The Mythology Of Online Dating

On Line dating does not have to be this negative experience we have heard so much about or have experienced. Know what you’re getting into, and know what you want out of the experience.
On the Internet you will not find a shortage a men! From all type there is one that suits your desires. Men of all colors, ethnicity,  cultures, and backgrounds. If you can dream you can find it in cyber space.



Profile, Stats & descriptions: (Yours)
·         Be honest in profile & make sure it is representative of who you are, what you represent, and what you’re looking for.
·         Terms like (No fat No fems) really serve no purpose except to tell a possible interested party you are narrow minded, superficial and shallow. Instead state what you like & want! All will figure out the rest.

Too often people make up characters that is not who they are thinking it will better their chances of finding a date, fly by or relationship. Don’t be ashamed to be honest about your body type! If you’re skinny it’s okay to say so (Go eat a few chicken wings & get over it if it’s an issue). If you thick, chubby, cub or bear make it clear that’s who you are take it leave it. If you comfortable with yourself let them know, but if you are under construction nothing wrong with being open about it.
·         If you’re 4 ft or 6 ft, 120 pds or 320 pds no need to add or take away from your true body composition. Allow people to like you for you & as you are!
·         Pictures – Should be of you & no one else! They should be up to date & current. A picture of you 10 years ago is deceptive unless stated! Your yearbook picture might be cute but is not what you need to show a possible interested party.
It’s never a good idea to mislead a person by telling them in your profile one thing & in actuality it something else. Allow a person to make up their minds, and don’t be so incline to make it up for them. Anything less than an honest profile will make all the difference in whether you’re accepted or rejected. There is someone out there for everyone.
Profile Stats & description: (His)
·         We would like to think that every profile that catches our interest is honest, and the person is representing who he truly is, what he represents, and what he is looking for but the truth might not be written in his profile clearly. (Read between the lines)
·         What a person writes in their profile may be a representation of who they want to be & not who they are. (All the glitters is not gold or diamonds)
·         They may fudge the physical stats!
·         Use picture that are out dated.
(Nothing is real until it materializes!)
·         Many gold diggers & hustlers are on the net and are only looking to get in your pockets & not in your hearts. (Be mindful, beware)
·         Don’t let the material content of his profile drive you to pursue him. (Great job, big house & expensive car)
·         Don’t be fooled by the words in one’s profile! Ask yourself if it live or is it Memorex?
·         Some sites give you the choice to disclose HIV status or not! The choices are Poz, Neg or unknown! Don’t be fooled by the way this question is answered I know many who lie or choose to not disclose. (Treat all like they are HIV(+) & wrap it up) This sites never ask participants STI(D) status which is just as important.
Responding to interested parties:
·        Some people only want to be entertained on line, and have no intention of getting to really know you, meet you or spend time with you. (Know how to see this behavior & not waste your time)
·        You satisfy their boredom but only for a short amount of time
·        Some may send you only a smile in a hope that you will take the initiative & make the first true contact (Many find it annoying & pay it no mind)
·        One word wonders! These are the person who initiates a conversation with one word. (Hey/Hi/Sup/Etc) when you reply they come with yet another one word. This behavior show a lack of true interest & you should not that them too seriously unless they start giving you actual conversation that consist of sentences instead of one word.
·        Responding to profile that have no picture! This can be for many reasons like the person is trying to hind something are or he can’t put his face on a cruising site for professional reasons. If you like the body of the profile & his stats don’t be afraid to start a conversation, and don’t be afraid to ask why he has no picture. He may give you the truth or might be a load of bullshit.
Exchange of digits from first contact:
·         An on line communication will only go but so far, and will fade out if the two don’t move to the next level in a timely fashion. Exchanging number & talking by phone is the next step but can be risky. It is the only way to start making the online connection real.
·         The telephone communication can carry the two for a good minute as they get to know one another, but eventually that will get played out as well.
·         You can do video calls before of after online communication (Skype, ooVoo, YIM, AIM, or Gmail), which is rear, but meeting in person is much more likely.
·         When you meet most have very high expectations while others have no expectations at all. No expectations are the way to go! This way you won’t be too disappointed if he is not what he claimed he is from the previous communications.
·         When you meet just go with the flow & don’t try to make anything happen! What is the rush? (Things will happen when they do)
·         People will say anything to get what they want & that works on both sides. Some say they really want a relationship as it is stated in their profile but in truth they want a jump off/drive by/hook up. Some say they want a hook up/jump off/drive by in their profile & they really want a relationship. (People online can be ass backwards)
·         Keep in mind regardless to what is said in the profile the person might just be in the mood for sex while other will be honest & stick to their guns.

War Story: I once met a person on a popular sex/hook up site, and it looked promising. His stats were right on point for what I desired. His profile read Slender, was the ideal age, and a profile picture supporting his stats. The picture was a close up of his face. It was all mis-leading, and designed to deceive. I was interested in meeting this person, and he offered to pay for round trip cab fare, which I took him up on his offer. I paid the cab knowing I would get my money back, rang the bell & felt him coming down the stairs long before he got there. When he reached the landing of his front door I was in a state of shock. I felt I was lied to, and manipulated, but being the person I am I still went upstairs with him to have a drink, and collect my money. He sat on the love seat & I sat on chair opposite to his. As we drank our cocktails I asked him why he feels the need to lie in his profile. He said, “If I told the truth I would never get to meet attractive men like you”. I felt complimented but knew he was blowing smoke up my azz to get what he wants. As we got deeper into the drink & general conversation it happens. I started feeling undressed to the point of nakedness. He asked well since you’re here can we still mess around? No we can’t I balked sighting his lack of honesty as my reason for not wanting to engagement in a sexual situation with him. You should have not taken my choice away & you might have been okay for the hook up, but not now I added. I finished my drink & was out!
Point is if you deceive a person in your profile you affectively ruin your chances of getting with that person unless the person is super horny & desperate. I’m never that!
Where to have first meeting?
·        It is always better to meet for the first time in a public place! This gives to more control, and an out if you find the person is not what you’re looking for.
·        Meeting at his house is a big risk because you never know what you are walking into.
·        Meeting at your place give you more control, but is just as risky
·        No matter where you meet I always think a rescue call is a good idea.  Have a friend call you to give you an out! If all is good & you are comfortable & feel no threat then tell friend you will get with them later.
War stories: sometimes people (Homophobes) infiltrate gay cruising sites in order to draw us out in the open & give a beat down or even kill us.
·        One young man established a online relationship & was asked to meet for a hook up in a parking lot, and when he arrive he was jumped by 4 guys & beaten to death
·        Another young man invited a date to his house, and was beaten in the head with a hammer. Perpetrator them lit a candle, blew out the pilot lights, and turn on the gas full blast.
·        Another young man went to meet his date, and was jumped, and in the process of being beat ran to get away into on coming traffic, and was struck & killed
·        Brothers leaving a club drunk & holding on to one another was perceived to be Gay and was beaten to the point of one brother died from his injuries.
·        Openly Gay man walking home from the store at night was jumped & beat to death in front of his building.
Our own people can even attack us and not even porn models are totally safe.  Popular Gay porn model was slipped a Mickey, and when he awake he was in a hotel room naked in another states.

Fahylando: I was RAPED, Life Changes, and Modeling

In closing is there such a thing as successful online dating? You be the judge! Anything is possible if the work is put into making it happen on both sides. Just because these are sex or cruising sites does not mean you can’t find the man of your dreams, but instant sexual gratification rains supreme on sites of this nature.
Dating someone you’ve met on the Internet can be a great experience but it can also be the beginning of the end of that connection. The best connections are those in which you have a lot in common with but even if you have much in common does not mean it is a connection made by the Gods.
Remember: Don’t get your hopes up, don’t go in with high expectations, and most important nothing is real until it materializes.
pridecastshow@gmail.com



Harlem Pride The New Heritage

Harlem Pride the New Heritage
June 29, 2013

This was a day that would stand out in the memories of all that attended this year annual Harlem pride event at Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem. Hosted by the famed Comedian Tammy Peay, Music mix master DJ Andre Collins, coordinated by Richard Pelzer of Mega Personalities, Community Photographer DexStar, Supporters who came out for this event was Hip Hop artist & singer baron, Neo Soul artist Nhojj who worked the stage at last year’s Harlem Pride. I look forward to this event every year & will always give my support. Mayoral candidates Christian Quinn & Anthony Weiner also came out to give their support & drum up vote so they can win the mayor’s race.


The entertainment was great as it always is this year’s lineup was as follows:

ARTIST LINE UP!
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE

You Make Me Feel Might Real: A Sylvester Concert by Anthony Wayne who performed at a local venue here in NYC blessed us with a special performance, and he turned it out. The entire time he was on stage I reflexed on a time long past but was instrumental in personal growth toward acceptance of myself. Well done Sylvester & RIP!



Also featuring: Amanda Holley, Carmen Chiles Band, Cashmere, Des Shawn’a, Destiny Devine, EdgEe, Egyptt, Exousia, House of Amazura & House of Pink Ladies, I’Wante, Jahlove, Malik So Chic, Sapphire Hart, sean360x, SHiA, Sir Charles, T-Boy featuring The Gabana Girls, Vanessa Justine & Will Sheridan



As one of the newest org in NYC designed to bring the LGBTQ community together as one united front, and give service to an area that many would consider a community grossly underserviced Harlem Pride continues to grow to be a formidable partner in this for equality. They are doing a great job. The youth are in great need of support, we have to put an end to the stigmas associated with being Gay, bullies, hate crimes & most important we have to put an end to suicide that has been destroying our community.

Carmen Nelly Executive Director & Assisting her my good friend Robert West Harlem Pride will continue to grow until they become a power in this community that has not been seen in years.



I have been a part of this movement in some form or another for almost 30 yrs. And I may have grown tired of the same ole same ole but I have not gotten tired of the fight. For an limited staffed org in its infancy to be making such a mark and impact on our community in such a short time is unheard of but they are doing it. I would not be surprised at all within the next few years Harlem Pride is fully formed, staffed and is a force to be reckoned with.

The time has come for others to join us in the fight for equality! This is a battle we are slowly but surely winning. The more we show our strength by the number we hold the faster we can bring the war for equality to an end.

United we stand divided we fall. So come out come out, come out where ever you are. The time has come for us to stop sitting back while others do the work & when the fight is won then you jump on the band wagon & reap the benefit of others hard labors. Just imagine how fast we can win this fight for equality if we all are on the front line & showing our power by the numbers we come out in. What a mighty blow we can strike if we stand together. You community needs you now! If you’re on the Down Low, Closeted, Bi-sexual or anything in-between the time is now. I know the stigma of loving people of the same gender is a hard pill to swallow with all the ignorant & oppression we face on regular bases. The time is now to kick stigma, ignorance & our oppressors in the azz & deliver the message we are here & going nowhere. Give us the rights we deserve now.

Surely you don't think MLK's the father of the civil rights movement was only fighting for blks. Oh no he along with Rosa, Malcolm, and many others fought the right to be equal no matter who you are, where you come from or what you represent you have the same rights as everyone else. You have the right to be equal & disabled any color or ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation you choose to be you are entitled to the same dignity and respect as anyone else.



Harlem World is no long a community where Black & minority people who resides and thrives in this close knit community! Harlem has become a melting pot now made up of many culture & ethnicity's  Being born & part raised in Harlem for me is nothing short of a blessing.

Harlem being a up & coming melting pot there has been calls from other members of the community for Harlem Pride to open up its eyes, minds and executive doors to be more inclusive of non-minority members of the Harlem community to sit on the Board of Directors. I have learned from a reliable source steps are being taken to integrate all of the Harlem community so all can make a difference and have a voice. Professionals are being bought in but as a long time worker in the nonprofit field it takes a long time to make things happen from conception to implementation.

Harlem Pride Slide Show


You Make Me feel Mighty Real Special Performance
By Anthony Wayne


Harlem Pride the New Heritage

The Next Super Power










Presidential LGBT/SGL Report Card


Presidential LGBT/SGL Report Card
 43 of the 44 United States Presidents had the opportunity to make a difference in LGBTQ/SGL community in the name of EQUITY.  Our 44th president Barack Obama our first Black president’s track record far exceeds the 43 before him.
LGBT Faith of African Descent & Harlem Pride Conference
October 20th, 2012

State Bldg 125th Street in Harlem, NYC

“Empowering Ourselves: Using Faith as Our Anchor”
Key Note Address & Report By: Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks, ED & CEO
National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC)
The president’s report card across the board on LGBT/ SGL Issues averaged an “A”. Not all agree but I do. Many including some blacks do not give our 44th president enough credit by thinking he could fix the issues of all the messes which were created before his presidency from A – Z

The Report On:

Family & Relationship Recognition (A)
“More needs to be done to ensure every single American is treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Obama administration will continue its work to advance the rights of LGBT/SGL Americans.”

·       Sign memorandum Expanding federal benefits for the same-sex partners of Foreign Service and executive branch government employees.
·       Called for equal treatment for same-sex adoptive parents in his presidential proclamation of national adoption month
·       Endorsed the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009 to provide full partnership benefits to federal employees.
FYI: When compared with white same-sex couples, Black same-sex couples are more likely to parent children and earn a lower income.

Marriage Equality (A+)

“Over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors, when I think about member of my staff who are in credibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids……at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me, personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that for me I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.”

·       Publically expressed his support for same-sex marriage on May 9, 2012 in an interview with Robin Roberts on ABC News.
·       Permitted military chaplains to officiate same-sex marriages where legal.
·       Spoke out against North Carolina’s Amendment One which prohibits same-sex marriage in the state.

FYI: There are almost 85,000 Black same-sex couples in the United States. African American makes up 13% of the U.S. population, while black same-sex households are 14%, of all same-sex households in the U.S.

(This is what was reported but I think the numbers are much higher when you factor in Closeted & Down Low Population in the U.S. which are hard to count because they generally keep their sexual Identity private)

Defense of Marriage Act (A)
“As we reflect on how far we have come and how far we have yet to go, let us recall that the progress we have made is built on the words and deeds of ordinary Americans”

·       Declared the Defense of Marriage Act Unconstitutional and announced that the administration will no longer defend it in court. The federal law, known as DOMA, defines marriage as a union of a man and a woman when it comes to federal laws and regulations, consequently  limiting over 1000 federal benefits such as Social Security survivors benefits and the ability to file joint taxes to opposite-sex couples
·       Endorsed the respect for Marriage Act, A legislative effort to repeal the Defense of Marriage act.
FYI: Same-sex partners are not eligible for 1,138 federal protections & benefits available to married couples, including Social Security survivor benefits, Medicaid spend-down protections, and worker compensation.

Work Place Discrimination (B+)
“Pay tributes to those who have come before us, and those who continue their work today; and let us rededicate ourselves to a task that is unending-The pursuit of Nation where all are equal, and all have the full and unfettered opportunity to pursue happiness and live openly and freely”

·       Protected LGBT federal Employees from work place discrimination by adopting an equal=opportunity employment policy that includes sexual orientation & gender identity.
·       Set a precedent in hiring LGBT employees by appointing more openly LGBT administration officials than any other president in U.S. history
·       Publicly endorsed and continue to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
·       Ordered the federal government to extend key benefits to same-sex partners od federal employees.

FYI: Black TG people have an extremely high Unemployment rate at 26%, two times the rate of the overall TG sample and four times the rate of the general population.

(I think if our 44th president is given enough time to work on the overall needs of our country including Equality for all this country would be in better shape, but still too much to strengthen out and no one can even do it in only 2 terms in office.)

Transgender Equality (A)

“From generation to generation, ordinary Americans have led a proud and inexorable march toward freedom, fairness, and full equality under the law not just some, but for all.”

·       Allowed TG American to receive true passport without reassignment surgery.
·       Ensured TG Vets receive respectful care according to their true gender through the vets Health admin.
·       Issued guidance to faster safer working environments for TG Federal employees

FYI: Reports of anti-LGBT hate violence increased by 13% from 2009 – 2010. Communities of color and TG women were disproportionally impacted by anti-LGBT motivated murder.

(I have seen too many case of Hate against the LGBT community, what is worse is very little has gone into protecting the community against hate crimes. More needs to be done especially in the police houses across the nation which shows very little concern)

Foreign Policy (A+)
“No country should deny people their rights because of who they love, whjich is why we must stand up for the right of Gays and lesbians everywhere.”

·       Implemented U.S. agency for international Development policy encouraging contractors to implement and enforce non-discrimination policies including sexual orientation & gender identity.
·       Fought for the rights of LGBT persona worldwide by co-sponsoring the first United Nations resolution focused solely on lGBT rights, and preventing the removal of sexual orientation from a United Nations resolution condemning extrajudicial killings.
·       Directed the department of State and homeland Security to ensure LGBT refugees and asylum-seekers have equal access to protection and assistance.
·       Clarified the meaning of “Family” to include LGBT relationships, helping to protect bi-national families threatened by deportation.
·       Signed into law the FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, which included the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr Hate Crime Prevention Act.
·       Led a United Nations measure to restore “sexual orientation” to the definition of human right.
·       Ended the social Security Administration’s gender “no-match”letters.
·       Created first-ever U.S. government statergy dedicated to combating human rights against LGBT persons abroad and made it clear that the United States will use the tools of American Democracy to promote LGBT right abroad.
·       Directed the Department of States to champion a comprehensive human rights agenda-one that includes the protection of the human rights of LGBT people and the elimination of crimination of LGBT status, and discrimination against LGBT people worldwide, particularly those forced to flee their homes or countries.

FYI: Since 1998, over 30 lesbians have been killed in South Africa as a result of “Corrective rape” (Rape intended to punish a lesbian and believed to change or “correct” her sexuality). Some estimate that at least ten lesbians are raped or assaulted each week in Cape Town alone.

(I have seen many disturbing images on the internet of how countries who have made homosexuality crime to the point where it is a capital punishment punishable by life in prison or death. Jamaica encourages people to kill Gays. As a result I will not purchase anything made in Jamaica.)

Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (A+)
“Because we repealed ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual American can serve their country openly, honestly and without fear of losing there jobs because of whom they love.”

·       Pushed for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in his first state of the union address, and followed through to sign the DADT Repeal Act into Law.
·       Signed the certification stating the statutory requirements for repeal of DADT have been met, ending the discriminatory law that undermines our military readiness and violates American principals of fairness and equality.

FYI: Under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Racial minorities and women were discharged at a higher rate than white males. In fact, African American women were discharged under DADT at almost 3 times the rate at which they serve in the military. Although Black Women made up less than 1% of service members, they represented 3.3% of those discharged under the policy.

(DADT was a slap in the face! How you going to tell Americans to fight for a freedom, and then tell them they can’t benefit that freedom they put their lives on the front line to protect. The Government knew from the beginning this was wrong and it only a matter of time this law would be repealed, and never should have been enacted)

Elder Care (A)
“To put us on solid ground, we should also find a bipartisan solution to strengthen Social Security for future generations. We must do it without putting at risk current retirees, the most vulnerable, or people with disabilities; without slashing benefits for the future generations; and without subjecting Americans’ guaranteed retirement income to the whims of the stock market.”

·       Created a National Resource Center for the LGBT senior and awarded a grant to Sage (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders), supporting the first community center for LGBT seniors.

FYI: Today, about 80% of long term care in the U.S. is provided by the family members, and more than two-thirds of adults who receive long-term care adults at home depend on family member as their only source of help. By contrast, LGBT elders are more likely to be single, childless, and estranged from biological family-relying on friends and community members as their chosen family.

(I think it is really hard on our elder community because of some to the reasons outlined above, but it is deeper that. The elders need to maintain their own independence, but the way medical insurance is provided leaves them out in the cold or cover for only a short period.)

Health (A+)
The question isn't how we can afford to focus on health care. The question is how we can afford not to. Because in order to fix our economic crisis and rebuild our middle class we need to fix our health care system, too.”

·       Issues a presidential memorandum directing the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary to ensure that hospitals that receive Medicare and Medicaid funds give Gay and Lesbian patients and their families the compassion, dignity and respect they deserve in difficult times.
·       Included specific data on health needs of lesbian and bisexual woman in the Health Recourses and Services Administration’s “women Health USA 2011” report for the first time.
·       Signed the affordable Care Act of 1021, A comprehensive overhaul of American’s health care system that will hold insurance companies accountable, lower health care cost, guarantee greater patient choice, and provide access to affordable coverage and protection from insurance companies that deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. It has since been upheld by the Supreme Court.
·       Ensured hospital visitation and medical decision-making rights for Gay & Lesbian patients.
·       Clarified Family and Medical Leave Act to ensure family leave for LGBT employees.
·       Complete an institute of Medicine study on LGBT Health, the first of its kind.
·       Promoted equal access to health care by enabling searches for health plans with same-sex partner benefit on healthcare.gov.

FYI: When LGBT families are deemed ineligible for health insurance benefits or COBRA, they must obtain their own insurance or go without it, creating added costs to family security.

(It’s no secret our 44th president has really taken a pro-active role in correcting to blunders of the previous administrations. Partners denied access to visit hospitalized partners because they were not biological family members. We now have a greater consideration and compassion for those alterative family units where biological families were not present. Great to have extended families in cases like this.)

HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention (A)

“To combat the HIV epidemic in the U.S., we are implementing the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy in our country’s history, which calls for strong, coordination policy initiatives, enhanced HIV/AIDS education, and collaboration across the federal government, and robust engagement with individuals, communities, and businesses across America.”

·       Ended the ban that prohibits people with HIV/AIDS from entering the U.S.
·       Renewed the U.S. commitment to creating an AIDS-free generation by setting clear and measurable targets to be achieved by 2015 on World AIDS Day.
·       Signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act.
·       Announced that the administration will invest nearly 80 million in grants to increase access to HIV/AIDS care across the U.S., an investment expected to eliminate AIDS drug resistance program ADAP waiting list.

FYI: In 2009, Black men who have sex with men (MSM) represent an estimated 73% of new infections among all black, and 37% among all MSM. New HIV infection rate among young Black MSM (aged 13 – 29) increased by 48% from 2006 – 2009

(“Our success is our great failure” A statement I heard at a Albany conference I attended which explained to some degree why the rate of new infections continue to go up in this particular demographic population. Medications that are allowing people to live long, Education/prevention tool which are in the community but not being utilized. Overall many think the danger is over, HIV is no longer a threat, and have a relaxed attitude toward this disease and it’s dangers. Designer drugs are another issue which allow people to make bad decisions but is okay because you can take a pill that will let you live longer lives, but people still continue to dies as a result of the decisions made off the knowledge provided)

Safe Schools (A)

“If there’s one goal of {the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention} it’s to dispel the myth that bullying is just a harmless rite of passage or an inevitable part of growing up. It’s not. Bullying can have destructive consequences for our young people. And it’s not something we have to accept. As parents and students teachers and communities, we can take steps that will help prevent bullying and create a climate in our schools in which all of our children can feel safe.”

·       Directed the Department of Education to issue a memo reaffirming the rights of students to form Gay-Straight Alliance and other student groups under the Equal Access Act, noting the important role they can play in promoting safer school and creating more welcoming learning environment.
·       Formed the interagency Council on Bullying Prevention and convened the first White House Conference on Bullying Prevention.
·       Launched Stopbullying.gov, A website with resources designed to assist bullied youth and their advocates- including specific information regarding LGBT bullying.
·       Directed the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights to issue guidance as a “Dear Colleague” Letter to clarify issues of bullying and violation of federal education anti-discrimination laws. The guidance explains educators’ legal obligation to protect students from student-on-student racial and national origin harassment and disability harassment.
·       Convened the first-ever LGBT-focused workshop during the 2012 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week conference in conjunction with the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC). Hosted by the White House initiative on Historically Black colleges and universities, the session aimed to develop a deeper understanding of the changes social-political climate around LGBT issues on a board national level and how that content affects HBCUs as well as the necessity of fostering welcoming and supportive climate for LGBT individuals.

FYI: Students of color who were severely harassed in school because of both their sexual orientation and race/ethnicity were more likely to miss in the past month (57%) than those who were severely harassed based on sexual orientation only (43%).
(Although I am no student or a part of a learning institution outside of my chosen profession I can still remember being bullied in school years ago, and how I had to deal with it so it would stop. Back then there were no laws in place to deter such behavior. Many years later something is finally being done to put a stop to it. Times have changed from when the only way to combat bullying was a strong offensive. That worked well during those times but these days the bullied have to contend with weapons. They also have to deal with the mental health issues which has lead too many to suicide. Something had to be done, but was it enough? We will see)

Housing (A)

“Stable housing is the foundation upon which everything else in a family’s or individual’s life is built-without a safe, affordable place to live it is much tougher to maintain good health, get a good education or reach your full potential.”

·       Released American’s first comprehensive plan to prevent and end homelessness, which includes homeless LGBT youth.
·       Announced Department of Housing and Urban Development new housing rule protecting against housing discrimination based on Sexual orientation and gender Identity.

FYI: An alarming 41% of Black transgender respondents said they had experiences homelessness at some point in their lives, over five times the rate of the general U.S. population. Of those who had experience homelessness, many tried to access shelters but were either denied access altogether (40%) or experience harassment (61%), Physical assaulted (32%), or sexual assaulted (31%) at the Shelter.

(Homelessness has continued to be a problem for many of LGBT community, and has never been limited to the transgender population. The rate is high and so many factors are contributed to this rather high level. Youth which are displaced from the family units because of sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS before or after homelessness, abuse (Physical, sexual, or mental) leading displacement. This continues to be a problem but organizations are doing what can be done to combat this problem. Providing transitional housing for the youth which are safe and helps to address the issue which will stabilize them in life! Tools to live independently after transition houses will no longer carry them due to age. The homeless population of the LGBT has many challenges as a result of not having a stable environment to thrive in. Living on the streets, and doing illegal acts to support themselves, prostitution, and drug addiction leading to HIV/AIDS. Point is many issues to deal with and great to see some of these issues that can be addressed are being addressed.)

National Black Justice Coalition
Post Office Box 71395
Washington, DC 20024
Office: (202)319-1552
Info@NBJC.org