The White House Office of National AIDS Policy ( ONAP ) has released a report summarizing 14 community discussions that were held across the country and though an online submission process. The report, "Community Ideas for Improving the Response to the Domestic HIV Epidemic," will be used to inform the development of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy currently underway. Themes that were constant throughout the discussions included improving access to care; reducing stigma surrounding HIV; and coordinating HIV prevention and treatment. Visit www.whitehouse.gov/onap for the report.
In a University of Washington poll obtained by FiveThirtyEight.com, two thirds of Caucasians who "strongly approve" of the conservative Tea Party movement think that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" should be lifted, according to an Advocate.com . However, 94 percent of those who disapprove of the party thought the military ban should be repealed.
In New York City, lighting designer Alejandro Bulaevsky was found deadwearing an S&M outfit and handcuffsin his apartment April 12, according to Advocate.com . Authorities are searching his computer records to see if they can find anyone who may have had access to the victim's place. Bulaevsky's boyfriend ( who was in England ) and co-workers were concerned after they did not hear from him.
In Georgia, there was no drama as Bleckley County High School senior Derrick Martin and boyfriend Richard Goodman attended prom, according to an Advocate.com item. School administrators gave Martin, 18, permission in March to take Goodman, who lives outside the county. The decision angered some of the county's residents, and prompted Martin's parents to kick him out of their home. Security was reportedly tight at the school's event.
In Massachusetts, the GOP party has nominated Charlie Baker, a pro-gay candidate, to be governor, according to Advocate.com . Bakerwho is in favor of same-sex marriage and who chose openly gay state senator Richard Tisei as his running matewon 89 percent of the vote at the state convention. Baker will now face Democratic incumbent Deval Patrick in November's general election.
In Rhode Island, police office Marcus Huffman was found guilty of raping a lesbian at a police station in 2007, according to Advocate.com . Providence, R.I., Mayor David Cicilline said in a statement that the "jury verdict today is an important step towards holding Officer Huffman fully accountable for his horrific actions." Huffman may be sentenced to life in prison.
In Arkansas, Circuit Court Judge Chris Piazza has overturned the statewide ban on cohabiting unmarried couples adopting or fostering children, according to Advocate.com . The American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU ) represented several plaintiffs, including gay couples, in challenging the constitutionality of Act 1, which banned unmarried couples who lived together from adopting or fostering. Piazza said, among other things, that the act was not in the state's best interest and cast "an unreasonably broad net." The ACLU's Christine Sun said that "we're encouraging the plaintiffs to begin that process [ of applying to adopt or foster children ] ."
In Florida, Gainesville votes elected openly gay commissioner Craig Lowe as the city's next mayor, according to SouthFloridaGayNews.com . However, since Lowe won by a margin of less than 1 percent ( it was exactly 35 votes ) , there has to be a recount. Nadine Smith of Equality Florida said in a statement that Lowe won despite "anti-gay extremists [ using ] homophobic rhetoric and smear tactics to try to keep Craig from winning."
The Ivy League's University of Pennsylvania has approved health-insurance coverage for trans students' reassignment operations, hormone treatments and psychotherapy, according to Advocate.com . The school's president, Amy Gutman, recently approved the plan, which will go into effect this autumn. The plan will cover up to $50,000 in expenses.
In Nevada, Rasheen Everetta suspect in the murder of New York transwoman Amanda Gonzalez-Andujarwas arrested and returned to New York City, according to Advocate.com . Everett, who stands accused of second-degree murder, allegedly strangled Gonzalez-Andujar, who was found dead in her apartment in March. Officials say that Everett, 29, met the victim in a chat room shortly before the murder. Also, surveillance camera footage reportedly shows Everett with bags full of Gonzalez-Andujar's possessions. Everett could receive up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Republican Mike Huckabeea former presidential candidate who may run again in two yearsrecently told New Jersey college students that marriage equality is comparable to legalizing drug use, incest and polygamy, according to the Washington Post. Huckabee also criticized gay adoption, saying, "Children are not puppies." However, Huckabee is claiming that college journalist Michael Traceywho wrote the original article on the talk for The College of New Jersey's Perspectivetwisted his words. In response, Tracy posted audio portions of the talk online.
Dawson McAllister Live, a syndicated radio program, apparently refers callers wondering about same-sex attraction to the "ex-gay" program Exodus International, according to EDGE Boston. On its website, Exodus "cites homosexual tendencies as one of many disorders that beset fallen humanity," but the American Psychological Association has criticized such programs, instead endorsing programs that "involve acceptance, support, and identity exploration and development without imposing a specific identity outcome." McAllister's call-in show aims to help teenagers and young adults with issues ranging from pregnancy to drug abuse.
The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution urging Ugandan legislators to kill an anti-homosexuality measure that would, among other things, impose the death penalty on gay individuals, according to Monitor.co.ug. However, Ugandan speaker Edward Ssekandi has said that the development will not force Parliament to relent. Ssekandi said, "Those against the Bill are entitled to their views. But what they should do is sensitise our people about the merits or demerits of the Bill."