  See it August 15th at 7:00 PM or 9:15 PM at the HRC Equality Center #LGBT #DC #gayindc #movies #men

DiCción Queer Releases Ensayos de Papel Anthology

DiCción Queer, our Latino Queer Bilingual Writing Group celebrated the publication of their first anthology at #OutWrite2014 - Follow @centerlatinos on twitter for updates

#OutWrite2014 HIV and Storytelling Workshop

A big thank you to @AlexGarnerLA and Moises Agosto for the #OutWrite2014  Follow our DC Center HIV Working group at @fighthivindc (over 4,000 followers!)  #HIV #DC #fighthivindc #LGBT

OutWrite Black LGBT Writers Forum

One of the highlights of #outwrite2014 was the First Black LGBT Writers Forum.  Follow @centerblacklgbt on twitter for more great events for the African American LGBT Community (over 1,500 subscribers!) #Black #LGBT #DC #Writers #authors

Pop-LGBT Book Store

The DC Center becomes a Pop-Up LGBT Bookstore this Saturday for #outwrite2014  LGBT Publishers will have their latest books on display and we'll have OVER 1,000 used LGBT Books for sale #LGBT #Fiction #Comics #queerstudies #bargainbooks #freeindc

Stonewall Darts Team IS IT IN? Competing to support Center Global

Please stop by Diego Restaurant and Bar (upstairs) over the next six weeks to support our friends, Is It In?, at Stonewall Darts as they support Center Global by trying to raise the most money during their mid-season fundraiser, winning their division championship, or earning one of the top four spots in their league playoffs!  Join Stonewall Darts at their July 24th mixer as well - find out more at:  http://www.facebook.com/events/319775851519698/

Donate your old LGBT Books!

The OutWrite LGBT Book Festival is coming up the first weekend in August so now is a perfect time to donate your old LGBT Books to the DC Center.  The DC Center is a 501(c)3 organization and the fair market value of your in-kind donations to the DC Center are tax-deductible.

Take Care of That Body #TCTB

Check out our #LGBT Cancer Screening Program in partnership with CenterLink and the National LGBT Cancer Network! Take Care of That Body! #TCTB http://bit.ly/1m21xwV

Bisexual Roundtable Discussion TONIGHT at the DC Center

Join us TONIGHT at the DC Center to talk about bisexuality!  #centerbi #bi #LGBT #DC

Condom Delivery Day at the DC Center

This is what condom delivery day looks like at the DC Center #volunteer #packingparties #fighthivindc #orderinbulk

Take Care of that Body #TCTB

Does your Dr. know what kind of cancer screenings are recommended for #LGBT people? Do you? The DC Center is proud to partner with the National LGBT Cancer Network to offer screening information, online support groups, screening reminders, and more  #TCTB http://bit.ly/1m21xwV

Save the Date: Gay Day at the Zoo

The DC Center is thrilled to be partnering with Rainbow Families DC for the third annual Gay Day at the Zoo, which will take place on International Family Equality Day, Sunday May 3rd, 2015

Center Black LGBT Writers' Forum

Wyatt O'Brian Evans hosts a forum for Black LGBT Writers at OutWrite Find out more here: www.outwritedc.org/workshops_blacklgbtwriters.html  #Black #LGBT #DC #Writers #AfricanAmerican #OutWrite

The DC Center on Meetup

Are you a Meetup fan? Find the DC Center on Meetup at: http://www.meetup.com/thedccenter#lgbt #DC

July Latino LGBT Task Force Meeting

TOMORROW: Join us for the July Latino LGBT Task Force Meeting on Tuesday July 8th at 3:30 PM at the DC Center #Latino #DC #LGBT #community

Coffee and Conversation for Older LGBT Adults

LGBT older adults and their allies are invited join us tomorrow (and every Monday) from 10AM to Noon for Coffee & Conversation #LGBT #DC #coffee#friendship #seniors #aging #support

Reel Affirmations Double Feature

Join us Friday July 18th for a Reel Affirmations Double Feature! See Anthony Rapp in the musical GRIND and then stay for THE TEN YEAR PLAN - tix at: http://www.reelaffirmations.org/grind #LGBT #DC#FILM #movies #gayindc

HIV Working Group Packing Party

Thanks to everyone who came out last Tuesday night for the HIV Working Group Packing Party.  See more pictures on the HIV Working Group FB Page:  http://www.fb.com/fighthivindc #HIV #DC #Gay #gayindc #volunteer 

Flicker and Spark Poetry Brunch

What could possibly be better than Sunday Brunch?  How about Brunch to celebrate the new poetry anthology Flicker and Spark with the amazing Brittany Fonte and Regie Cabico?  Join us for the OutWrite 2014 closing event #outwrite #LGBT #DC #poetry

Washington DC HIV Equal Photo Shoot in November

We are all HIV Equal.  Join us for the Washington DC HIV Equal Photo Shoot in November.  Find out more at: http://tinyurl.com/hivequaldc  #DC #HIVEqual #LGBT #Gay #gayindc #fighthivindc 

A Tribute to Essex Hemphill

Join us at the opening night of OutWrite as local poets and friends pay tribute to the legacy of Essex Hemphill.  Find out more at:  http://tinyurl.com/essexhemphill #black #gay #DC #LGBT #OutWrite 

Gay District

Gay District is a social and support group for gay/bi/queer men.  Find out more at http://www.gaydistrict.org

Please Join Call On Friday With The White House

Last fall, the Office of National AIDS Policy asked Americans to give us their ideas for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which is currently being developed and will be released in the coming months. From the beginning, ONAP recognized that community input would be important for our National HIV/AIDS Strategy development, so we hosted 14 community discussions and meetingshttp://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/onap/events throughout the United States, launched an online portal for Americans to send us their recommendations, and held a number of meetings here at the White House concerning specific issues important to the community. We received responses from nearly every state and U.S. territory, from people affected by or living with HIV, from men, women, and transgender individuals, from young and old, and from respondents of various racial/ethnic backgrounds, and sexual orientation.

The Community Discussion Report that summarizes the public input we received will be released this Friday. We’d like to invite you to a short briefing conference call with ONAP Director Jeff Crowley and Senior Policy Director Greg Millett to provide an overview of the Community Discussion Report on FRIDAY, APRIL 9, at 2:00 PM (Eastern). The conference call number is (877) 941-2935.

Job Openings @ NMAC Health Policy Writer & Senior Policy Analyst

The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) has two job openings: 1) Health Policy Writer & 2) Senior Policy Analyst. We are looking to hire individuals with a strong knowledge of health policy and HIV/AIDS and a commitment to progressive social change. You must have the passion to change the world and the skills to make it happen.

Health Policy Writer
National Minority AIDS Council
Washington, D.C.

The National Minority AIDS Council is seeking an outstanding writer for print and online projects ranging from speeches, columns and op-eds to blog posts and policy reports. The Health Policy Writer will be able to craft compelling material that will move the audience to action, basing the writing on policy positions, polling and other data and message templates. You must have the passion to change the world and the skills to make it happen.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Technical Skills

• Translate complicated subject matter into compelling and interesting presentations.
• Locate obscure information/details to support facts in speeches and talking points.
• Articulate goals, programs and direction of the National Minority AIDS Council in clear and concise manner.
• Write a variety of advocacy and policy materials, for print and online use, that move the audience to take action.
• Rewrite or over-write additional materials as assigned.
• Use social media tools and contacts with progressive social media community to extend message reach.
• Contribute creatively to message framing, audience targeting, campaign planning, etc. and execute print and online products.
• Keep the director fully informed on a regular basis on issues affecting all project work.
• Prepare and submit regular and ad hoc reports on activities as required.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in English or related field
• Strong knowledge of health policy and HIV/AIDS and the movement for progressive social change.
• Minimum of 4 years writing for social advocacy group.
• Demonstrated experience integrating messaging in social media outreach such as Twitter and Facebook.
• Involvement in the social media community.
• Ability to exercise excellent political judgment and discretion.
• Dependability and experience working in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent research, reporting and writing skills and engaging writing style.
• Demonstrated success in writing a range of advocacy materials including op-eds, speeches, etc.
• Ability to cultivate sources and understand and translate nuances.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple competing and urgent responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to adjust tones and capture different voices.
  

Three (3) Writing Samples Required - Must include a speech and an op-ed.

People of color and women are encouraged to apply.

Please send a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position, a resume, and the requested writing samples to the contact listed below:

Human Resources
National Minority AIDS Council
1931 13th St NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
FAX: (202)202-483-1135
EMAIL: info@nmac.org

******************************************************************

Senior Policy Analyst (Federal)
National Minority AIDS Council
1931 13th St NW
Washington DC 20009

The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) is seeking an outstanding policy analyst to work on federal affairs. The Senior Policy Analyst will work to develop and implement NMAC’s federal policy positions and strategies on a range of issues; represent NMAC in meetings with federal policymakers and administration staff; develop a variety of written materials; track relevant federal legislation; organize hill briefings and other events; and contribute to the overall work of the Policy Division. You must have the passion to change the world and the skills to make it happen.

Description of Duties

Technical Skills

• Translate complicated subject matter into effective policies
• Develop strategies to achieve these policies
• Articulate policy goals for NMAC in a clear and concise manner
• Represent NMAC in meetings with hill and Administration staff
• Provide technical assistance to federal policymakers and staff
• Represent NMAC at select coalition meetings
• Cultivate relationships with federal policy staff, researchers, other experts, and coalition partners
• Draft federal policy briefs, testimony, report language, and other written materials
• Track relevant federal legislation, activities of federal agencies, and projects and initiatives of other national organizations
• Organize hill briefings and other events
• Prepare responses to time sensitive media opportunities and write content for the NMAC website
• Garner visibility for NMAC’s policy issues through presentations at conferences and meetings
• Contribute to grant proposals and reports to funders
• Contribute creatively to message framing, audience targeting, campaign planning, etc.
• Keep the director fully informed on a regular basis on issues affecting all project work
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related field preferred
• Understanding of health policy and HIV/AIDS and the movement for progressive social change
• Demonstrated success working on passage of federal legislation
• Knowledge of the Administration
• Minimum of 4 years working for social justice at the federal level
• Ability to exercise excellent political judgment and discretion
• Dependability and experience working in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple competing and urgent responsibilities efficiently and effectively
• Ability to understand and translate nuances
• Demonstrated ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables
• Ability to travel, including overnight stays
  

Three (3) Writing Samples Required - Must include a policy briefing and an op-ed.

People of color and women are encouraged to apply.

Please send a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position, a resume, and the requested writing samples to the contact listed below:

Human Resources
National Minority AIDS Council
1931 13th St NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
FAX: (202)202-483-1135
EMAIL: info@nmac.org

Help Haitian Orphans Living With HIV

I am sure that like me, you are saddened and shocked by the devastation in Haiti. Among the most vulnerable are orphans affected by HIV/AIDS who already face daily hardships and challenges. Fortunately, our friends athttp://www.wecanbuildanorphanage.com in Jacmel, Haiti have been leading the way in providing a loving home to 13 children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Their co-Founder Luke Montgomery informed me moments ago that thankfully all 13 children survived the recent earthquake. However, their home was destroyed and the children and caregivers were left on the street with no possessions.

Luke and his compassionate friends have created the web sitehttp://www.earthquakeorphans.com to raise emergency funds for these children to ensure that they can rebuild their home and receive the medical care, clothing and other supplies needed to maintain their health and safety..

If you are moved to contribute, your funds will not go to One Heartland, rather they will go directly to the charity "Wecanbuildanorphanage.com"

While we are separated by distance and language, we have a sense of shared humanity with the Haitian people. I am hopeful our friends in Jacmel can rebuild soon so these children are assured of a much brighter future.

Client Support Group

Every Monday at 1pm, starting February 1st.

PreventionWorks!
2501 Benning Rd NE

This support group is open to anyone living with HIV, not just PW! clients.
This is a group for those living with HIV who would like to come out and share their experiences, encouragement, and knowledge. Refreshments will be served.

Contact: Sabrina Tate (202-684-3532) or Emanuel Simmons (202-684-3515)

HIV Working Group to Discuss Medical Marijuana

The next meeting of The DC Center's HIV Working Group takes place Wednesday January 20th at 7:00 PM at the new location of The DC Center, 1810 14th St, NW. This months meeting will include a presentation and discussion on medical marijuana, HIV/AIDS, and the District of Columbia.

Wayne Turner will be our guest speaker. Wayne Turner spearheaded a referendum on medical marijuana in DC more than a decade ago. The measure was approved by DC voters, but Congress put on a rider, prohibiting the city from implementing the law, and renewed that rider every year -- until this current budget year. With the federal restrictions gone, Wayne will discuss why medical marijuana is an important issue to people living with HIV/AIDS in the District, and how this issue may move forward.

  

POZ Party Featured on WAMU

WAMU has a story up on the weekly POZ Party at Motley Bar.

Its called POZ: thats P-O-Z. Its creator, a party promoter named Jacob Pring, has himself been POZ for six years, and says dating can be difficult once guys learn you have HIV. He has a boyfriend now, but he says "over the course of six years, I've been turned down like 20 times because of the issue of being HIV [positive]," says Pring.

Pring says he aims to erase the stigma of being HIV- positive by giving POZ guys a chance to mingle and be themselves. Or as one regular attendee, David, puts it: "basically, to meet other people who are positive without having to worry about the whole disclosure thing that you normally have to when you're at a bar."

In fact, even POZ's DJs are POZ. Though negative folks are welcome too, like Cale Shah, a bartender who says he finds the mixer downright inspiring.

"Everyone's having a good time," says Shah. "They have a better outlook on life, and it rubs off on you."

read or here the story online at WAMU

CAVE Meeting and Protocol Review January 13th

The next CAVE meeting will take place January 13th at 6:30 PM at the DC Center, 1810 14th St, NW. Our meetings normally take place the second Wednesday of each month.

One of the roles of CAVE is to review protocols for new HIV vaccine studies and to provide input to the researchers from a community perspective.  We will be reviewing a protocol for the Military HIV Working Group in January.  If you've never done anything like this, don't worry.  The meeting will include an overview of how to review protocols.

CAVE is the community advisory board for the Vaccine Research Center and the US Military HIV Research Program. Capital Area Vaccine Effort is a volunteer panel of individuals from the general public and from the diverse communities affected by AIDS. CAVE is organized to assist and advise AIDS vaccine trials in the metropolitan DC area.  For more information visit www.aidsvaccine.org.

Save-the-Date for NMAC’s December Stakeholder Call

Thursday, December 10th at 1:00 PM (Eastern)/10:00 AM (Pacific)

Save the date for the National Minority AIDS Council’s (NMAC’s) December Stakeholder Call on Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. EST/ 10:00 AM Pacific, featuring guest speaker Jeff Crowley the Director of National AIDS Policy at the White House http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/onap/staff/crowley. The call in number is 1-605-475-6333; code: 481162. You may e-mail your questions to info@nmac.org or send them through Twitter: http://twitter.com/NMACCommunity

Due to the large number of participants expected, the call will be a dialogue between Jeff and myself. We’ve asked Jeff to update us on the National AIDS Strategy.

>From 2000-2009, Jeff was a Senior Research Scholar at Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute and a Senior Scholar at the University’s O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. His primary areas of focus involved Medicaid and Medicare policy issues as they impact people with disabilities and chronic conditions, including people with HIV/AIDS. Prior to this, he served as the Deputy Executive Director for Programs at the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA), overseeing the organization’s public education, community development, and training activities. He is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served in Swaziland from 1989-1991, and is a member of the National Academy for Social Insurance (NASI).

Mr. Crowley holds a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kalamazoo College.

The call will be limited to the first 200 participants. I am so sorry that we ran out of space last time. The call will be recorded and podcast on NMAC’s web site at a later date.

Facing AIDS: World AIDS Day 2009

This World AIDS Day, www.aids.gov invited folks from around the country to upload pictures of themselves and share how they are facing AIDS.

You can view the responses of DC residents here: Facing AIDS: Washington DC Flickr Photos.

You can view the picture responses from across the country here: Facing AIDS for World AIDS Day.

Thanks to everyone who came out and made World AIDS Day a success this year.

DC World AIDS Day 2009

Today is World AIDS Day. Below is some of the many events happening across the city. For those on twitter, please mark World AIDS Day by telling us what you are doing to Fight HIV in DC at: #fighthivindc. Flickr uses are encouraged to upload pictures of their events to our Fight HIV in DC Flickr Group Page. You can also post information about your World AIDS Day Events on the Fight HIV in DC Facebook Page.

DC World AIDS Day Breakfast: Keeping the Promise, Investing in the Future: Linking HIV/AIDS, Food Security, and Maternal and Child Health: find out more about this event

DC World AIDS Day Lunch: HIV Vaccine Research: A New Chapter (with Dr. Tony Fauci, NIH) more information about this event.

DC World AIDS Day Protest: DC Fights Back 'Systems Failure' World AIDS Day March/Rally: more information about this event.

DC World AIDS Day Reception: Our Heroes Photo Exhibit: more information about this event.

DC World AIDS Day Volunteer Opportunity: Packing Party at Motley Bar: more information about this event.

DC World AIDS Day After Party: Poz Guys & their Allies are invited to come out to the next POZ Party at Motley Bar (every tuesday at 9:00 PM). more information about this event.

If I missed your event please add it by adding a comment to this post.