By the numbers
In response to Michael O'Connor's recent letter ( "An uncertain future," www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/LETTERS-An-uncertain-future/48733.html ), I'd like to expound on the information Mr. O'Connor received.
As part of our ongoing effort to effectively respond to HIV/AIDS in the City, the Chicago Department of Public Health ( CDPH ) tracks HIV prevalence and new diagnoses. We release surveillance data reports each year so the public understands the current state of HIV/AIDS and our partner organizations can use that information to determine their priorities and outreach.
We provide this data by community area, not by ward. This is because community areas provide a more accurate and specific look at the disease in our city—there are 77 community areas in Chicago, versus only 50 wards. Community areas are more reflective of the identity and culture of Chicago's neighborhoods, whereas wards are political boundaries that may cut through several different neighborhoods and often change over time.
Presenting HIV data by community allows CDPH to pinpoint the distinct and sometimes stark differences in HIV infection among Chicago communities. For example, parts of both Uptown and Lakeview fall into the 46th Ward but the average HIV infection rate is more than 35-percent higher in Uptown. In addition, Lakeview falls into at least three wards other than the 46th.
For more information on HIV in Chicago and to view the 2013 HIV/STI Surveillance Report, please visit www.cityofchicago.org/health.‹
Marjani Williams
CDPH, Information Coordinator, HIV/STI
Tunney business
I think this year's Pride Parade had a larger attendance than last year, and appeared to be a lot more controlled equaling a safer environment.
Yet, there is something very troubling to me about who is making decisions for the Pride Parade as was indicated by 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney's recent comments concerning if the Pride Parade should be kept in Lake View.
The Pride Parade brings much-needed revenue—not only to the Lake View LGBT community, but also to parts of the 46th Ward and both wards' business communities. What's next—petty bickering between these two aldermen [Tunney and 46th Ward Ald. James Cappleman] over control?
Tunney seems to think the parade is a neighborhood event, which it is not. It is no more a neighborhood event than Chicago's Air and Water Show. Like the Pride Parade, the Air and Water Show is independent of any aldermanic control. Why should the Pride Parade be any different?
People who attend and participate in the parade come from a variety of places. For many in the LGBTA community, this is a cultural event that spans the diversity of our community.
The other problem aggravating the situation is the lack of organization of the Pride Committee. Chicago deserves to have a fully functional LGBT Pride Committee, to include full financial accountability.
I am not saying the alderman should not have input. However, the ward organizations should have representatives from the Pride Committee sitting on the ward subcommittees for good communication. The Pride Committee should have independence to reflect the LGBT communities without patrician political involvement.
Joe Murray
Chicago
