From the Executive Director

What's New

This month, APLA's African American Gay Men's Health Initiative (AAGMHI) hosted RISE, a pilot HIV/AIDS intervention for African American men who have sex with men (MSM).

RISE, an acronym for Rewriting Inner Scripts, blends elements of an informal rap group with structured exercises aimed at reducing HIV risk by building participants' self-worth and reducing the feelings of oppression sometimes experienced in the African American gay community. Research has shown that those who lack self-esteem may be less likely to participate in disease prevention programs, including those that target HIV.

"African American gay men often face homophobia, racism and ostracism," explains Terry Smith, APLA's associate director of education. "Until you address that internalized shame, even the best prevention interventions won't be as effective."

Recent studies suggest that one in three African American gay men may be HIV-positive in Los Angeles County, and nationwide, that number may significantly be higher.

Profile

On Sunday, March 2, more than 220 runners completed the Los Angeles Marathon with the National AIDS Marathon Training Program, raising more than $500,000 for APLA. Shawnn Slaughter was one of those runners. Several Saturdays each month, Shawnn rose early to join his running group at Griffith Park -- after making the 270-mile drive from his home in Las Vegas.

"As a 22-year HIV survivor, it's important for me to raise money to help people living with AIDS -- and I run to show that HIV doesn't have to slow you down," Shawnn explains. "It's worth an eight-hour drive."

Since he began training in October, he has overcome injuries to run more than 250 miles -- roughly equivalent to one L.A.-to-Vegas trip. Read more about Shawnn's marathon journey on his blog for The Advocate or support our newest group of AIDS Marathoners who will head to the San Francisco Marathon on August 3.

Giving

For five years, Michael Becker has served on the executive committee of the Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.). A long-time fan of the show (which plays March 8 and 9 at the Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills and benefits APLA), Michael boosts ticket sales, contributes auction items and compiles the event tribute book.

But after hearing about APLA's international care prevention and advocacy efforts, he decided to do more.

"In many parts of the world, AIDS is devastating communities and shows no sign of slowing," he says, "and I’m impressed that APLA is partnering with international organizations to lend our support abroad. I want to make sure that work can continue."

That’s why Michael, a retired trust administration specialist, decided to include APLA in his legacy giving plan.

"For years, I helped others arrange support for charitable causes through wills, bequests and other planned giving tools," he explains. "Now, I want to do my part to make sure that APLA's work can continue."

For more information on planned giving, call 213.201.1564 or send an e-mail.

Take Action

On February 27, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs announced a bipartisan compromise bill to reauthorize the President's Emergency Plan to Fight AIDS (PEPFAR). The new bill funds the Global HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria initiative at $50 billion over five years, an increase over the $30 billion that President Bush had requested. The compromise legislation also overturns the controversial and ineffective one-third abstinence-only requirement that applies to global HIV/AIDS prevention funding.

Government Affairs staff at APLA circulated a letter to the Committee, and were among the only advocates in the nation who worked to ensure that the bill also includes the first-ever language regarding prevention, care and treatment targeted at men who have sex with men (MSM). These services are largely unavailable around the globe, with just one in 20 MSM having access to HIV prevention and treatment services, while studies show MSM in low- and middle-income countries are at elevated risk for HIV infection compared to the general population.

Once approved by the House, the bill will move on to the Senate. You can keep track of this and other important legislation by joining APLA's activist network "In the Loop" today.

Photo of the Month

Hosts David Cooley of the Abbey and actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, with fiancé Ross McCall (right), at the February 24 "The Envelope Please," APLA's annual Oscar® viewing party. The event raised nearly $500,000 for APLA.

The Last Word

"It's common in aging. And it's common in the gay community, especially in Southern California, where youth and being new and vibrant are valued."