World AIDS Day

By Keith Boykin, in sexuality
Friday, December 1 2006, 8:55AM

Today is World AIDS Day. That's the one day each year when we are all supposed to come together and appreciate the impact of the AIDS epidemic and rededicate ourselves to stopping it. Been there, done that. It's still a good idea, but it's not enough.

We can't stop the AIDS epidemic until we stop the lies that fuel the epidemic. That's why today I'm featuring the video (above) about black men. (Just click on the image to see the video.) It deconstructs some of the most popular myths about black men in America. One of those myths -- that there are more black men in prison than in college -- was actually repeated last year by the President of Harvard University. Is it any wonder, then, that so many others buy into the myths?

Another popular myth is that black men on the down low are responsible for the AIDS epidemic. The video discounts that assumption, and now new research by the CDC's Dr. Greg Millett helps to disprove this theory. The research, reported in this week's Gay City News, indicates that men on the down low are not the cause of the AIDS epidemic in black America.

New Research on Black Men and HIV

"Among the dozen explanations studied, three leading theories were ruled out by Millett's work. Significantly, the assumption of higher risk behavior among black MSM-as measured by unprotected anal intercourse, total number of sex partners, and commercial sex work-was not found to explain the differential in infection rates relative to non-black gay and bi men. This conclusion was based on a review of more than 25 separate studies," GCN reported.

Also important, self-identity does not determine risk for HIV. "Black [men who have sex with men] who don't disclose their sexual behavior compared to black MSM who do disclose their sexual behavior are less likely to be HIV-positive, they're less likely to engage in unprotected sex with more than five male partners lifetime, and they engage in less unprotected sex generally," according to Millett.

Millett's work was co-authored by John L. Peterson, Ph.D., Richard J. Wolitski, Ph. D., and Ron Stall, MPH, and published in the American Journal of Public Health.

World AIDS Day Events

Meanwhile, if you are looking for activities to do today to recognize World AIDS Day, the people at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) have put together this list of events across the nation. This is not an exhaustive list. It is just a sampling of some of the many things going on for World AIDS Day.

"Cultivating Cultural Competence: Engaging Multiple Identities,
Challenging Oppression, Creating Effective Responses"
Friday, December 1st (World AIDS Day) 9:00 - 5pm
139 Ralph McGill Blvd.
Atlanta, GA
The Cultural Diversity training at Positive Impact offers a wonderful
opportunity for mental health providers to enhance your cultural
competence. This workshop will explore the values of maintaining
cultural competence in serving diverse HIV populations and challenge
service providers to improve their assessment and intervention skills.
Participants will enhance their understanding of the impact of biases
in their own lives and help them identify areas for personal and
professional growth.
General registration: $90
General registration for participants after November 15th: $110
*Positive Impact volunteers and AIDS service organization staff: $90
($25 refundable upon completion)
*Students with ID: $50 ($15 refundable upon completion)
www.positiveimpact-atl.org
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Project AIDS Quilt Display
November 27-December 1
Columbus Public Health 250 Parsons Ave Columbus, OH

The display will be open to the public from Monday, November 27
through Friday, December 1 (see calendar below) and you can schedule
group tours on Wednesday, November 29 and Thursday, November 30 from
9am - 12pm and 2pm - 5pm.
To schedule group tours, please email Sue Villilo at
SLVillil@columbus.gov
Click here for the flier http://www.catf.net/WAD2006.pdf

The candlelight vigil will be held on Friday, December 1 at 5pm at the
Columbus Public Health Building. If you have the name of an individual
that you want to be recognized at the vigil, please call 614-340-6731.
www.catf.net
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Event Name: 2nd Annual HIV/AIDS Community Summit
Date/Time: Friday, December 1, 2006 8am - 4pm
Address: Loudermilk Center, 40 Courtland Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
Cost: FREE (Pre-Registration Required)
Event Description: In observance of World AIDS Day, Fulton County
Dept. of Health & Wellness presents their 2nd Annual HIV/AIDS
Community Summit. The summit showcases Atlanta's top service
providers presenting workshops that cover current issues related to
HIV/AIDS. It is a FREE event including Breakfast, Lunch and Free
giveaways. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. You can download a
Registration Brochure and Form by visiting the link below.
URL: www.myfultoncountyga.com
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World AIDS Day 2006: Fighting AIDS Related Stigma
Friday, December 1, 2006 11:00 AM
Hannah Community Center 819 Abbott Road, East Lansing, MI 48823
Free
Concerned community members will gather at 11:00 AM at the Hannah
Community Center in East Lansing, on December 1, to hear community
leaders and HIV/AIDS activists speak out about HIV/AIDS. This special
ceremony will include a display of panels of the NAMES Project AIDS
Memorial Quilt and educational placards that were created to help
educate the community about the impact that HIV/AIDS has had locally
and globally. The Greater Lansing Gay Men’s Chorus will perform as a
part of the hour long observance. In addition to the reading of
proclamations and personal accounts of living with HIV/AIDS, a Silent
March will be held to dramatize the impact that stigma plays in
keeping people effectively silent about their disease. A special AIDS
Memorial Quilt display will appear at the Kresge Art Museum and the
MSU Museum at Michigan State University.
www.laanonline.org
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World AIDS Day March Against AIDS Related Stigma
Friday, December 1, 2006 12:00 noon (March leaves the Hannah Community
Center and proceeds to Michigan State University)
819 Abbott Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823
Free
The March Against AIDS Related Stigma is an annual march to educate
the community about the challenges of living with HIV and AIDS and to
raise awareness of the impact of AIDS related stigma on people living
with HIV and AIDS
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World AIDS Day Red Ribbon Dinner and Silent Auction
Friday, December 1, 2006
Eagle Eye Golf Course 15500 Chandler Road Bath, Michigan
Cost: $100.00 (tickets available at the Lansing Area AIDS Network, 913
W Holmes Road Suite 115 Lansing, Michigan 48910 517 394 3560
Lansing Area AIDS Network (LAAN) will host their Second Annual Silent
Auction and Red Ribbon Dinner, to help raise money to support the
programs and services offered to the community and to people living
with HIV and AIDS throughout mid-Michigan. url: www.laanonline.org
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Second Annual Ecumenical AIDS Service
December 1, 2006, Dinner 5-7, Candlelight procession to Church,
Service 7:30 & Reception.
Zion Lutheran Church, Ferndale Michigan
Cost: Donations only - Benefit Midwest Aids Prevention, Waggs,
Steppin Out AIDS walk.
Ecumenical Service for those infected and affected by AIDS and in
memory of those who have gone on before us.
For more information, call:
Rev. Kevin S. Kinsel
(248)399-7741
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006, 6:00 P.M
CELEBRATE A LIFE at PEACE TEMPLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
275 PIPESTONE ROAD, BENTON HARBOR, MI
(corner of Pipestone & Jefferson)
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World AIDS Day Mass
December 1, 2006 7:00pm
St. Aidan's Episcopal Church
101 Gold Mine Drive
San Francisco, California
415-285-9540
Donations taken for Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance
For more information please call the church office 415-285-9540.
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Multifaith Works World AIDS Day Luncheon
December 1, 2006, 12:00 noon
Westin Hotel, Grand Ballroom 1900 5th Avenue, Seattle, Washington
Contact James Termin, 206.324.1520 x221
Jim Boggs and Effective Arts will be performing a special, live
dramatic presentation, demonstrating how Multifaith’s programs help
their clients and Care Partners.
There is no ticket for the event.
To register please visit, www.multifaith.org
Or contact Gary Southerton at 206.324.1520 ext 229 or
gary@multifaith.org.
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Candlelight Service
December 1, 2006 at 7pm
2578 Atlantic Ave, Between Georgia/Alabama Ave's
Brooklyn, NY
Contact Rev Gerard Williams (716) 385-2406
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Liberation In Truth
The Open Door Drop-In Center
World AIDS Day
Wrapping The Mic from the youth to you
Friday, December 1, 2006
11 Halsey St.
Newark, NJ 07103
Doors Open 6 PM Starts 7PM
For more information (973) 424-9555
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Community of Love
Friday December 1, 2006
Indianapolis Urban league
777 Indiana Avenue
Indianapolis, IN
6:30pm. Networking begins at 6:00 pm
Annual event of Community of Love, HIV/AIDS 501c-3 entity includes
dinner,
fashion show by Denderah "all about you being positive.", speakers,
Memorial
tribute, Outstanding Dedication Awards to individuals, organization
and
youth.
Silent auction fundraiser to benefit our mission.
www.communityoflove.org
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World AIDS Day among the Native American Community in Los Angeles.
"Remembering Our Warriors" - A cultural gathering to
remember those affected by HIV/AIDS among our community.
Friday, December 1, 2006 1:00pm - 3:00pm
United American Indian Involvement, Inc.
1125 W. 6th Street, Ste. 103 Community Center, 1st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017 213-202-3970
Cost: Free
Program includes Native American cultural
performance, speakers panel, and Memorial Display with Refreshments
served.
www.redcircleproject.org
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2Science and Technology in HIV/AIDS Prevention: A Year in Review
Dec. 1, 2006
9:30-11 am
Global Health Council
1111 19th Street, NW - Suite 1120 Washington, D.C.
Please complete the RSVP form if you plan to attend.
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World AIDS Day observance on December 1, 2006 11-1 AM
At WWC Northern Virginia site with Arlington County Board member Jay
Fisette and Elaine Martin from the Virginia Dept. of Health.
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WWC Suburban Maryland AIDS Reduction Team will offer testing at Holy
Redeemer Metropolitan Community Church, 4907 Niagara Rd., Suite 102,
College Park, Md., from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
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Keep the Promise
World AIDS day
Guest speaker -- Padre José Eugenio Hoyos -- Catholic Diocese of
Arlington
Friday December- 1, 20006 ---- 7 pm
Sponsored by Virginia Organizations Responding to AIDS and the
Northern Virginia HIV Coalition
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For Whom the Bell Tolls: An Alternative Vigil
Friday, December 1, 2006 at 9 am
Foundry United Methodist Church
1500 16th St. NW Washington, DC
(2 Blocks East of Dupont Circle - P st. & 16th st.)
Community members and advocates will gather while church bells ring
every 5 seconds to mark the fact that, on average, there is a new HIV
infection or AIDS death every 5 seconds of every day. Posters, signs,
and speeches will further explain the failure of United States HIV
prevention policies and call on Congress to act!
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UNAIDS World AIDS Day Luncheon:
Capitol Hill Luncheon Briefing
"Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise"
The Role of the Faith-based Community in Stopping Violence Against
Women and Fighting AIDS
December 1, 2006 at 12:30 p.m.
Russell Senate Office Building, Room 325
For more information email Pauline at muchinap@unaids.org.
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Join us for a rally
December 1st at 2:45 pm
Lafayette Park at the White House
For more information, email srenn@globaljusticenow.org or call
202.296.6727.
Sponsored by the Global AIDS Alliance, Student Global AIDS Campaign,
DC Fights Back, Africa Action, Jubilee USA and Universities Coalition
for Global Health.
The Vision Church of Atlana, Inc. hosts their 1st annual WORLD AIDS
DAY service
December 1, 2006 7PM
1874 Peidmont Rd. Suite 420-D
Atlanta, GA 30334
For more information contact Elder Paris Eley (404) 249-7100
www.thevisionchurch.org
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 1, 2006
Red Hot and Rouge Cocktail Fundraiser Affair
Whitman Walker Clinic
Hotel Rouge, 1315 16 Street NW at 6:30 pm
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
Whitman Walker Clinic
Freedom Plaza, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue at 5:45 pm
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December 1, 2006
BOND TO BE HONORED FOR HIV/AIDS LEADERSHIP
NAACP Chairman Julian Bond will be presented with the inaugural
Coretta Scott King Red Ribbon Leadership Award on December 1, World
AIDS Day. The award exemplifies exceptional courage, leadership, and
activism to end the silence and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in the
United States. The award ceremony will be held at the Smithsonian's
National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., on World
AIDS Day, December 1, 2006.
202-342-0676 Jsekine@hmaassociates.com for more info
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13th ANNUAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN FILM MARKETPLACE AND
S.E. MANLY SHORT FILM SHOWCASE NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 3, 2006
December 1-3, 2006 at Raleigh Studios, 650 Bronson Avenue, Hollywood,
CA - Meet the Filmmakers and enjoy their works
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HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
Sponsored by Max Robinson Center Community Advisory Board
December 1– 20, 2006
Drop donations and toys at:
Max Robinson Center 2301 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE
on December 8 and 9 at MCC Church Concert
Toys will be distributed on Dec 16 at (MCC) & 19 (Covenant Baptist)
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 1, 2006
OUR HEROES EXHIBT RECEPTION:
“A 25 YEAR Journey of HIV/AIDS through OUR Eyes”
Presented by D.C. City Council Chairman Linda Cropp and
Whitman Walker Clinic Max Robinson Center Community Advisory Board
The John Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, at 6:45 pm
Washington, DC
You can email Wallace Corbett at: blackdcbiker@yahoo.com
call :( 202) 257-1484 for more info.
On display December 1- 8, 2006 at District BLDG, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
daily
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UFC Charlotte World AIDS Day Service
December 2, 2006 at 6pm at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in
partnership with Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte, RAIN and Metrolina
AIDS Project.
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Youth HIV Testing Day
December 2, 2006 12n -4pm
2678 Atlantic Ave between Georgia/Alabama Ave.
Brooklyn, NY (718) 385-2160
Cost Free
Youth 13-24 years of age
Contact Rev Gerard Williams (716) 385-2406
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The AIDS Network – West Virginia
(1) The West Virginia AIDS Networks will announce the winners of
their Poster Contest on World AIDS Day.
(2) There will be a "needs assessment of high-risk survey" scheduled
at the largest African American Church on 12/02 and the Pastor will
emphasis HIV testing.
(3) They have scheduled OraSure testing the week of 12/04-08 at the
following locations:
Bethany House for homeless women;
East Ridge Health Systems;
Partners of HIV Positives;
Destiny/Imani Foundation for outreach to African Americans;
Martinsburg Institute for outreach to IDU’s; (Half day, store front at
Berkeley Plaza);
Shalom Center for outreach to homeless and destitute people;
St. Joe’s Catholic Church for outreach specifically for the Hispanic
population;
Shenandoah Women’s Center (domestic violence shelter)
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AIDS Poetry Speak Out
Saturday December 2, 2006
Busboys and Poets 2021 14 Street NW 3 PM – 5 PM
Featuring local performers, singers and poets
Poets contact Michael Sainte Andress at 202-265-8918 or
micc@starpower.net
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Fusion 2006: The 4th Los Angeles LGBT People of Color Film Festival
Sunday, December 3
Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
12:00pm (Spielberg Theatre at The Egyptian)
WHITE SHADOWS
Special screening in honor of World AIDS Day
Free event!
Dir: Mialyn Hanna, 2006, USA, 82 min.
1:30pm (Spielberg Theatre at The Egyptian)
I’M STILL HERE: BECOMING LEGENDARY
Produced by REACH LA
Plus Workshop: SEX ED WITH A TWIST? HIV 101:
Join Ray from B.E.T.’s College Hill and Sean Milan Infiniti (Mother
Infiniti - Los Angeles Chapter) for an over-the-top foray into sexual
knowledge.
http://www.outfest.org/fusion.html
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World AIDS Day Worship Service: Sermon: A Promise Kept
Unity Fellowship Church Riverside
3386 Durahart Street, Riverside, CA 92507
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Worship service with Healing dance, Positive Poetry, Speakers
www.ufcriverside.org
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MCC Observes World AIDS Day
Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) 474 Ridge Street NW
Sunday December 3 at 9 am and 11 am service
You can email Wallace Corbett at: blackdcbiker@yahoo.com. For more
information call: (202) 257-1484.

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