Summer Living and Affected

LA Corp Seeks Growing Organically

The Living Affected Corporation has undertaken a growing initiative under a new Community Gardens Project funded through a Argenta beautification grant. Since the group talk about "food" as a social determinant within our "Housing, Education, Food,Treatment, Employment "concept, we thought it ideal that perhaps we consider raising some food organically as a continuing symbol of  sustaining one's self and developing a new skill set." said Chief Operating Officer Cornelius Mabin.  He continued, "we will need volunteers to come share their gardening experience and those who can help us make that project a success." The group hopes to begin following the growing season with either planting fresh greens such as collards, kale, or spinach. Plus any additional vegetables that could be grown in the raise boxes of the venture. If you are interested in sharing your "green thumb" expertise reach out to LA Corp at 379-8203.


Social Networking Event Announces

The Board of Directors of The Living Affected Corporation has announced its schedule of Afterhour Networking sessions for the remainder of 2012. The evenings were designed as apart of the organizations continued outreach to the community as well as prospect for additional board members and or volunteers. If you are interested in sponsorship or in-kind contributions to support our programming vision contact us at 877-902-7HIV The dates are as follows but could be subject to change:

September 5, 2012

October 3, 2012

November 7, 2012

December 5, 2012 

 

For additional details call the office at 379.8203 or email: info@lacorponline for directions or donations.


(The Living Affected Corporation embraces and signs on to this important statement and proclamation.)

Call to Action: HIV and Young Gay and Bisexual Men in the United States

When new infections among young Black gay men increase by nearly fifty percent in three years,

we need to do more to show them that their lives matter.

President Barack Obama, December 1, 2011

We will never end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the US until we dramatically lessen the burden of HIV among gay and bisexual men, particularly young men

Across race, age, and geography, gay and bisexual men remain most vulnerable to HIV infection in the United States. Gay and bisexual men are the only group of people in which new HIV infections are increasing each year. They represent only 2% of the US population, yet account for 64% of new infections.

Young gay and bisexual men aged 13-29 comprise less than 1% of the US population, but account for 27% of all new infections. Black young men are especially hard hit by the AIDS epidemic, experiencing a shocking 48% increase in the number of new HIV infections between 2006 and 2009.

Despite alarming infection rates, the response to HIV/AIDS among young gay and bisexual men has never been adequate. Allocation of prevention, research, and other resources to focus on gay men overall or young

men, in particular, has never been equal to their proportion of the epidemic. Negative experiences and other barriers to accessing health care have left too many young men estranged from the services and institutions that could support healthy sexual, physical, and emotional development. Family rejection, social isolation, homophobia, and absent legal protections have perpetuated a cycle of homelessness, unemployment, substance use, and poverty among the most vulnerable.

To achieve the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the US – (1) to reduce new HIV infections, (2) to improve access to health care, and (3) to eliminate health disparities – particular attention must be paid to young gay and bisexual men, for too many of whom HIV infection has become a rite of passage to adulthood. We can and must respond to HIV/AIDS in a way that respects and cares for all people living with HIV, while recognizing the unique impact of HIV on young gay and bisexual men.

We have never been better equipped to mount a comprehensive response to HIV among young gay and bisexual men. Social marketing campaigns and affirming messages from the highest levels of leadership are beginning to validate years of hard work promoting equality and dignity. The Affordable Care Act will offer health care to millions who have been denied access for decades. Scientific research has demonstrated both sustained health improvement and a dramatic reduction in transmission among people living with HIV who initiate treatment early after diagnosis.

We can achieve an AIDS-free generation for ALL young gay and bisexual men in the United States, but only if we make the commitment to change today.

A CALL TO ACTION

We, the undersigned, call on ALL AMERICANS to help end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the US by

demonstrating to young gay and bisexual men that their lives matter. We call on:

POLICYMAKERS

to ensure that all health care services are tailored to the diverse needs of young gay and bisexual men of all colors, with HIV prevention resources dedicated to this population, commensurate with their representation in the US epidemic. We also call on you to look across the spectrum of policies and

services – from schools to housing to civil rights protections – and require they foster supportive and healthy environments that enable young gay and bisexual men to thrive, whether or not they are living with HIV.

GAY COMMUNITY LEADERS

to elevate HIV as a priority for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities, recognizing the heavy impact of HIV on young gay and bisexual men, particularly young men of color, as an important equity issue in the LGBT community. As at the beginning of the epidemic, the LGBT community must engage in thoughtful dialogue about why HIV remains such a dominant challenge, and foster the community cohesion that gives young gay and bisexual men the support

needed to overcome stigma and homophobia and to adopt healthy behaviors, irrespective of HIV status.

COMMUNITY LEADERS

to respond to HIV with equanimity across the community, fighting with equal passion for young gay and bisexual men, heterosexual men and women, and children. Your leadership is essential. We ask you to follow President Obama's example and embrace young gay and bisexual men as family and community members who need to know that they are not forgotten, and that their lives matter.

PHYSICIANS AND RESEARCHERS

to make HIV testing and treatment available to all young gay and bisexual men, and to encourage youth who are living with HIV to initiate and sustain HIV treatment that allows them to lead healthy lives. Additionally, we need a comprehensive HIV research agenda for young

gay and bisexual men.

CORPORATIONS AND PRIVATE FUNDERS

to review your current portfolios and bolster your HIV donor support to programs and services for young gay and bisexual men.

PARENTS, FAMILY, AND EDUCATORS

to love your gay children, unconditionally. You must support your gay youth, and recognize that anti-gay messages harm young people and further the spread of HIV. Parents and educators must insist that all young people receive medically accurate, age-appropriate education that seeks to promote healthy living and delay sexual debut, but that does not spread anti-gay or anti-HIV stigma.

FAITH COMMUNITY

to affirm the value, equality, and dignity of young LGBT people, including their right and need to have access to accurate information about HIV/AIDS and how to protect themselves. Spirituality has an important and powerful influence on young people’s self-esteem and can positively or negatively impact development of healthy behavior. Inclusive approaches that recognize our universal humanity and provide sanctuary where young gay and bisexual men can feel accepted and loved are urgently needed.

YOUNG GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN

to be proud of who you are, to work to achieve your dreams, to love whomever you want, to be empowered to have fulfilling sexual relationships, to lead positive and healthy lives. For those living with HIV, consider starting treatment right away. For those who do not know their status or are HIV-negative, get tested for HIV and adopt practices that will keep you HIV-free. Your life matters.

This is a promising time in the response to HIV/AIDS in the United States. Both Democrats and

Republicans can be proud of their support for domestic and global HIV initiatives. The Obama
Administration has delivered our nation’s first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the
Affordable Care Act will expand health care access widely. We must seize this moment to take critical steps toward ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.