tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9945316119901001712024-03-19T10:02:26.936-07:00HIV Smarts - Voices From NJWANUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-79816022060892513032012-08-30T13:27:00.001-07:002012-08-30T13:28:56.437-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> INTERNS WANTED!!!!</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTdeWdtu7F4h2L4MZyKwPXUQf2OJtbtC2v9ZpGGgi7PTT5rH8hMtrCg3_QoICdNyKO3Jp8vNPq2tsHii1L0A_4JIVRHLfTCAcJrdCU4VVYSv6z0O6VNwdrRkct6GFCYZAQpiqFyeo8mEz/s1600/internwanted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTdeWdtu7F4h2L4MZyKwPXUQf2OJtbtC2v9ZpGGgi7PTT5rH8hMtrCg3_QoICdNyKO3Jp8vNPq2tsHii1L0A_4JIVRHLfTCAcJrdCU4VVYSv6z0O6VNwdrRkct6GFCYZAQpiqFyeo8mEz/s1600/internwanted.png" /></a></div>
<br />
New Jersey Women and AIDS Network is searching for Special Events and Social Media Interns!<br />
<br />
Do you have what it takes? Check out the descriptions down below. Send all SERIOUS Inquiries to <a href="mailto:office@njwan.org">office@njwan.org</a><br />
<br />
<strong>SPECIAL EVENTS INTERNS</strong><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Special Events Intern works directly with NJWAN’s
Special Event and Volunteer Coordinator in planning and promoting events. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">This internship will allow the
student to assist in raising awareness and funds for The New Jersey Women &
AIDS Network, while gaining experience in planning and promotion of special
events. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is flexible position that
allows students to learn all aspects of event planning, marketing and
fundraising. The position will engage students with opportunities for public
relations, event promotion and planning, and development experiences.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Responsibilities: <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Event Planning <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Contact vendors <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Work with committees and/or volunteers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Attend
planning committee meetings <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Organize materials
and timelines as needed<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Help to
establish logistics for the events <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Public Relations/Marketing <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Assist
with recruitment/fundraising <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Utilize
social media to promote events<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Skills Needed: <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Detail
oriented Creative, some graphic design experience helpful <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Proficient
in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Great
written and verbal communication skills, experience with Facebook, Twitter and
Pinterest.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Time
Commitment and Compensation: Minimum 8-10 hours a week unpaid internship. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Interested applicants should send
application, resume, writing samples and cover letter.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNS</span></strong></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Social Media Interns will work directly with NJWAN
staff in posting information, connecting with agencies and networks, and
promoting events. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">This
internship will allow the student to assist in raising awareness and using
their personal and social skills for The New Jersey Women & AIDS Network.
Students will gain more experience in using social media on a professional
level. This is flexible position that allows students to use Twitter, Facebook,
& You Tube as their contribution to the agency.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Responsibilities:
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Write interesting blog posts about sex,
sexuality, HIV/AIDS, Contraception, Women’s Health etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Create videos for the agency on sex tips,
HIV/AIDS Info, Events etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Tweet and Post on FB about latest news, and
what’s new in the agency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Attend Social Media Meetings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Organize a Social Media Schedule for the
agency<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">S</span>kills Needed: <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Great
written and verbal communication skills, experience with Facebook, Blogging, Twitter
and YouTube (or making short videos).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Time
Commitment and Compensation: Minimum 8-10 hours a week unpaid internship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Interested applicants should send
a link to where we can find your work, blog, youtube, fb etc, resume, and a
cover letter stating why and how social media can make an impact on community
service agencies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">SEND ALL SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY TO OFFICE@NJWAN.ORG<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-50731728559963390252012-08-13T12:11:00.001-07:002012-08-13T12:11:27.603-07:00Tips,Tricks, and Fun Facts About Getting It On<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Find Out What You Might Be Missing Out On!!!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<ol>
<li style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 150%;">During 30 minutes
of active sex, the average person burns approximately 200 calories.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;"> Statistics show
that approximately 90% of men and 65% of women masturbate from time to time.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">Get extra
clitoral stimulation in the classic 'spoons' position with a simple body twist.
Lying on your left sides, place your right leg over the top of his and your
left leg between his. Now position yourself so you're almost flat on your back.
Grip his right leg and grind away - this is a sure-fire route to orgasm for
you.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">The hotter the
room, the fiercer the orgasm. </span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 150%;">Vasocongestion,
or the heat flush on your skin, is akin to blushing from sex.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">Statistics
suggest that approximately one in every five Americans has indulged in sex with
a colleague at work.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">One out of
seventeen, or 400,000,000 people have sex a day. 4,000 people are doing it
right now!</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">The average
length of a man’s penis (when erect) is 5-7 inches.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">Average number of
calories in a teaspoon of semen is seven.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">Men have an
average 11 erections per day.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">Colors create a
sexy mood. Red, dark blue and violet are the three most erotic colorswith grey
being the least erotic.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">Feed your man
cinnamon, cardamom, peppermint and lemon if you're planning to give him oral
pleasure. </span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 150%;">It will make his semen taste
nicer.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">The pelvic spasms
caused by an orgasm move sperm up stream towards fertilizing your eggs.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">The endorphins
released during sex relieve headaches.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">The fastest speed
a sex sensation can travel from your vagina to your brain has been recorded as
a speed of 156 mph.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">Cutting off
oxygen to your brain to feel a strong new sensation during sex causes around
500 American deaths every year.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;"> During sexual
intercourse, in addition to the genitals and breasts, the inner nose also
swells.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;"> The clitoris
contains twice as many nerve fibers as the penis at 8,000.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;"> It tends to be
easier for women to orgasm during ovulation than at any other time in their
cycle.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">Inside the female
body, sperm cells can survive for up to nine days.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 150%;">Eat avocado to
get in the mood for love. It's loaded with the feel-good, pleasure-intensifying
substance, phenylethylamine.</span></li>
</ol>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-11495339103898594122012-08-06T11:18:00.001-07:002012-08-06T11:18:42.422-07:00Why Get Tested<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyetDpcIe98GixIDz0Ssp_h3bPWAd1d2SukgEz2meriqCpYw85I4E6oxmTJUp2vQMISQ34pNCqq3PeiHDVNUqYXRizOmFyeiQJcvVgHdnqg13KpmGSFEYSZU51vtWzrw8m0iDgXVu_FVvl/s1600/National_HIV_Testing_Day_2010_freecomputerdesktopwallpaper_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyetDpcIe98GixIDz0Ssp_h3bPWAd1d2SukgEz2meriqCpYw85I4E6oxmTJUp2vQMISQ34pNCqq3PeiHDVNUqYXRizOmFyeiQJcvVgHdnqg13KpmGSFEYSZU51vtWzrw8m0iDgXVu_FVvl/s320/National_HIV_Testing_Day_2010_freecomputerdesktopwallpaper_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: #882222; color: seashell; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Often times people are scared to get tested, but it is extremely important to do so. Here are some reasons why.</span></div>
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1. The earlier you get tested, the better chance you have to be treated and live a healthier and longer life.</div>
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2. Knowing your status is extremely important! If you are HIV negative you can learn more about how you can remain HIV negative and if you are HIV positive, you can seek out treatment.</div>
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3. Testing is very quick and there are many clinics and organizations that will test you for free.</div>
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4. Getting tested means protecting yourself and any others.</div>
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5. The HIV virus can be passed on to infants through breast milk so if you are pregnant or thinking about having a child, testing is essential. </div>
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6. If you are or have ever engaged in unprotected sex or needle sharing, you are at risk.</div>
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7. When you are informed of your status, you gain more control over your health. Being aware of what is going on in your body is essential to leading a healthy life.</div>
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8. If you are infected, you could pass the HIV virus to others unknowingly.</div>
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9. By getting tested you are playing a huge role in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS.</div>
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10. You can not tell if someone has HIV by just looking at them. The only way to ensure your own safety is to be tested.</div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-17714714275766677592012-08-06T10:58:00.003-07:002012-08-06T11:10:06.400-07:00MTV Casting Call<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGGaX1bqD4kpNKGsFSs4V5sfOmuWMj8a1FKXpJpdU4fqs3LMF0pl_feWU74feubqOKjef2hLTYDu-PabFD99h2xMn6TV-d5tJVs-1I12Sqe3GMelNG9VfCu4KbFSC71gdI7lcVizaAhWH/s1600/mtv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGGaX1bqD4kpNKGsFSs4V5sfOmuWMj8a1FKXpJpdU4fqs3LMF0pl_feWU74feubqOKjef2hLTYDu-PabFD99h2xMn6TV-d5tJVs-1I12Sqe3GMelNG9VfCu4KbFSC71gdI7lcVizaAhWH/s320/mtv.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As part of a long-standing, broader commitment to sexual health issues, MTV is currently casting for a documentary special about HIV/AIDS in America today as seen through the eyes of young people living with the disease. They are looking for HIV positive people who appear to be between the ages of 16-24 to share personal stories of how HIV has affected their lives, including both the challenges they face as well as how they have triumphed. MTV is looking to explore the everyday life experiences of those who are positive in their friendships and intimate relationships, work, family and hopes for the future.<br />
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If you are HIV positive and want to reach and inspire other young people, MTV wants to hear from you.
If you appear to be between the ages of 16 and 24 and want to be a part of this television special please email MTV as soon as possible at: mtvspecials@gmail.com Include the city and state you live in, your contact details, a picture and why you want to share your story on MTV. Also, let them know if you are currently pursuing any specific goals relating to school, career, or relationship.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-1105088947060720212012-08-06T10:56:00.001-07:002012-08-06T10:57:42.589-07:00My Teen is Pregnant... and so Am I<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://starcasm.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/My_Teen_Is_Pregnant_And_So_Am_I_Liz_Ann-490x367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://starcasm.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/My_Teen_Is_Pregnant_And_So_Am_I_Liz_Ann-490x367.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>'Teen Mom'</b> and <b>'16 & Pregnant'</b> watch out cause there's a new show on the block! TLC's new series <b>"My Teen Is Pregnant and So Am I" </b>chronicles the lives of teen girls who are expecting--at the same time as their mothers.</div>
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The show, which premiered on August 1st, highlighted the journey of 17-year old Liz Forbes and 36-year old Ann Golden, both from Oklahoma City, who found out they were pregnant just a month apart from one another. Liz admits that she "wanted the attention to be on [her] and her baby" and was not too happy about the news of her mother's pregnancy. Ann revealed that she indeed did "[want] to be the grandma and...help her and coach her through things" but has found herself in the same situation as her daughter.</div>
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The premiere of show raises some very interesting questions. The most prominent being, where should the distinction between being close 'friend' with your child and being a parent to your child lies. Ann maintains that she would rather have a close girlfriend/confidante relationship with her daughter as opposed to a heavily strict parental one.While Ann may fall victim to the critical eye, Liz maintains that "her being hard on me is not going to change the fact that it happened...I know that she was dissapointed and everything, but she didn't let it show too much."<br />
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Watch a clip from the show's pilot episode:<br />
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<b>'My Teen Is Pregnant And So Am I' airs Wednesday, August 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on TLC.
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What do you think about this show? Will you be tuning in?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-79119050879504000732012-08-03T12:03:00.002-07:002012-08-03T12:03:25.181-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE 2012</span></u></b></div>
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Stop Waiting!...One of the many performances at the 2012 International AIDS conference!</div>
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Upbeat performance at the 2012 International AIDS conference...Turning The Tide Together! </div>
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Naina Khanna from Positive Women's Network, takes to the streets chanting "Women's rights will turn the tide!"</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-78004855624946133182012-08-03T12:03:00.001-07:002012-08-03T12:03:22.052-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE 2012</span></u></b>
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Jamar Rogers, winner of singing competition The Voice and an HIV positive individual himself, opens up for the Global Village 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington D.C.!</div>
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Native American drum group plays "Healing Song" at the 2012 International AIDS Conference!</div>
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Activists Protest for AIDS Housing in D.C.</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-11581904188029094412012-08-03T11:20:00.000-07:002012-08-03T11:20:16.529-07:00Garden State Equality’s Dialogue Day with Chick-Fil-A<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi, everyone. Today, Friday, August 3, 2012 is Garden State Equality’s Dialogue Day with Chick-Fil-A. If you live or work in New Jersey, we’d like you to call the operator of your nearest Chick-Fil-A restaurant in New Jersey today, to ask him or her to meet with a local group of Garden State Equality members. We want the operators to see and hear in person how the national owners’ anti-LGBT advocacy hurts real people deeply – families, couples and children who yearn for equality. We ask you to call today even if you personally may not be able to join such a meeting.<br />
Instructions:<br />
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1. Below please find a list of the 22 Chick-Fil-A stores across New Jersey with the store locations, phone numbers and individual operators’ names. Ask for the operator by name. If he or she isn’t there, you can ask to speak to the senior manager on duty.<br />
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2. When you call, say: “I’m a member of Garden State Equality and we want equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We know the national owners of Chick-Fil-A don’t believe in equality, but we hope you may be fair. We believe in talking and mutual respect. Are you willing to meet a group of us in the next few weeks?”<br />
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3. If the owner says no, express your pain, not anger, as you conclude the conversation quickly and respectfully. Respond: “I’m hurt you won’t meet us. I’ll let others know. I wish you well.” Please do not engage in hostility. We advocate equality in love.<br />
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4. If the owner says maybe, respond: “Then I’m going to call you back on Monday, is that okay?” Then please do call back on Monday.<br />
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5. If the owner says yes, respond: “That’s great. Before we set up a day and time, I’m going to talk to others to see their schedules. I’m going to call you back next week, is that okay?”<br />
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6. Then please email Chick@GardenStateEquality.org your name and your phone number, the location below of the Chick-Fil-A you called – that’s important so we know which Chick-Fil-A you’re talking about – and the operator’s response, whether yes, no or maybe. If the operator said yes, we will call you and other Garden State Equality members in your area next week so we can coordinate schedules to do the meeting.<br />
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We understand that activists in other states are staging “kiss-ins” at Chick-Fil-A stores. We respect everyone who engages in the activism that inspires them. At Garden State Equality, we’re aiming for something beyond one day. We aim to start dialogues wherever we can. We want everyone to see the love and commitment of families with LGBT people – indeed, to see all people as real people. That, we believe, is the basis of winning equality everywhere.<br />
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Thank you all so much. Immediately below is the list of the 22 Chick-Fil-A stores in New Jersey with their phone numbers and names of the store operators. If the spirit moves you, please consider making a $13.00 donation today to Garden State Equality – that’s what it would cost a couple to eat a typical Chick-Fil-A meal. A $26.00 donation would represent the cost for a family of four. You can donate online at www.GardenStateEquality.org<br />
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Audubon, (856) 547-0815, operator Charles Bohs<br />
Cherry Hill, Marlton Pike, (856) 488-9117, operator Dave Curran<br />
Cherry Hill, Haddonfield Road, (856) 488-1600, operator Dave Curran<br />
Delran, (856) 764-0765, operator Sal Miliziano<br />
Deptford, Clements Bridge Road, (856) 853-0425, operator Doug Clark<br />
Deptford, Deptford Mall, (856) 848-7712, operator Christian McGrory<br />
Eatontown, (732) 542-2243, operator Jeff Bassett
Edison, (732) 548-6024, operator Travis Biggs
Egg Harbor, (609) 407-4900, operator Amy McCloy<br />
Galloway, the Stockton College Chick-Fil-A is closed for the summer. Please call the next closest store.
Hamilton, (609) 581-7601, operator John Velarde<br />
Howell, (732) 730-9033, operator Ted Reim<br />
Marlton, (856) 985-4391, operator Brian Bowman<br />
Mount Laurel, Centerton Road, (856) 439-2696, operators Brian Bowman or Bob Mancini<br />
Mount Laurel, (856) 778-1900, Nixon Drive, operator Bob Mancini<br />
Paramus, (201) 967-9494, operator Ken Walsh<br />
Sewell, (856) 464-2277, operator Jeff Price
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Sicklerville, (856) 262-0002, operator Burley Clark<br />
Turnersville, (856) 228-2111, operator Burley Clark<br />
Vineland, (856) 327-4414, operator Phil Kelley
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Voorhees, (856) 772-2201, operator Zach Johnson<br />
Woodbridge, (732) 634-8981, operator Jim StroleUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-91188713052934340152012-08-01T10:54:00.000-07:002012-08-01T10:58:28.340-07:00NJWAN Goes to the 2012 International AIDS Conference<span style="text-align: justify;">The </span><b style="text-align: justify;">New Jersey Women and AIDS Network</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> attended
the </span><b style="text-align: justify;">19th International AIDS Conference </b><span style="text-align: justify;">which
was held in Washington, DC last week. After
participating in workshops, marches, performances, and networking events, we are eager to share a few of our experiences.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-CA">The Global
Village</span></h2>
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<span lang="EN-CA">We spent our
time in the <b><a href="http://www.aids2012.org/Default.aspx?pageId=429">Global Village</a></b> section of
the conference: the only portion of the conference that was <i>open and free to the public</i>. Here,
activists, professionals, youth, and ordinary people from around the world
gathered to share knowledge, ideas, and experiences through workshops,
performances, art, and networking. Performances included <i>the Female Condom Show, De Colores Trans Fashion Show, and “Safe,
Stupid, or What?”</i> and not only entertained the diverse audience, but
engaged individuals in unique methods of HIV prevention, discussion, and
activism.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">The Rise of
the Female Condom</span></h2>
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<span lang="EN-CA">One of the issues
of interest during the <b>Global Village</b>
was raising awareness about the female condom. During the session “<b>From 'No Way' to 'Yay': Community Engagement in
Female Condom Programming</b>,” we listened to panelists talk about
interventions around the globe that have successfully encouraged men and women
to talk about and try out the female condom as a tool for HIV prevention. We
learned about new developments in female condom technology such as the:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><span lang="EN-CA">Cupid Condom </span></b><span lang="EN-CA">by Cupid </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-CA">Ltd</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> - which has recently been approved and
is starting to enter the market globally as an effective tool to prevent
against pregnancy and STIs, such as HIV.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <b> </b></span></span><span lang="EN-CA"><b>Women’s Condom</b> - which is
currently undergoing approval.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">After
learning about these exciting developments, we are eager to stay up to date and
share the research and current events with you.</span></div>
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<h2>
<span lang="EN-CA">The Workshops</span></h2>
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<span lang="EN-CA">During an
interactive workshop on disclosing HIV status in relationships, <b>NJWAN</b> participated in various
activities to start the conversation on how to disclose HIV status to an
intimate partner and when it is okay to disclose. Different scenarios of
situations were offered and we were to decide whether or not we would disclose. It was
a great activity and conversation starter – an activity we would like to
include in our programs for HIV positive women.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-CA">The March on
Washington</span></h2>
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/561035_427306387320110_1536735760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/561035_427306387320110_1536735760_n.jpg" width="240" alt="NJWAN at IAC2012" /></a><span lang="EN-CA">Beyond
workshops, presentations, networking, and performances, the true show of the
sheer power and commitment of <b>HIV/AIDS activists </b>emerged on July 24<sup>th</sup>
where passionate and energetic individuals from the Global Village – and even
motivated conference attendees encouraged by the mobilization – marched “out of
the halls and into the streets” to march and to rally in support of the message
that: <b>“We Can End AIDS!”</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">As a whole, the
<b>2012 International AIDS Conference</b> was
a very great learning experience. We are thankful for the opportunity to engage
with individuals affected by HIV, explore new developments in the field, and gain
global perspectives and strategies. </span>Join us as we utilize everything learned to revamp NJWAN’s
efforts in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS among women! </div>
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<b><span lang="EN-CA">To view photos from NJWAN's time at the 2012 International AIDS conference, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.426701810713901.118066.113956731988412&type=1">click here</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-79483768357931273322012-03-09T10:11:00.002-08:002012-03-09T11:35:50.733-08:00National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day<a href="http://aids.gov/images/logo-national-women-girls-hiv-awareness.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 139px;" src="http://aids.gov/images/logo-national-women-girls-hiv-awareness.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />A mother... A daughter... A niece... A friend... A sister.... A grandmother... An aunt... somewhere is living with HIV. <br /><br />National Women and Girls HIV Awareness day is about making people aware of the impact that HIV has had on the women's health community as a whole. The nationwide observance is celebrated in many different ways, but mostly by events that support women infected and affected by HIV, and by getting tested. Just knowing your status can save a life and many others. <br /><br /> On this day we encourage people to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health" (OWH).<br /><br />New Jersey has the highest rate of HIV among women across the country, that says to us we need to do more than just talk about it. Women, need to get tested, focus more on protecting themselves and if they are diagnosed with HIV they need treatment. <br /><br />Check out the InCare Campaign message below, a quality improvement initiative focusing on retaining patients living with HIV in care and preventing them from falling out of care. <br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yKUAty1ozKI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />North Jersey AIDS Alliance dba NJCRI is hosting I'm Free To Be Me...HIV FREE<br />An event that allows health care professionals to give presentations, answer questions, and provide free screenings. There will be women and girls living with HIV/AIDS sharing their stories or an expert to talk about the history of HIV/AIDS, including setbacks and progress that has been made.<br /><br />Date: 3/10/2012 <br />Time: 10:00 am<br /><br />Location: <br />NJCRI<br />393 Central Avenue<br />2nd and 3rd Floor Conference Rooms<br />Newark, NJ 07103Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-44718211782484589952012-02-21T07:37:00.000-08:002012-02-21T12:08:27.040-08:00Fundraiser in Red Bank NJ Held to Support Marriage EqualityOver the weekend, The Garden State Equality held a free wine and cheese open house in Red Bank, NJ for all their members to show their love and appreciation. The New Jersey Women and Aids Network were one of those privileged to attend the fundraiser at the Hip and Humble Home, for marriage equality. The home furnishing store was gracious enough to donate 25% of all purchases that day to Garden State Equality's campaign to override Governor Christie's veto of the marriage equality bill. <br /><br />The invitation read: "212 LGBT civil rights laws at the state, county and local levels in New Jersey our founding in 2004--and now we're one of only three states in American history to pass a marriage equality. Those are your achievements, dear members."<br /><br />The event was a success bringing in a diverse group of individuals to talk about the community, political views, the upcoming election, marriage equality, occupy wall street,economy, LGBT rights, education etc. Among us were lawyers, activists, retired non-profit workers, and business owners, all in one room for a common purpose. Equality. <br /><br />Check out some pics from the event down below!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpI3YJeeFoW9V4Z9tPNY_QpA8UjTz3VNOYM_xeDUoop2EpHkzazXGTDnhE05XtAkPfsnJ3yWWKIQBFKg8a1BBbczCd46Akr4Q4bIXWEDxwMeABcfirB6gNCEY8cz6XhTFac3SJ7VNcpAR/s1600/IMAG0410.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpI3YJeeFoW9V4Z9tPNY_QpA8UjTz3VNOYM_xeDUoop2EpHkzazXGTDnhE05XtAkPfsnJ3yWWKIQBFKg8a1BBbczCd46Akr4Q4bIXWEDxwMeABcfirB6gNCEY8cz6XhTFac3SJ7VNcpAR/s320/IMAG0410.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711628793647410882" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9CsXbXk67Rx3-N-9PsaaDLMvnBOkDVhkx8G3cAI3_g1ETObB0HImzOEfWo4I2pvi5yfV6q8qVYUW1QE6TZPwI3aeM0byhXx7KrIavcp0TejhGNsPcQr11wJzpMAfAtkBXg961cYbg2wk/s1600/IMAG0401.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9CsXbXk67Rx3-N-9PsaaDLMvnBOkDVhkx8G3cAI3_g1ETObB0HImzOEfWo4I2pvi5yfV6q8qVYUW1QE6TZPwI3aeM0byhXx7KrIavcp0TejhGNsPcQr11wJzpMAfAtkBXg961cYbg2wk/s320/IMAG0401.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711628751780036194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvH-MA3McLIclxQKU2SIScHCeVKB-XUNdI1V-Z6r4Tuy1jCvW5ef0798KVGbr1XCGnMRkCPxrYnMxmLiEQHwq_jg0IcBJA2V3zp2kyGD3uk8vNKTWCjVaXZ-6f-ZZfZPwsWraHGZ6VwFl/s1600/IMAG0412.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvH-MA3McLIclxQKU2SIScHCeVKB-XUNdI1V-Z6r4Tuy1jCvW5ef0798KVGbr1XCGnMRkCPxrYnMxmLiEQHwq_jg0IcBJA2V3zp2kyGD3uk8vNKTWCjVaXZ-6f-ZZfZPwsWraHGZ6VwFl/s320/IMAG0412.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711628748783474994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAaJbowo554v50_Qv2OjEnwqi9NK9kbTBzJIrpiNLF4uMdMoKRtloH5XjC7WxiKnVa8c6CGzuDLz3PV5JZh-8dsoYekfwhOibM-TeH-1HQO__o4jgmf2R5uY3D3FrvrQkSVLGPZZ1ueLA/s1600/IMAG0413.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAaJbowo554v50_Qv2OjEnwqi9NK9kbTBzJIrpiNLF4uMdMoKRtloH5XjC7WxiKnVa8c6CGzuDLz3PV5JZh-8dsoYekfwhOibM-TeH-1HQO__o4jgmf2R5uY3D3FrvrQkSVLGPZZ1ueLA/s320/IMAG0413.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711625636017058658" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUQ4DCL38nrsumFMm_YDMkldAYuwGXeYhQAF4ocoH-yKtrpCY5yw16-qqRvvBFqWXKD6vQESM1Gpj6fUCZJnSQyTq8abPyUaMRyVDYXnLyiRE5BI4P_c1knygnJu5N5tPiBKQyVYyTPfo/s1600/IMAG0414.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUQ4DCL38nrsumFMm_YDMkldAYuwGXeYhQAF4ocoH-yKtrpCY5yw16-qqRvvBFqWXKD6vQESM1Gpj6fUCZJnSQyTq8abPyUaMRyVDYXnLyiRE5BI4P_c1knygnJu5N5tPiBKQyVYyTPfo/s320/IMAG0414.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711625613373928162" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IjX4HkyzgYejPFtRGrihyphenhyphen0gk1ifa84WDVtwvTQOWlrzLF-KBGmiW5tg3REciV0YVOgUUyp0mI8Xx_T4QSGTRbcbcdkeNdx1ev_duNvUmdmbtWQo1oFT50W-OUlbuFuVajTQ_GvtSWJxn/s1600/IMAG0417.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IjX4HkyzgYejPFtRGrihyphenhyphen0gk1ifa84WDVtwvTQOWlrzLF-KBGmiW5tg3REciV0YVOgUUyp0mI8Xx_T4QSGTRbcbcdkeNdx1ev_duNvUmdmbtWQo1oFT50W-OUlbuFuVajTQ_GvtSWJxn/s320/IMAG0417.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711625605109999314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiYPhQVbJUbqPe5vhlUJIaNovK_9vAU1BvKIQfDGdm01d7BDBm-KDW0E74jvmfNcda0XcaNmecf-NRY-2ubCq0xli8cuw1bwqKFiywe-Wz5QjYIdNJ2pzN-ZzYvo0mao-KLIwlPfoJTLA/s1600/IMAG0418.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiYPhQVbJUbqPe5vhlUJIaNovK_9vAU1BvKIQfDGdm01d7BDBm-KDW0E74jvmfNcda0XcaNmecf-NRY-2ubCq0xli8cuw1bwqKFiywe-Wz5QjYIdNJ2pzN-ZzYvo0mao-KLIwlPfoJTLA/s320/IMAG0418.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711625589123296466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjun2hnl4k1kBOq0lnwvFTZIuGjQ5qUBT2fUOV-QO5GmgvvN6AwzRAL6ixkNYYGRy3_4I3qhPLEn7pD-IucJ7PyBMKjCuDTPEn3Vbc0K4Z6QdPEHJqrBJ93u_MK6B5cVtFc7JLqdJysbz9j/s1600/IMAG0419.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjun2hnl4k1kBOq0lnwvFTZIuGjQ5qUBT2fUOV-QO5GmgvvN6AwzRAL6ixkNYYGRy3_4I3qhPLEn7pD-IucJ7PyBMKjCuDTPEn3Vbc0K4Z6QdPEHJqrBJ93u_MK6B5cVtFc7JLqdJysbz9j/s320/IMAG0419.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711625584087784530" /></a><br /><br />We'd like to personally thank the members of Garden State Equality for the invite!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-33950762915146356062012-02-01T07:05:00.000-08:002012-02-01T07:08:44.989-08:00The Republican Plan to Defund Planned Parenthood is WorkingDear Friend,<br /><br />The Republican plan to defund Planned Parenthood is working -- but if we<br />take action now we may be able to stop the latest attack on women's right<br />to health care.<br /><br />It was just announced that Susan G. Komen for a Cure, America's largest<br />charity to fight breast cancer, will no longer fund a program that<br />provides free or low-cost breast cancer screenings for millions of women<br />who get their health care from Planned Parenthood.1 This is a huge blow.<br /><br />In abruptly pulling nearly $1,000,000 in funding for breast cancer<br />screenings, Susan G. Koman foundation cited a sham "investigation" into<br />Planned Parenthood launched by Republican Rep. Cliff Stearns, one of the<br />most militant anti-choice members of Congress.2 We have to stand up and<br />fiercely defend Planned Parenthood -- and show Susan G. Komen and others<br />who are considering caving to the radical right that we will not let<br />extremists defund health care for women that includes reproductive<br />services.<br /><br />I told the board of Susan G. Komen: Don't throw Planned Parenthood under<br />the bus! Don't cave to anti-woman extremists and cut off funding for<br />breast cancer screenings at the largest provider of health care for women.<br />I hope you will too. You can get more information and sign the petition at<br />the link below.<br /><br />http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/komen_2/?r_by=-5026300-yirnsTx&rc=mailto1Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-84714377128567496982012-01-30T07:26:00.000-08:002012-01-30T07:56:26.240-08:00Social Media Experiment to Eliminate HIV<span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><blockquote></blockquote><span style="font-style:italic;">Business and social media leaders teamed up Friday to tackle the transmission of HIV from mothers to babies, saying the medicine and the money are largely in place, and with the right organizational skills they can eliminate HIV-infected births by 2015.</span> - Associated Press<br /><br />So the plan is to use the power of social networking to increase the awareness of HIV/Aids in children. Women need to receive antiretroviral drugs to prevent the virus being passed to their unborn babies. If this can happen reports are stating that in 2015 there should be a significant decrease in the amount of children born with HIV. Instead of saying zero children will be born infected with the virus, in reality about only 13% of women will most likely unavoidably transmit the virus to their children. <br /><br />I've already started seeing commercials that encourages everyone to "start a virus to end a virus" <br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mwtXC005IxQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote>"<span style="font-style:italic;">The long-term vision is for this to be a group of thousands or millions of people who can all broadcast in a coordinated manner where there is a global crisis."<br />Other business leaders involved in the project include Dominic Barton, managing director of consulting firm McKinsey & Co., and Cynthia Carroll, CEO of the mining company Anglo American PLC.<br />"AIDS," Carroll said, "should not be a disease of children.</span>"<br /><br />What do you think is the best way to stop the transmission of HIV from mother to child...and more?<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-11712092044705150722012-01-19T08:59:00.000-08:002012-01-19T09:03:39.887-08:00Equality - The American Dream **Attention LGBT NJ YOUTH**<span style="font-weight:bold;">ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012 AT 11:00 AM, THE NEW JERSEY SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE IS HOLDING A HEARING AND VOTE ON S. 1, THE NEWLY REINTRODUCED MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL. JOIN US! ARRIVE AS EARLY AS YOU CAN.<br /><br />Please meet us as early as possible on Tuesday morning at the State House, 125 West State Street, Trenton. You can park at the Trenton Marriott, 1 West Lafayette Street, only three blocks from the State House, and then walk to the State House. You cannot arrive too early. We will be at the State House at the crack of dawn. The hearing room will be jammed and our anti-equality opponents intend to pack the room. Please wear your EQUALITY The American Dream t-shirt from two years ago if you have one. If ever there was a day to take off from work - which we don't ask you too often - this is it, history in the making.<br /><br />WE ARE COMPILING WITNESSES TO TESTIFY FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY. We are specifically seeking:<br /><br />Civil union couples who have faced difficulties with the civil union law.<br />Civil union couples who want to talk about what the deprivation of marriage equality means to them.<br />Clergy.<br />LGBT Youth.<br />Parents or other loved ones of LGBT youth.<br />Supporters of marriage equality, straight or LGBT.<br /><br />IF YOU’D LIKE TO TESTIFY, PLEASE E-MAIL Testify@GardenStateEquality.org, put TESTIFY in the subject header, and include in the email your name, town and the easiest phone number at which to reach you, which we will not give to anyone. Please also include which category above applies to you, or any other category or anything else relevant. <br /><br />Whether or not you want to testify, we beg you to join us. We need a massive crowd. Right now, please forward this email to every supportive friend and colleague you have and to every blog and list serv of which you are a member.<br /><br />Questions? Steven Goldstein is at cell (917) 449-8918.<br /><br />Thank you, the world's greatest members, for never giving up. GAME ON AGAIN!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-33218395905959265252012-01-19T08:41:00.000-08:002012-01-19T08:50:06.036-08:00Safe Smart Sex<strike>Safe</strike> Smart Sex<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS3H0lujf4SpYIjLjhhdcVPPORLf2sI8y9zPBoiEYW0Ubt8e0DBhA"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 224px;" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS3H0lujf4SpYIjLjhhdcVPPORLf2sI8y9zPBoiEYW0Ubt8e0DBhA" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Imagine a world where no one told you anything about sex. Absolutely nothing, not how it feels, how to do it, what to do, or who to do it with. Yet here you are walking down the street and someone tells you to have safe sex and hands you a bag chock full o’ adult goodies. Condoms, female condoms, dental dams, birth control... etc. What would you do?<br /><br />Unfortunately, you’d probably do the same thing most people do, ignore the PSA that’s standing right in front of you and keep it moving. I mean could we really blame you? You don’t know anything about the topic but I’m forcing my safe sex protest into your brain. <br /><br />I think its safe to say that naturally you wouldn’t want to harm yourself, nor would you want to dip your naked body in a pool full of bacteria. Smart sex is the idea of having a smart sex life. In a world where people are obsessively consumed by eating smart, driving smart, and being financially smart wouldn’t you want to have sex the genius way? <br /><br />This includes thinking about how being sexually active effects your mind, body and soul. Some consider being sexually active a risk in itself for your body, but what about your feelings. How often are you willing to give your body away at the expense of your health?<br /><br />Now try and imagine a world where your wants and needs came first, not only to yourself, but to everyone. Any person you meet has the utmost respect for you and some are actually in awe of the person you’ve grown to be. If everyone wanted to protect you, you would be more conscious of protecting yourself right?<br /><br />Well, that is the world you live in. We want to protect you...<br /><br />If you’re more conscious about the food that goes in your mouth, rather than the body fluids you are exchanging with the next person, maybe it’s time to prioritize. Protecting yourself is just the beginning. <br /><br />Just Think About It...<br /><br />Do you practice Smart Sex? Let us know your thoughts, just spill the beans down below!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-26577266525023158982011-07-26T13:19:00.001-07:002012-07-17T09:28:09.662-07:00PrEP<div style="text-align: center;">
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis: A New Tool in the HIV Prevention Toolbox</div>
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Can a pill really be taken that will prevent HIV infection? Some new studies say “Yes.” The use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is not a new concept; for years malaria drugs have been given to travelers visiting areas where there is a high risk of contracting the disease. However, the use of PrEP has never before been looked at as a prevention method for contracting HIV. </div>
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So what exactly is PrEP and how does it work? Current studies are testing the effect of using a daily regimen of antiretroviral treatments to prevent infection with HIV. Two drugs are currently being tested for this purpose in clinical trials: tenofovir and Truvada (a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine). In November 2010 the National Institute of Health released the results of the iPrEx clinical trials. These studies were conducted with men who have sex with men in six different countries. In the study, there was an overall 44% reduction in acquisition of the virus in men who took a daily oral regimen of Truvada. Additionally, blood samples showed that there was a 90% risk reduction in men who faithfully took the drug daily. </div>
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In two more recent studies, PrEP has been shown to be effective in reducing the spread of HIV between heterosexual partners as well. The Partners PrEP study compared tenofovir and Truvada regimens in heterosexual partners where one was HIV positive and the other was HIV negative, in Kenya and Uganda. In this study, tenofovir was 62% effective in preventing HIV infection while Truvada was 73% effective. In another study, TDF2, researchers looked at a Truvada regimen in heterosexual men and women in Botswana. This study found Truvada to be 63% effective in preventing HIV infection. Although the adherence in both studies was somewhat high, 97% and 84% respectively, the researchers noticed that the adherence was higher in couples, especially when they received adherence and sexual health counseling together. Therefore the drug appears to be more effective when it was taken along with practicing other safe sex methods.</div>
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What do these new findings mean for combating the AIDS pandemic? Firstly, they give medical practitioners another tool to fight the disease. Previously, condoms and abstinence were the only ways to prevent the spread of HIV. However, more recent discoveries have given us other ways to help curb the spread of the disease: vaginal microbicides, immediate ART treatment to prevent HIV transmission and now PrEP. Combing these new prevention methods with the traditional prevention strategy of condom use could be an extremely effective way to reverse the trends of the current pandemic. </div>
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Second PrEP allows individuals, especially women, to have more control over what happens to their bodies. Many women may not be a position to negotiate condom use, for example if they are in abusive relationships or live in societies where women have no self autonomy, and PrEP would give them another way to protect themselves against HIV. Unlike a female condom which is visible to the eye, a woman could potentially be on a PrEP regimen without their partner ever knowing. </div>
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Despite the potential benefits of PrEP, there are still a few major concerns. One problem with such a breakthrough is that it may discourage the use of other safe sex practices. If someone knows they can greatly decrease their chance of getting HIV by taking a pill they may forgo the use of condoms altogether. Not only does unprotected sex increase the chance of pregnancy, it also opens one up to a whole host of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs increase the chance of acquiring HIV, as well as lead to infertility and reproductive cancers. The most effective use of PrEP would be in conjunction with condom use and continual HIV testing. </div>
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Another issue with PrEP is cost and access to the medication. Condoms are cheap, drugs are not. Condoms can be handed out on the streets while drugs would require a doctor’s visit and a prescription. In areas where funds are already scarce, such as in Africa, who would have access to this prophylactic treatment? Would it only be for partners of HIV infected people? In the United States would the drug only be aimed at the entire population or only at high risk populations, such as minority communities? The same communities who currently have little access to healthcare and could most likely not afford such a long-term drug treatment? In order for PrEP to have the widespread positive impact it has the potential to have, it needs to be handled with caution. PrEP needs to be marketed not as a “cure” for AIDS but as a tool to be used in combination with condoms and other prophylactic treatments to curb the spread of the disease. PrEP also needs to be distributed in populations where it will do the most good and for little or no cost to the user. The HIV/AIDS pandemic shows no signs of stopping and the more ammunition we have to combat the disease the better.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-12692697360219936862011-06-29T12:03:00.000-07:002011-06-29T12:04:32.709-07:00New Jerseyans: Where Were You?On June 20th as I walked up to the statehouse in Trenton, I could hear the crowd before I even saw it. As I got closer a sea of women in pink shirts filled my field of vision. The more I looked around though, I realized the chanting was not coming from this group of women. Instead, further down the street a much larger, more rambunctious crowd had gathered to protest proposed cuts to health care benefits and pensions for the state’s public employees. As I looked around at the crowd gathered in support of women’s health, I wondered, “Is this it? Where are all the signs? Where is all the chanting?” Cuts to the state’s family planning budget have the potential to affect half of states adult population, not counting their families. So where was everyone?<br />Maybe my expectations were too high. Never having been to a political rally before the only visuals I had to go on were of what I had seen on TV or had read about in history books: The March on Washington, the Million Mom March or the National Equality March. Knowing that this was a state versus federal rally meant that my expectations were lowered, but not by much. I expected to see hundreds of women wearing various organizations’ t-shirts, carrying signs emblazoned with slogans such as “Stop the War on Women” and “Women’s Health=Family Health,” chanting for women’s rights and listening to leaders of the movement expounding on its progress and what we must do to continue the fight. <br /> In reality, the rally was much smaller and tamer than I anticipated. Yes there were t-shirts: bright pink with “I stand with Planned Parenthood” written on the front. Yes, many of the movement’s leaders gave excellent speeches and promised to continue the fight to restore the family planning budget. And yes there were a few signs and some chanting. However, I think what disappointed me the most was the somewhat small turnout. Don’t get me wrong, everyone who turned up was amazing for doing so and I applaud the organizers of the rally for all of the support garnered for the cause. But seriously, New Jerseyans, where were you? These cuts will directly affect your health and the health of those that you care about. I am especially disappointed in college age women, my peers, many of whom rely on Planned Parenthood and other family planning centers for the most basic healthcare. If we do not care enough about our own health to fight these budget cuts why should we expect anyone else to care? <br />However, maybe I am being too hard on this rally in particular and instead am making a comment on women’s rallies in general. In this society, when women gather they are expected to be calm and collected. As evidenced by only the two State Police officers stationed outside the statehouse, no one expected a group of women to get out of hand. Along with this assumption another can be deduced: no one expected men to even attend. Why is it that men are not expected to rally for a “women’s” cause? Men do not exist in a women-less bubble; they are surrounded by their mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, friends, etc whom they care about and whose well-being is at stake. A woman would be expected to support her husband in a rally against pension cuts, so why shouldn’t he be expected to support his wife in a rally against threats to her health? Because of the relatively “calm” nature of women’s rallies and the lack of male presence these rallies are often missing another crucial component: press coverage. Without press coverage how will the legislators know that anyone cares? How will other women and men know that they can join in the cause? Women’s rallies need to continue to be taken seriously if they are ever to affect the change necessary ensure our rights. <br />Nevertheless, my first political rally was a positive experience. It was exciting to see other people gathered for a cause that I feel so strongly about. Hearing all of the speeches made me realize that other people truly care about my health and will continue to fight for my well-being. My only wish is that in the future more young women like myself will be able to experience what I did yesterday and will join in the fight for women’s health and in essence, women’s rights.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-67303778945592731932011-06-06T13:48:00.000-07:002011-06-06T13:49:22.381-07:00NJ War on WomenThe “War on Women” Has Reached our Shores<br /><br />As New Jersey State Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) puts it, the “war on women” has begun. What started out as an attack on women’s rights at the national level has managed to land on New Jersey’s shores and permeate into the heart of the state government. Last year, Governor Chris Christie slashed $7.5 million in family planning funds from the state budget. As a result, six of the state’s 58 family planning centers have been forced to close while even more centers have been forced to lay-off staff and limit operating hours. <br />These changes will have detrimental effects on women’s health throughout the state of NJ. Not only do these centers provide birth control and other family planning services, for many low income women such centers are their only source of primary healthcare. Without access to primary care, many women will go unchecked for HIV and other STDs, as well as for important signs of pre-cancer. In 2010, clinics in NJ provided family planning and preventative care for 126,903 women and 9,461 men, overall serving 97,129 uninsured women and men throughout the state. However, it must be noted that these centers are open to serving all of NJ’s women, no matter their socio-economic status, insurance status, race, age or other differentiating factors. Therefore these funding cuts do not discriminate in the types of women they have the ability to harm. <br />The problem here is not one of fiscal responsibility but of political ideology. In the long run, funding the state’s 58 healthcare centers will be much cheaper than paying for increased emergency room visits as well as treatment for more advanced cancers and other diseases. Currently by providing contraceptives, these centers save New Jersey around $156 million Medicaid dollars that would go to pre- and postnatal care, delivery, and infant care. By providing the $7.5 million for family planning, the state saves $4 for every $1 spent. However, the idea that these centers are hotspots for abortion has clouded Governor Christie’s good judgment. Of the remaining 52 clinics, 29 are run by Planned Parenthood and only three of these clinics provide abortions, using no state money to fund the procedure. Instead of sending a message against abortion, Christie is in effect saying that he does not care about the health and reproductive rights of women, particularly women of color or low income women. <br />In truth these centers are much less about providing women with safe abortions than they are about providing healthcare for uninsured and poor women. In a state with the highest proportion of women living with AIDS in the country, these closures are a serious threat to women’s health. Without access to affordable HIV testing, many women will remain unaware of their serostatus and will not begin receiving life saving anti-retroviral therapy at the earliest possible time. Not only do ARTs extend a woman’s healthy life years between contracting HIV and developing AIDS, they also, according to recent studies, help decrease the transmission rate between partners when taken at the earliest possible time after contracting the virus. The only way that women will be able to protect themselves against HIV is by having the necessary information about the virus as well as the tools to prevent transmission of the disease. By barring women’s access to affordable family planning services we are going back to a time when women were not deemed “intelligent” enough to make decisions about their own health and we are instead allowing a patriarchal state government to make all of the important health decisions for her.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-57231154537750698612011-02-02T06:31:00.000-08:002011-02-02T06:45:12.002-08:00Redefining Rape to Restrict AbortionsApparently “no” doesn’t mean “no” to Congressman Chris Smith of NJ and the other 173 Congressmen who support H.R 3 “No Tax Payer Funding for Abortion” Act. The claimed purpose of the bill is to ensure no federal money is spent on abortion. Under the Smith bill, individuals who purchase health insurance coverage that includes abortion will face tax penalties, as will small businesses that offer such comprehensive health insurance. The bill has manifested as an extreme piece of legislation that does not protect women and redefines rape for the purpose of reducing the number of abortions that can be performed on rape victims. This act would restrict rape victims from using their health insurance for an abortion if the rape is not considered “forcible” enough. <br /><br />There is no legal definition behind the term “forcible rape,” it is an arbitrary term Congressman Smith uses in his bill to ban insurance coverage of abortion, even private insurance purchased with one’s own money. This bill would prevent abortions from occurring in situations of statutory rape, incest, coercion through drugs or alcohol, rape of those who are mentally unfit to give consent, date rape and any rape situation where the victim did not take her case to court to prove that the rape was forcible.<br /><br />Apparently a lack of consent no longer implies rape but the measurement of physical force used by the rapist does. How is that force going to be measured? By the number of bones broken or will cuts and bruising be enough evidence of a struggle? <br />Taking rape charges to court is a grueling process and many women are actually advised against it. When pursuing pressing charges, rape victims are given legal counsel to not go through with the charges unless they are positive they will be able to emotionally handle being slandered by the defendant’s lawyer. It is the defending lawyer’s job to prove that the woman was promiscuous, didn’t say no loud enough. The jury only needs to have doubt or confusion about whether or not there was consent in order to side with the defendant. In a perfect world sexual consent would be black and white, the defendant’s job however is to emphasize the gray. <br /><br />According to One In Four, a national organization that develops rape prevention programming and performs advocacy work on behalf of rape victims, one in four women will survive rape or attempted rape. Live Strong Foundation estimates that 80% of rapes occur between people who know each other. This kind of rape is different than the image that Representative Smith has conjured up of a masked bandit hiding in bushes with a weapon. This is the kind of rape that goes unreported because she knows him, she knows his family, she doesn’t know what happened because she was drugged or coerced or she said no, meant no and was forced anyway. All of the above is rape, but will not be recognized as rape under H.R 3. Neither will the statutory rape of a 13 year old by a thirty year old or the rape of a woman who has been drugged and is currently unconscious. Those rapes don’t require enough force for the 173 Congressmen cosponsoring this bill.<br /><br />NJWAN understands that pro-life politicians are entitled to represent their pro-life constituents by supporting pro-life legislation. However, dragging unrelated issues, such as rape, into the argument is an act of violence against women. This bill has the potential to set rape legislation back decades to before marital rape was illegal an. The power of laws that currently condemn marital rape or consider rape to be a human rights violation would be reduced by the new “forcible” qualifier. H.R. 3 could establish the foundation for a dangerous legal precedent to exist in both rape and abortion legislation. <br /><br />NJWAN will continue to speak out against H.R. 3 as we advocate for women’s rights to have ownership over their own bodies. Self-determination is a critical component of NJWAN’s mission as is advocacy for the women NJWAN represents. Legislation that restricts women's access to safe abortions promotes unsafe alternatives that endanger women. This bill strives to redefine rape as a means to an anti-abortion end. Dragging rape into the abortion argument is despicable. H.R. 3 not only redefines rape and restricts abortion rights but raises taxes on any individual or small business that purchases health coverage for an abortion with their own money. Please, contact your Congressmen and tell them not to support H.R. 3 because it does not support women: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtmlUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-24730472535885924332010-12-03T11:29:00.000-08:002010-12-03T11:30:36.320-08:00Zero Tolerance for IntoleranceThe week before Thanksgiving 2010 has been a busy one for NJWAN supported NJ legislators. First the state assembly pushes to restore life saving family planning funds and then NJ legislators pass an anti-bullying bill. This bill would require schools to have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment. What makes this bill a potential success, compared to the ambiguous 2002 anti-bullying law, is this bill outlines what it means to not tolerate bullying and the processes involved in ensuring all students feel safe and free from harassment. A zero-tolerance policy for harassment is key to promoting one of NJWAN’s favorite traits…tolerance.<br /><br />This bill was introduced late the week of November 15th and quickly moved through both NJ state houses, passing 71-1 in the Assembly and 35-0 in the Senate. The bill now moves to Governor Christie’s desk where legislators are unsure of his intentions. If this bill is approved by Governor Christie, it will give NJ the strictest anti-bullying laws in the nation. This anti-bullying/anti-harassment measure is intended to fill the gaps of a 2002 law that encouraged NJ schools to have policies surrounding repercussions for bullying but did not require them. The new anti-bullying law mandates that public high school employees be trained to identify bullying and properly address complaints. The NJ State Board of Education will play a significant role in ensuring schools do not tolerate harassment by grading school districts on how they handle incidents of bullying, all of which must be reported by the school’s superintendents.<br /><br />Fortifying anti-bullying policies has garnered increasing support in NJ after Rutgers University freshman, Tyler Clementi, committed suicide in September. Clementi’s death was in response to homophobic cyber bullying and was not addressed by the existing Rutgers policies and support systems. The Clementi family released a statement of support for this bill stating that it “reflects the public's increased awareness of the need for a renewal of values of respect for human dignity and personal privacy, particularly for young people in this time of rapidly evolving technology.”<br /><br />While this bill will create a more secure environment in NJ’s elementary, middle and high schools, it does little for higher education institutions, like Rutgers where Clementi experienced harassment. Public colleges and universities will only be required to have an anti-bullying policy written into their code of conduct. While this is a step in the right direction, there is a great difference between stating that there is a zero-tolerance policy in place and enforcing that policy. Without actual support from university staff and student leaders, homophobic, racist, sexist and classist bullying can continue to plague adolescents and young adults. A quick glance at the comments below any online news coverage of this bill (http://www.northjersey.com/news/112210_Both_houses_to_vote_on_NJ_anti-bullying_bill.html?c=y&page=2 ) demonstrates the intolerance that perpetuates bullying. <br /><br />Intolerant rhetoric furthers the need for anti-bullying policy, but it does not build confidence for us at New Jersey Women and AIDS Network in the efficacy of such measures. Schools are limited to preventing and punishing bullying that occurs on school property. While NJWAN understands it would be unconstitutional to prosecute bullying that occurs elsewhere, in this age of technology bullying is pervasive and can occur on our phones, computers and personal networking sites, as well as our classrooms.<br /><br /> NJWAN’s hopes that a zero-tolerance for bullying bill can shape younger generations to be more tolerant but remains concerned about other pervasive and intolerant influences. Stigma, whether towards people living with HIV or based in homophobia, is toxic and is killing people. As the holiday season approaches, please keep in mind those suffering from stigma and intolerance and be mindful of your own biases. We hope for younger generations to be more tolerant but the burden does not fall entirely on them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-80854280748072683132010-12-01T20:38:00.000-08:002010-12-01T20:44:28.144-08:00Soap Box Ramblings of MoniqueI am about to climb on my soap box. I won’t be long, but alas here I am. Today is World AIDS Day. Quite a significant day for a woman who is the executive director of the only female specific AIDS service organization in NJ, the New Jersey Women and AIDS Network. An organization that has been around since 1988: an organization that is still very small and exists under the radar of those in need. Many who need our services still do not know that we are around. That is because we are continually challenged by the economic downturn of funding agencies (even before the so-called recession) - it makes it challenging for NJWAN to grow and increase its services.<br /><br />Let me tell you why I am on my soap box. I am very frustrated and I dare to say angry beyond belief. Today my office telephone did not ring, there were no camera crews outside the office building waiting to interview me or the staff. Once again, the issue of HIV as it relates to women has gone unnoticed, swept under the carpet like dust bunnies. NJWAN used to receive at least one inquiry from someone in the media, but today, nothing. Where is the outrage? NJ has the highest proportion of women living with AIDS in the nation and the only female specific AIDS service organization did not receive an inquiry from the media? I attended a Worlds AIDS Day Event in Trenton this evening: it was a great event. But there were very few new faces. I call it preaching to the choir. No new questions, no new issues, no real challenges. I challenged the group to bring two new people each next year. I hope it works. The mayor of Trenton didn’t even stay for the entire event: the state capital, where according to one Trenton journalist’s suggested T-Shirt campaign. “In Trenton, every black person does not have HIV/AIDS — but we’re working on it”. Where is the political attention to HIV? It has fallen off like the media attention. Occasionally HIV receives some media attention, however, the attention usually is focused on the global issue not the domestic crisis. As we move closer to healthcare reform, it appears that HIV will be considered a chronic manageable disease. Is it really a chronic manageable disease? What other chronic manageable diseases are infectious? Which chronic manageable diseases can you contract from engaging in unprotected sex or can be passed from mother to child? Which others carry the stigma that HIV carries? Which chronic manageable diseases have a treatment regimen that involves such significant side effects?<br /><br />Why are we being quiet as HIV ravishes our families and communities? Why, after 30 years of living with HIV do most individuals only talk openly about HIV one day a year? How long did it take to move from saying “The Big C” to actually saying Cancer? Was it 30 years? When will we realize that silence and shame truly do result in death? When will we move from using terms like high risk behaviors to describe the specific behaviors that place an individual at risk of contracting HIV: anal, oral vaginal sex and needle sharing. When is sex a high-risk behavior? How many people assess their behaviors as high-risk? If you do not assess your behaviors accurately then you will never realize your risk of contracting HIV. <br /><br />What are the solutions? What are the answers to my questions? I have no idea what your answers are but this day is about recommitment. Today, December 1 2010, I will commit to NJWAN continuing to work hard to address the negative stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. NJWAN will continue to try to mobilize communities around HIV issues. NJWAN will continue to address the social justice and reproductive issues that are the foundation of HIV infection. Finally, I will continue to lead NJWAN and make as much noise as possible about the impact of HIV in our lives. What will you do? Won’t you join us?<br /><br />Here I am, stepping off my soap box…..for now.<br /><br />MoniqueUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-43689641852702189132010-11-24T07:42:00.001-08:002010-11-24T07:42:43.955-08:00Still Fighting For NJ's Family Planning FundsMonday November 21, 2010<br /><br />NJ Democrats, led by state Senator-elect and Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein (D-Plainsboro) put forth a valiant effort to restore state funding for women’s health and family planning services. This legislation was passed in the NJ state assembly 44-25 and now moves to a vote in the state senate. To date, Governor Christie has been adamantly opposed to this bill as it requires the governor to apply for expansion of Medicaid coverage for women's health and family planning. This legislation would provide the state with nine federal dollars for every State dollar spent.<br /><br />Monday’s vote was the latest of three attempts by NJ legislators to restore a portion of the $7.5 million cut from family planning services. In July 2010 Governor Christie vetoed legislation that would have restored the full $7.5 million despite the fact that funding for family planning services was found in the budget. An attempt to restore this funding failed again in September 2010 when seven republicans, who originally voted in favor of restoring the money, voted in opposition. However, earlier this month, the Assembly Appropriations Committee approved two bills that would restore $5 million for family planning services, targeting untapped money from other inflated funds. In order to restore the $5 million, the state will be required to apply for federal matching dollars for Medicaid-eligible health care consumers.<br /><br />According to the New Jersey Star Ledger, restoring NJ’s family planning budget would fund 58 women’s health clinics. These clinics provide vital services such as birth control, breast and pelvic exams, HIV testing, pregnancy testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. In NJ, these services are vital as NJ has the highest rate of HIV infection amongst women in the United States. Family planning services exist as a barrier to growing HIV rates, something NJ cannot forego. Based on budget cuts, the number of women who are able to afford family planning services is expected to drop 40% and many clinics throughout the state have already closed their doors or reduced hours of operation. <br /><br />These clinics are vital for NJ’s working and financially struggling as they provide affordable health services, including basic gynecological care. A reduction in services is detrimental to the women and families who work inflexible hours and depend on this health care. Not only is family planning money essential to NJ healthcare but investing money in family planning makes good financial sense. Studies cited in the September vote found that for every $1 spent on family planning services, the state saves $4 in other programs. New Jersey Women and AIDS Network is dedicated to advocating for policies that reduce the rate of HIV infection in NJ. Family planning money is essential to reducing the affects of HIV on NJ’s women. NJWAN will not stop fighting for the restoration of family planning funds and asks that you do the same. Please contact your legislators by clicking on the link below and ensure that he or she knows how important family planning money is to NJ.<br /><br />http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/njmap210.htmlUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-731265985293901862010-11-17T08:21:00.000-08:002010-11-17T08:36:34.463-08:00Medical Marijuana Rules ReconsideredEmotion filled the State House Annex Committee Room on Monday November 8th, as a host of people suffering from various chronic illnesses appealed to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, providing personal testimonies of the pain relief and symptom management that marijuana provides. Though a variety of diseases were represented, the patients had a common factor among them: they were all willing to implicate themselves of the illegal use of marijuana in hopes that the NJ law that has been signed since January 2010 finally be enacted. The legislation allows patients diagnosed with such severe illnesses as AIDS, cancer, Lou Gehrigs Disease, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis, to have access to marijuana grown through state-monitored dispensaries. Although many pharmaceutical pain and symptom management medications exist and are legal and readily accessible, the effect on quality of life is what seems to make marijuana the alternative of choice, even in the face of it being stigmatized as a “gateway drug”. Commonly prescribed opiates, like morphine and oxycontin, relieve pain but they also render the user lethargic and disoriented. Marijuana is said to have a more beneficial effect, providing pain relief, while leaving functionality intact. It also increases hunger, which is a major benefit for those who experience nausea and loss of appetite due to the side effects of medications and other complications of chronic illness. Jay Lassiter, 38, of Cherry Hill spoke of his experience of living with HIV and using marijuana as a way of managing the side-effects of his anti-retroviral therapy. "I was a criminal yesterday, and as long as this is in limbo, that's just a choice I have to make," he said. Detractors of the law were in attendance as well, and held the view that such a law might encourage recreational drug use. Candice Singer, of the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, stated that it is important to have strict limits. Despite the fact that both views were represented, support for a more accessible and user friendly marijuana law was overwhelming.<br />Over the last 9 months, the law that was signed by former Governor John Corzine before leaving office has been mired in the controversy and bureaucracy of current Governor Chris Christie’s draft regulations of the Medical Marijuana Program, who boldly stated that he would not have signed the bill if he was governor when it was passed. (See draft regulations: http://www.nj.gov/health/draft_mm.pdf) Upon its signing, New Jersey became the 14th State in the nation to legalize marijuana for medical uses. It also preliminarily became the only state to present such restrictive rules in regards to accessibility for patients and unattractive restrictions on physicians and those who want to apply to open one of the six proposed dispensaries. These regulations present new restrictions that are not included in the law, and prompted Senator Nicholas Scutari to introduce a resolution to the Senate Committee and the Assembly that, if successful, would force the re-evaluation of the regulations for the Medical Marijuana Program. <br />Since the November 8th meeting, the resolutions supporting Medical Marijuana have passed and Governor Christie’s Administration has 30 days to rewrite the rules. These changes will surely impact disease management as we know it, particularly that of HIV/AIDS. In a time when anti-retroviral therapy has proven to extend life, it does not come with out it complications. Often times those who are living with HIV/AIDS and are on medication have to craft a quality of life between bouts of nausea, diarrhea, neuropathy, and appetite loss. Not being able to do so greatly affects self-care, mental and emotional health, employment and earning potential, just to name a few life factors. There are many people who manage well using tools that are legal and readily available, and there are those who choose marijuana use despite its current stigma and social repercussions. Whatever the case, fairness in access is a right that everyone should have.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-52674539175411898582010-09-10T10:28:00.000-07:002010-09-10T10:30:32.360-07:00Disclosure DistressOn August 16, 2010, the German “No Angel’s” pop star Nadia Benaissa testified that she knowingly had unprotected sex with multiple partners without disclosing her HIV status. In Germany, this act comes with a ten year prison sentence. In NJ this is a 3rd degree crime punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and up to $15,000 fine. New Jersey’s disclosure law is amongst the most ambiguous of the states, addressing disclosure must take place before “sexual penetration.” The definition of penetra-tion is left to the discretion of the jury (who penetrated what? With what?) and in this state of HIV stig-ma, ignorance and misinformation, this does not bode well for the people living with HIV/AIDS (PWLHA).<br /><br />The real question is who is at fault for contracting HIV from a partner through unprotected sex? The law says the responsibility falls in the lap of PLWHA but what if that individual hasn’t been tested and is un-aware of their status? Through their initial irresponsibility (not getting tested) they are relinquished of the burden of fault in the eyes of the law. What about the other partner, the one who may or may not have been tested, may or may not be positive… is he or she in any way accountable for his/her exposure to HIV? HIV stigma allows people to blame the HIV positive, not the individual who was infected by an HIV positive person through unprotected sex. In an attempt to deny personal vulnerability, there is a communal desire to blame the infected rather than accept responsibility for one’s actions.<br /><br />Stigma as we know it today is not an unexplained phenomenon but rather a strategically developed mindset. Back in the 1980’s, through misguided efforts to protect oneself, the population demanded to know who was positive out of fear of contracting the virus. People were uninformed and concerned about contracting HIV through casual contact or by an HIV+ individual maliciously exposing them. This resulted in disclosure laws forcing PLWHA to disclose their status before, according to NJ, sexually “penetrating” or being “penetrated.”<br /><br />Currently 23 US states have laws that make it a crime for PLWHA to engage in any sexual activity without disclosing their HIV-positive status to their prospective partners first. One question this raises is why are we punishing the people who were responsible and got tested, but not those who were irresponsible and did not? Disclosure laws are not inherently intended to prevent people from getting tested. Laws are created for many reasons, one of which is to establish social norms. Prevention efforts championing opposition to domestic violence and drunk driving are supported by criminalization of such activities. The same holds true in the world of public health; while health educators emphasize personal responsibility and encourage individuals to take control of their own health, the legal system has the ability to take an authoritative role in prevention by criminalizing certain behaviors.<br /><br />NJWAN finds fault with several aspects of the criminalization of nondisclosure including the fact that disclosure laws often disregard whether or not safer sex took place and thereby undermining national prevention efforts. Disclosure laws endorse a norm of disclosing one’s HIV status before jumping in bed, car, or bathroom stall, with each other. This parallels how domestic violence laws endorse an anti-domestic violence norm. But, in the world of HIV disclosure law, the norm being promoted is in direct conflict with public health messages of individual responsibility. Community health educators have encouraged consumers to protect themselves in all situations under the assumption that every partner is HIV+. This is not an unrealistic philosophy as 20% of all PLWHA are unaware of their status. NJWAN would like to see the law catch up with what health educators have known for years…it takes two to tango, or to contract HIV and only you can protect yourself. It is not who you are, but what you do that puts you at risk.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994531611990100171.post-78023963300097082642010-09-07T13:06:00.000-07:002010-09-07T13:07:37.491-07:00What’s Good For the Goose…<br /><br />Women around the world are making headlines, and not for winning Pillsbury’s cherry pie bake-off…Recently, German pop singer Nadja Benaissa has been reported to be facing 10 years in prison, after she testified that she knowingly had sex with three men and did not disclose her HIV positive status. She stated that she did not tell anyone for fear that the press would make this information public and damage the lives of her daughter, as well as the reputation of “No Angels”, the hit singing girl-group that she was a part of. <br /><br />Also recent, in Tanzania, a woman by the name of Regina Joseph stood accused of “dressing indecently” on her way to a local market, and was subsequently attacked by a group of young men who felt that she was dressed in an alluring manner with the intention of passing the HIV virus to whomever would have a sexual encounter with her. According to Ms. Joseph, the group of men said that she wanted to pass HIV, yet they didn’t know her status. <br /><br />HIV disclosure is a hot-button issue all over the world. Some people feel that those with a positive diagnosis owe it to their sexual partners to inform them (regardless of whether protection is used); to not do so is criminal, and the law agrees. Although disclosure might be difficult and rejection is possible, many feel that this does not let anyone off the hook. This article doesn’t suggest amnesty in that respect, but what it does call for is gender equality when addressing responsibility in these instances. <br /><br />The last time I checked it took two to tango, so why do the women get the hot seat and the men get to hide in the shadows? I noticed that the names of the women in question are available, but the names of the men involved are not. Apparently they are nameless, or at least they are in the eyes of the media. After reading several articles about both accounts, the search for the identities of the men in each situation became futile. It can be argued that in the case of Ms. Benaissa, her “victims” had been through enough and don’t need the burden of having their identities revealed. After all, the stigma attached to HIV is alive, and well. However, I was hard pressed to find any article that even called to question any responsibility that each man had to himself to insist on using protection. <br /><br />And in the case with Ms. Joseph, unfounded accusations led to her assault, and she remains charged by her society of the crime of being “attractive”, while a group of woman-beaters are allowed to maraud the town, punishing women for their own lustful thoughts. This speaks volumes about the level of responsibility that continues to be placed on women in society, while men are allowed to shift blame and remain protected. This is irresponsible journalism, wrought with misogynistic slant and opinion masked by omission. <br /><br />By continually charging women with “the Fall of Adam”, men will feel justified in the blame game, and shirk responsibility at their own expense. I’m not saying to let women off the hook, but I am saying that we must make room on that same hook for men. As the saying goes, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0