LGBTQ
Sudden syphilis retreat in gay men is likely tied to preventive antibiotic use
NBC News, November 12, 2024
A historic retreat in syphilis cases among gay and bisexual men has inspired hope among public health experts, who attributed the sudden turnaround to preventive use of the antibiotic doxycycline in this population. DoxyPEP, as the protocol is known is an apparent sleeper hit.
NBC News, November 12, 2024
A historic retreat in syphilis cases among gay and bisexual men has inspired hope among public health experts, who attributed the sudden turnaround to preventive use of the antibiotic doxycycline in this population. DoxyPEP, as the protocol is known is an apparent sleeper hit.
‘Shocking’ and ‘Reckless’: Top Gender Clinic Assesses Children for Gender-Altering Medical Treatments in Just 2 Hours, Lawsuit Lays Bare
The New York Sun, October 31, 2024
An employment-discrimination civil lawsuit against Boston Children's Hospital has revealed that between the founding of prestigious hospital's gender clinic in 2007 and 2018, the time allotted for psychologists to assess gender-distressed children to determine if they are good candidates for gender-transition treatment dropped from 20 hours to two-and-a-half hours.
The New York Sun, October 31, 2024
An employment-discrimination civil lawsuit against Boston Children's Hospital has revealed that between the founding of prestigious hospital's gender clinic in 2007 and 2018, the time allotted for psychologists to assess gender-distressed children to determine if they are good candidates for gender-transition treatment dropped from 20 hours to two-and-a-half hours.
Pain, confusion and compassion: How the US has reached a trans ‘tipping point’
The New York Post, October 19, 2024
The past three years have been painful for transgender-identified youths. Republicans have blanketed the nation with bans on gender-transition treatments for minors, often pairing them with restrictions on trans bathroom access and sports participation. The years to come are expected to bring more turmoil for these vulnerable youths as the walls close in on pediatric gender medicine.
The New York Post, October 19, 2024
The past three years have been painful for transgender-identified youths. Republicans have blanketed the nation with bans on gender-transition treatments for minors, often pairing them with restrictions on trans bathroom access and sports participation. The years to come are expected to bring more turmoil for these vulnerable youths as the walls close in on pediatric gender medicine.
Inside the Feud Within American Academy of Pediatrics, Torn Over Transgender Issues, About Group’s Decision To Hold Meeting in ‘Anti-LGBTQ’ Florida of Ron DeSantis
The New York Sun, Sept. 27, 2024
Amid pressure from within to pull its annual conference out of Florida over the state's LGBTQ policies, the American Academy of Pediatrics is also under scrutiny over its policies on pediatric gender medicine.
The New York Sun, Sept. 27, 2024
Amid pressure from within to pull its annual conference out of Florida over the state's LGBTQ policies, the American Academy of Pediatrics is also under scrutiny over its policies on pediatric gender medicine.
New Evidence Challenges Institutionalized Belief That Transgender Teens Become Transgender Adults, Undermining Core Defense of Medical Gender Transitions for Minors
The New York Sun, Sept. 18, 2024
A pair of analyses of insurance-claims data each found that the majority of youths diagnosed with gender-related distress saw that diagnosis vanish from their medical chart within six years.
The New York Sun, Sept. 18, 2024
A pair of analyses of insurance-claims data each found that the majority of youths diagnosed with gender-related distress saw that diagnosis vanish from their medical chart within six years.
An injectable HIV-prevention drug is highly effective — but wildly expensive
NBC News, Sept. 12, 2024
The hotly anticipated results are in from a landmark pair of major clinical trials of a long-acting, injectable HIV-prevention drug that only requires dosing every six months. They are sensational. And yet, as battle-worn public health advocates stand on the front lines of an over four-decade effort to finally bring the U.S. HIV epidemic to heel, they find a cold, hard fact staring back at them: Lenacapavir is extraordinarily expensive.
NBC News, Sept. 12, 2024
The hotly anticipated results are in from a landmark pair of major clinical trials of a long-acting, injectable HIV-prevention drug that only requires dosing every six months. They are sensational. And yet, as battle-worn public health advocates stand on the front lines of an over four-decade effort to finally bring the U.S. HIV epidemic to heel, they find a cold, hard fact staring back at them: Lenacapavir is extraordinarily expensive.
Could the new mpox threat cause significant harm in the U.S.?
NBC News, August 18, 2024
As concerns mount about a type of mpox spreading across Africa that’s believed to cause more serious illness, experts expressed cautious optimism that this clade would not spread as broadly in the U.S. or cause health impacts as severe. The risk could be mitigated by immunity from vaccination and previous infection from the outbreak of a different variant that began in 2022; the lack of an animal host; and better health care access, living standards and public health.
NBC News, August 18, 2024
As concerns mount about a type of mpox spreading across Africa that’s believed to cause more serious illness, experts expressed cautious optimism that this clade would not spread as broadly in the U.S. or cause health impacts as severe. The risk could be mitigated by immunity from vaccination and previous infection from the outbreak of a different variant that began in 2022; the lack of an animal host; and better health care access, living standards and public health.
Ohio Court Is Latest to Back State Bans on Gender-Transition Treatments for Minors, as Supreme Court Prepares To Hear Landmark Tennessee Case
The New York Sun, August 9, 2024
A loss for trans rights advocates in Ohio could presage what’s to come from the U.S. Supreme Court next term when the justices hear an appeal from the Biden Administration that seeks to help overturn state bans on medical gender transitions for minors.
The New York Sun, August 9, 2024
A loss for trans rights advocates in Ohio could presage what’s to come from the U.S. Supreme Court next term when the justices hear an appeal from the Biden Administration that seeks to help overturn state bans on medical gender transitions for minors.
From the Face of Pediatric Gender Medicine Comes a Quietly Radical Manifesto
The New York Sun, August 2, 2024
Dr. Jack Turban, is a University of California, San Francisco child psychiatrist who, barely two years out of his training, has established himself as the face of pediatric gender medicine and is now an author, of “Free to Be: Understanding Kids & Gender Identity.”
The New York Sun, August 2, 2024
Dr. Jack Turban, is a University of California, San Francisco child psychiatrist who, barely two years out of his training, has established himself as the face of pediatric gender medicine and is now an author, of “Free to Be: Understanding Kids & Gender Identity.”
Preventive antibiotics may help curb the STI epidemic, experts say
NBC News, July 18, 2024
Instead of simply treating sexually transmitted infections with antibiotics, a new public-health movement seeks to use one such medication to prevent STIs in the first place. Promising research into variations on this method has raised hopes, but also concerns about whether this method might also contribute to another public health crisis: drug-resistant infections.
NBC News, July 18, 2024
Instead of simply treating sexually transmitted infections with antibiotics, a new public-health movement seeks to use one such medication to prevent STIs in the first place. Promising research into variations on this method has raised hopes, but also concerns about whether this method might also contribute to another public health crisis: drug-resistant infections.
‘Damning’ Information About Trans Medical Group Expected To Reach Supreme Court, as Justices Consider Challenge to Ban on Gender Treatments for Minors
The New York Sun, July 10, 2022
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health stands at the forefront of promoting and defending access to gender-transition treatment for minors. Amid a storm of litigation over these controversial and politicized medical practices, though, the organization’s leaders now find that their own words threaten to undermine this mission.
The New York Sun, July 10, 2022
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health stands at the forefront of promoting and defending access to gender-transition treatment for minors. Amid a storm of litigation over these controversial and politicized medical practices, though, the organization’s leaders now find that their own words threaten to undermine this mission.
Claim of Suicide Surge in Youths on U.K. Wait List for Gender Care Undermined by ‘Cass Review’
The New York Sun, June 27, 2024
A British legal group has claimed there was a “huge increase” in suicide deaths among minors on the waiting list for the U.K.’s pediatric gender-care clinic. This surge, the group argues, is the result of what it characterized as the clinic’s harsh restrictions on adolescents’ access to gender-transition treatment. However, the recent British report on gender care of minors calls into question the specifics of these claims.
The New York Sun, June 27, 2024
A British legal group has claimed there was a “huge increase” in suicide deaths among minors on the waiting list for the U.K.’s pediatric gender-care clinic. This surge, the group argues, is the result of what it characterized as the clinic’s harsh restrictions on adolescents’ access to gender-transition treatment. However, the recent British report on gender care of minors calls into question the specifics of these claims.
Appeals court finds 'Obamacare' pillar unconstitutional in suit over HIV-prevention drug
NBC News: June 21, 2024
A federal appeals court found unconstitutional a key component of the Affordable Care Act that grants a health task force the effective authority to require that insurers both cover an array of preventive health interventions and screenings and refrain from imposing out-of-pocket costs for them. If the Supreme Court ultimately overturns this pillar, it could raise related out-of-pocket health care costs.
NBC News: June 21, 2024
A federal appeals court found unconstitutional a key component of the Affordable Care Act that grants a health task force the effective authority to require that insurers both cover an array of preventive health interventions and screenings and refrain from imposing out-of-pocket costs for them. If the Supreme Court ultimately overturns this pillar, it could raise related out-of-pocket health care costs.
CDC says vaccination could protect the U.S. from more dangerous mpox virus
NBC News, May 23, 2024
As concerns mount about a large outbreak of an especially virulent form of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo and an uptick in U.S. cases since early last year, the mpox vaccine appears to give long-term protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. The agency called for more gay and bisexual men to get vaccinated against the virus.
NBC News, May 23, 2024
As concerns mount about a large outbreak of an especially virulent form of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo and an uptick in U.S. cases since early last year, the mpox vaccine appears to give long-term protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. The agency called for more gay and bisexual men to get vaccinated against the virus.
Psychiatrists learned the wrong lesson from the gay rights movement
The Washington Post, May 3, 2024
When the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its bible of mental disorders in 1974, the science lined up neatly with the demands of gay rights activists. But today, the science of pediatric gender medicine is uncertain, so it doesn’t back the cause the of groups leading the contemporary LGBTQ civil rights movement in the United States.
The Washington Post, May 3, 2024
When the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its bible of mental disorders in 1974, the science lined up neatly with the demands of gay rights activists. But today, the science of pediatric gender medicine is uncertain, so it doesn’t back the cause the of groups leading the contemporary LGBTQ civil rights movement in the United States.
Behind the movement that brought homosexuality — and psychiatry's power — to a vote 50 years ago
NBC News, April 8, 2024
Fifty years ago, the nation’s psychiatrists effectively put gay people’s mental health — and their very place in society — to a vote. Five months prior, on Dec. 15, 1973, the 15-member board of the American Psychiatric Association had voted unanimously, with two abstentions, that homosexuality should no longer be considered a mental illness.
NBC News, April 8, 2024
Fifty years ago, the nation’s psychiatrists effectively put gay people’s mental health — and their very place in society — to a vote. Five months prior, on Dec. 15, 1973, the 15-member board of the American Psychiatric Association had voted unanimously, with two abstentions, that homosexuality should no longer be considered a mental illness.
Major U.K. Report Finds Pediatric Gender Medicine Is Based on ‘Remarkably Weak Evidence’
The New York Sun, April 10, 2024
A new era in the care of minors with gender-related distress has begun in England, where a government-appointed team has published a mammoth report critiquing this controversial and politicized branch of pediatrics. The report positions England as the global standard-bearer of a cautious and circumspect new method of caring for youth who are troubled about their gender.
The New York Sun, April 10, 2024
A new era in the care of minors with gender-related distress has begun in England, where a government-appointed team has published a mammoth report critiquing this controversial and politicized branch of pediatrics. The report positions England as the global standard-bearer of a cautious and circumspect new method of caring for youth who are troubled about their gender.
Leaked Files From Influential Transgender Medicine Group Cause Uproar, Could Imperil Liberal Efforts To Undo State Bans on Gender-Transition Treatments for Children
The New York Sun, March 12, 2024
The publication of a trove of leaked internal communications from the nation’s predominant transgender medicine and advocacy organization could imperil liberal legal groups’ efforts to undo bans on such medical treatment in the courts.
The New York Sun, March 12, 2024
The publication of a trove of leaked internal communications from the nation’s predominant transgender medicine and advocacy organization could imperil liberal legal groups’ efforts to undo bans on such medical treatment in the courts.
The WPATH Files: Report Derides Influential Trans-Medicine Group As ‘Unethical’
Substack, March 4, 2024
A damning new report based on leaked internal communications from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health has lambasted the trans-medicine and -advocacy organization as “neither scientific nor advocating for ethical medical care." The report is based on a WPATH internal-message forum and has embroiled the nonprofit in controversy at a pivotal moment for pediatric gender-transition treatment.
Substack, March 4, 2024
A damning new report based on leaked internal communications from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health has lambasted the trans-medicine and -advocacy organization as “neither scientific nor advocating for ethical medical care." The report is based on a WPATH internal-message forum and has embroiled the nonprofit in controversy at a pivotal moment for pediatric gender-transition treatment.
A Fading Weapon in the HIV Fight: Condoms
The New York Times, February 27, 2024
Gay and bisexual men are using condoms less than ever, and the decline has been particularly steep among those who are young or Hispanic, according to a new study. The worrisome trend points to an urgent need for better prevention strategies as the nation struggles to beat the H.I.V. epidemic, researchers said. The CDC reports that between 2017 and 2021, the nation saw only an estimated 12 percent decline in HIV transmissions.
The New York Times, February 27, 2024
Gay and bisexual men are using condoms less than ever, and the decline has been particularly steep among those who are young or Hispanic, according to a new study. The worrisome trend points to an urgent need for better prevention strategies as the nation struggles to beat the H.I.V. epidemic, researchers said. The CDC reports that between 2017 and 2021, the nation saw only an estimated 12 percent decline in HIV transmissions.
A Finnish study is changing how we approach trans kids
New York Post, February 24, 2024
The movement backing gender-transition treatment for children is built on the claim that pediatric medical interventions are not only “medically necessary” – but truly “life saving.” However, no researchers have ever tried to figure out whether this claim is true. Until now. A major new study out of Finland found that such treatment didn’t appear to have any significant effect on suicide deaths.
New York Post, February 24, 2024
The movement backing gender-transition treatment for children is built on the claim that pediatric medical interventions are not only “medically necessary” – but truly “life saving.” However, no researchers have ever tried to figure out whether this claim is true. Until now. A major new study out of Finland found that such treatment didn’t appear to have any significant effect on suicide deaths.
Beleaguered World Health Organization Is Met With Uproar Over Plans to Develop Guidelines on Transgender Healthcare
The New York Sun, February 1, 2024
The WHO has marched into the crucible of trans health care, and is facing outcry after announcing plans to convene a committee to develop “a guideline on the health of trans and gender diverse people.” A global chorus of critics has mobilized to protest the panel. which includes multiple trans activists and few people with relevant advanced degrees, as unqualified.
The New York Sun, February 1, 2024
The WHO has marched into the crucible of trans health care, and is facing outcry after announcing plans to convene a committee to develop “a guideline on the health of trans and gender diverse people.” A global chorus of critics has mobilized to protest the panel. which includes multiple trans activists and few people with relevant advanced degrees, as unqualified.
Sued Over Policies on Transgender Children, American Academy of Pediatrics Pulls Forthcoming Book, Takes Steps To Protect Emails From Prying Eyes
The New York Sun, December 21, 2023
The American Academy of Pediatrics, under fire for its policies on gender-transition treatment for minors, is taking steps that might limit its legal exposure — or at least minimize public scrutiny — in the face of a lawsuit by a woman who at 14 underwent a medical gender transition that she later regretted.
The New York Sun, December 21, 2023
The American Academy of Pediatrics, under fire for its policies on gender-transition treatment for minors, is taking steps that might limit its legal exposure — or at least minimize public scrutiny — in the face of a lawsuit by a woman who at 14 underwent a medical gender transition that she later regretted.
Gay loneliness and familial trauma take center stage in ‘All of Us Strangers’
NBC News, December 21, 2023
A devastating triumph by Andrew Haigh ("Weekend"), the film concerns the plight of Adam, an isolated writer in his mid-40s, played with tragic stillness by Andrew Scott. Emotionally frozen since his parents’ death, Adam begins to thaw thanks to the gently romantic — and lustful — insistence of his neighbor, Harry. Irish heartthrob Paul Mescal provides a delicate counterpoint to Scott in his portrayal of an adrift queer 20-something.
NBC News, December 21, 2023
A devastating triumph by Andrew Haigh ("Weekend"), the film concerns the plight of Adam, an isolated writer in his mid-40s, played with tragic stillness by Andrew Scott. Emotionally frozen since his parents’ death, Adam begins to thaw thanks to the gently romantic — and lustful — insistence of his neighbor, Harry. Irish heartthrob Paul Mescal provides a delicate counterpoint to Scott in his portrayal of an adrift queer 20-something.
Lawsuits by Regretful ‘Detransitioners’ Take Aim at Medical Establishment’s Support for Gender-Transition Treatments for Minors
The New York Sun, December 6, 2023
Two medical-malpractice lawsuits, each waged by a plaintiff who regrets having undergone medication-based gender-transition treatment, have taken collective aim at the U.S. medical establishment’s overwhelming support for prescribing such drugs to minors.
The New York Sun, December 6, 2023
Two medical-malpractice lawsuits, each waged by a plaintiff who regrets having undergone medication-based gender-transition treatment, have taken collective aim at the U.S. medical establishment’s overwhelming support for prescribing such drugs to minors.
Will first FDA-approved at-home test for gonorrhea, chlamydia ease the epidemic?
NBC News, November 27, 2023
The Food and Drug Administration’s first-ever approval of an at-home test for chlamydia and gonorrhea could help drive earlier detection and treatment of these sexually transmitted infections amid a ballooning epidemic in the U.S. But some sexual health advocates worry that the FDA’s proposal to begin stepping up regulation of over-the-counter self-testing of STIs could backfire.
NBC News, November 27, 2023
The Food and Drug Administration’s first-ever approval of an at-home test for chlamydia and gonorrhea could help drive earlier detection and treatment of these sexually transmitted infections amid a ballooning epidemic in the U.S. But some sexual health advocates worry that the FDA’s proposal to begin stepping up regulation of over-the-counter self-testing of STIs could backfire.
Many LGBTQ people report having experienced conversion therapy, study finds
NBC News, October 4, 2023
A substantial proportion of LGBTQ people report having been subjected to systematic efforts to deter them from expressing their sexuality or gender identity, according to a major new international review of over a dozen studies. Known as conversion therapy, such treatment has been broadly condemned by psychological and medical organizations and has been banned for minors in 22 states.
NBC News, October 4, 2023
A substantial proportion of LGBTQ people report having been subjected to systematic efforts to deter them from expressing their sexuality or gender identity, according to a major new international review of over a dozen studies. Known as conversion therapy, such treatment has been broadly condemned by psychological and medical organizations and has been banned for minors in 22 states.
For 'Silver Tsunami' With HIV, New Hope For Healthy Aging
The New York Times, Sept. 10, 2023
People with H.I.V. are achieving the once unthinkable: a steady march into older age. But beginning around age 50, many people HIV face a host of health problems, from heart disease and diabetes to social isolation and cognitive decline. And so the medical research community, which some three decades ago developed lifesaving drugs to keep the virus at bay, is now hunting for new ways to keep older people with HIV healthier.
The New York Times, Sept. 10, 2023
People with H.I.V. are achieving the once unthinkable: a steady march into older age. But beginning around age 50, many people HIV face a host of health problems, from heart disease and diabetes to social isolation and cognitive decline. And so the medical research community, which some three decades ago developed lifesaving drugs to keep the virus at bay, is now hunting for new ways to keep older people with HIV healthier.
Antibiotic Shortage Could Worsen the Syphilis Epidemic
The New York Times, July 7, 2023
A new shortage of a type of penicillin crucial to the fight against syphilis, is alarming infectious disease experts, who warn that a protracted scarcity of the drug could worsen the U.S. epidemic of the sexually transmitted infection. The shortage, announced by the drugmaker Pfizer in a letter last month, involves Bicillin L-A, a long-acting injectable antibiotic also known as penicillin G benzathine.
The New York Times, July 7, 2023
A new shortage of a type of penicillin crucial to the fight against syphilis, is alarming infectious disease experts, who warn that a protracted scarcity of the drug could worsen the U.S. epidemic of the sexually transmitted infection. The shortage, announced by the drugmaker Pfizer in a letter last month, involves Bicillin L-A, a long-acting injectable antibiotic also known as penicillin G benzathine.
The LGBTQ population is growing, but medical schools haven't caught up
NBC News, June 23, 2023
As an increasing proportion of Americans identify as LGBTQ, leaders in sexual and gender minority health care say that the nation’s medical schools are largely failing to adequately prepare the next generation of doctors to properly care for this population.
NBC News, June 23, 2023
As an increasing proportion of Americans identify as LGBTQ, leaders in sexual and gender minority health care say that the nation’s medical schools are largely failing to adequately prepare the next generation of doctors to properly care for this population.
U.S. progress in HIV fight continues to trail many other rich nations
NBC News, May 23, 2023
New HIV infections continue to ebb only modestly in the United States, while many other wealthy Western nations have posted steep reductions, thanks to more successful efforts overseas to promptly diagnose and treat the virus and promote the HIV prevention pill, PrEP.
NBC News, May 23, 2023
New HIV infections continue to ebb only modestly in the United States, while many other wealthy Western nations have posted steep reductions, thanks to more successful efforts overseas to promptly diagnose and treat the virus and promote the HIV prevention pill, PrEP.
Rise of mpox cases in Chicago raises concern about possible summer spread
NBC News, May 8, 2023
A recent uptick in mpox diagnoses in Chicago, some of them in people vaccinated against the virus, has raised concerns about a possible summertime increase in cases among gay and bi men. Chicago's Howard Brown Health reported eight new cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, since April 17. By comparison, only one case was reported to the Chicago Public Health Department in the previous three months.
NBC News, May 8, 2023
A recent uptick in mpox diagnoses in Chicago, some of them in people vaccinated against the virus, has raised concerns about a possible summertime increase in cases among gay and bi men. Chicago's Howard Brown Health reported eight new cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, since April 17. By comparison, only one case was reported to the Chicago Public Health Department in the previous three months.
Tennessee blocked $8 million for HIV, now ends up with $13 million, stunning advocates
NBC News, April 21, 2023
Tennessee has gone from blocking $8.3 million in annual federal funds to combat HIV to newly including $9 million in the state budget approved Thursday to combat the virus. This development came after the CDC announced that it will circumvent the state government and continue providing about $4 million in HIV-prevention funds to Tennessee nonprofit groups, despite Gov. Bill Lee’s objections.
NBC News, April 21, 2023
Tennessee has gone from blocking $8.3 million in annual federal funds to combat HIV to newly including $9 million in the state budget approved Thursday to combat the virus. This development came after the CDC announced that it will circumvent the state government and continue providing about $4 million in HIV-prevention funds to Tennessee nonprofit groups, despite Gov. Bill Lee’s objections.
PrEP's promise to change the course of HIV has succeeded—but only for white gay men
NBC News, March 18, 2023
A decade into the era of the HIV prevention pill, called PrEP, efforts to leverage its heralded power to curb new infections have stagnated in the United States. This shortfall is a key reason the nation lags far behind many others in combating HIV, with a national epidemic long plagued by racial inequities and only a modestly declining new infection rate.
NBC News, March 18, 2023
A decade into the era of the HIV prevention pill, called PrEP, efforts to leverage its heralded power to curb new infections have stagnated in the United States. This shortfall is a key reason the nation lags far behind many others in combating HIV, with a national epidemic long plagued by racial inequities and only a modestly declining new infection rate.
CDC warns about the rise in almost untreatable Shigella bacterial infections
NBC News, March 1, 2023
The CDC is warning about a rise in extensively drug-resistant cases of the bacterial infection Shigella, a major cause of inflammatory diarrhea. The agency calls the new form of the stomach bug, which causes the diarrheal condition known as shigellosis, a “serious public health threat.” Evidence suggests the illness is spreading among gay and bisexual men in particular, apparently through sexual contact.
NBC News, March 1, 2023
The CDC is warning about a rise in extensively drug-resistant cases of the bacterial infection Shigella, a major cause of inflammatory diarrhea. The agency calls the new form of the stomach bug, which causes the diarrheal condition known as shigellosis, a “serious public health threat.” Evidence suggests the illness is spreading among gay and bisexual men in particular, apparently through sexual contact.
Mpox is highly fatal among people with advanced HIV, study finds
NBC News, February 21, 2023
Mpox can have a devastating impact on people with advanced cases of HIV, leading to severe lesions and causing death in as many as 1 in 4 of highly immunocompromised people. This is according to the first major study of mpox in this population. The analysis included 382 people from 28 nations, all of whom had HIV and a CD4 a count below 350. Twenty-seven of these individuals died.
NBC News, February 21, 2023
Mpox can have a devastating impact on people with advanced cases of HIV, leading to severe lesions and causing death in as many as 1 in 4 of highly immunocompromised people. This is according to the first major study of mpox in this population. The analysis included 382 people from 28 nations, all of whom had HIV and a CD4 a count below 350. Twenty-seven of these individuals died.
Taking an antibiotic after sex helps gay men curb STDs, but might fuel drug resistance
NBC News, February 20, 2023
A broadening chorus of public health experts are calling for the CDC to endorse prescribing a preventive antibiotic pill to gay and bisexual men and transgender women at high risk of STDs. But some experts are concerned that widespread use of the antibiotic for this purpose could fuel the global crisis of antibiotic-resistant infections.
NBC News, February 20, 2023
A broadening chorus of public health experts are calling for the CDC to endorse prescribing a preventive antibiotic pill to gay and bisexual men and transgender women at high risk of STDs. But some experts are concerned that widespread use of the antibiotic for this purpose could fuel the global crisis of antibiotic-resistant infections.
HIV Tennessee axed millions in HIV funds amid scrutiny from far-right provocateurs
NBC News, February 2, 2023
Tennessee’s recent decision to reject over $8 million in federal funds to combat HIV was motivated, at least in part, by right-wing provocateurs stoking anti-LGBTQ sentiment, according to four sources within the state Health Department. The move by Republican Gov. Bill Lee will hamstring, if not cripple, efforts to combat one of the country’s most poorly controlled epidemics of the virus, HIV advocates said.
NBC News, February 2, 2023
Tennessee’s recent decision to reject over $8 million in federal funds to combat HIV was motivated, at least in part, by right-wing provocateurs stoking anti-LGBTQ sentiment, according to four sources within the state Health Department. The move by Republican Gov. Bill Lee will hamstring, if not cripple, efforts to combat one of the country’s most poorly controlled epidemics of the virus, HIV advocates said.
Trump vs DeSantis - where do they stand on LGBTQ+ Rights?
Thomson Reuters Foundation, January 9, 2023
LGBTQ+ rights advocates said they are uncertain who would be worse for the community, former president Donald Trump or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, adding that a presidential win for either would lead to an erosion of rights. "Trump and DeSantis are two extremist politicians that are cut from the same cloth," said Geoff Wetrosky, the campaign director of the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ rights group.
Thomson Reuters Foundation, January 9, 2023
LGBTQ+ rights advocates said they are uncertain who would be worse for the community, former president Donald Trump or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, adding that a presidential win for either would lead to an erosion of rights. "Trump and DeSantis are two extremist politicians that are cut from the same cloth," said Geoff Wetrosky, the campaign director of the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ rights group.
LGBTQ+ 'rainbow wave' brings U.S. midterms boost but battles ahead
Thomson Reuters Foundation, Nov. 2022
A "rainbow wave" that lifted record numbers of LGBTQ+ candidates to victory in the U.S. midterms is a promising sign of growing acceptance. But tough legislative fights still lie ahead in many Republican-controlled states. Even as Republicans gained a slim majority in the House of Representatives, the absence of the predicted "red wave" could act as a buffer against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the new Congress.
Thomson Reuters Foundation, Nov. 2022
A "rainbow wave" that lifted record numbers of LGBTQ+ candidates to victory in the U.S. midterms is a promising sign of growing acceptance. But tough legislative fights still lie ahead in many Republican-controlled states. Even as Republicans gained a slim majority in the House of Representatives, the absence of the predicted "red wave" could act as a buffer against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the new Congress.
In a first, two gay men contest the same congressional seat
Thomson Reuters Foundation, November 2022
History is in the making. For the first time, two openly gay candidates are competing for election to a U.S. congressional seat. Analysts say the race in New York's 3rd congressional district, where Democratic marketing executive Robert Zimmerman is facing off against Republican financier George Santos, highlights the huge strides LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance have made on the political stage.
Thomson Reuters Foundation, November 2022
History is in the making. For the first time, two openly gay candidates are competing for election to a U.S. congressional seat. Analysts say the race in New York's 3rd congressional district, where Democratic marketing executive Robert Zimmerman is facing off against Republican financier George Santos, highlights the huge strides LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance have made on the political stage.
How monkeypox spoiled gay men's plans for an invincible summer
NBC News, September 2022
Lost amid the public health and media reports about monkeypox epidemiology, the delayed vaccine deliveries and the squabbling over how best to communicate about the virus are the millions of queer people whose happiness, well-being and connection to one another have in many cases been considerably compromised by the mere threat of monkeypox infection.
NBC News, September 2022
Lost amid the public health and media reports about monkeypox epidemiology, the delayed vaccine deliveries and the squabbling over how best to communicate about the virus are the millions of queer people whose happiness, well-being and connection to one another have in many cases been considerably compromised by the mere threat of monkeypox infection.
Gay men can fight monkeypox ourselves — by changing how we have sex
The Washington Post, August 2022
As during the AIDS crisis, gay men cannot wait for the government to save us from monkeypox. We need to change our sexual behavior now. We must do this as an act of empowerment to protect ourselves. Until a time when monkeypox hopefully abates, this can and should mean reducing our number of partners, skipping sex parties, practicing monogamy and even being abstinent.
The Washington Post, August 2022
As during the AIDS crisis, gay men cannot wait for the government to save us from monkeypox. We need to change our sexual behavior now. We must do this as an act of empowerment to protect ourselves. Until a time when monkeypox hopefully abates, this can and should mean reducing our number of partners, skipping sex parties, practicing monogamy and even being abstinent.
Gay men deserve the unvarnished truth about monkeypox
The Washington Post, July 2022
“Anyone can get monkeypox.” Countless public health experts have uttered statements such as this in the past two months. Members of the media and politicians have parroted the message ad nauseam without stopping to dissect what it implies or obscures. By reducing monkeypox risk to a simplistic binary equation, public health leaders are prioritizing fighting stigma over their duty to directly inform the public about the true contours and drivers of this global outbreak.
The Washington Post, July 2022
“Anyone can get monkeypox.” Countless public health experts have uttered statements such as this in the past two months. Members of the media and politicians have parroted the message ad nauseam without stopping to dissect what it implies or obscures. By reducing monkeypox risk to a simplistic binary equation, public health leaders are prioritizing fighting stigma over their duty to directly inform the public about the true contours and drivers of this global outbreak.
Lesions, headaches, debilitating pain: Gay men with monkeypox share their stories
NBC News, July 2022
Monkeypox has tended to present relatively mildly during this outbreak and has caused no deaths outside of the 11 African nations in which the virus has become endemic since it was discovered in 1970. Nevertheless, 18 gay men who contracted monkeypox told NBC News how it can cause unsightly and in some cases debilitatingly painful skin lesions — and has left them stuck glumly inside.
NBC News, July 2022
Monkeypox has tended to present relatively mildly during this outbreak and has caused no deaths outside of the 11 African nations in which the virus has become endemic since it was discovered in 1970. Nevertheless, 18 gay men who contracted monkeypox told NBC News how it can cause unsightly and in some cases debilitatingly painful skin lesions — and has left them stuck glumly inside.
Tens of thousands of monkeypox vaccine doses to be distributed immediately in U.S.
NBC News, June 2022
As monkeypox surges, the Biden administration will start distributing the vaccine for the virus across the country, focusing on people most at risk and communities with the highest numbers of cases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will send 56,000 doses of the vaccine immediately to areas with high transmission. All told, 1.6 million doses will be distributed by the end of the fall.
NBC News, June 2022
As monkeypox surges, the Biden administration will start distributing the vaccine for the virus across the country, focusing on people most at risk and communities with the highest numbers of cases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will send 56,000 doses of the vaccine immediately to areas with high transmission. All told, 1.6 million doses will be distributed by the end of the fall.
LGBTQ Pride events offer a make-or-break moment for monkeypox
NBC News, June 2022
After 27 dreary months of Covid-19 restrictions, which felled the past two years’ Pride celebrations, LGBTQ Americans are finally poised to fully celebrate their community on the public stage this weekend. But in a stroke of uncannily inopportune timing, the monkeypox virus has just arrived on the scene, threatening to put a pall over the party.
NBC News, June 2022
After 27 dreary months of Covid-19 restrictions, which felled the past two years’ Pride celebrations, LGBTQ Americans are finally poised to fully celebrate their community on the public stage this weekend. But in a stroke of uncannily inopportune timing, the monkeypox virus has just arrived on the scene, threatening to put a pall over the party.
Nursing home settles historic transgender discrimination complaint
NBC News, June 2022
In a landmark settlement, a Maine assisted living facility has agreed to establish policies and procedures to ensure it is a welcoming place for LGBTQ seniors, after a 79-year-old transgender woman levied an accusation of discrimination. When Marie King filed her complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission in October, it was believed to be the first complaint of this kind in U.S. history.
NBC News, June 2022
In a landmark settlement, a Maine assisted living facility has agreed to establish policies and procedures to ensure it is a welcoming place for LGBTQ seniors, after a 79-year-old transgender woman levied an accusation of discrimination. When Marie King filed her complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission in October, it was believed to be the first complaint of this kind in U.S. history.
Roe v. Wade: Is gay marriage at risk after U.S. Supreme Court leak?
Thomson Reuters Foundation, May 2022
A leaked U.S. Supreme Court opinion suggesting justices are poised to overturn abortion rights has left LGBTQ+ advocacy groups fearful that same-sex marriage could also be at risk. Queer advocates fear that if Roe v Wade is overturned, this could open the door to legal challenges targeting same-sex marriage and other landmark civil rights rulings.
Thomson Reuters Foundation, May 2022
A leaked U.S. Supreme Court opinion suggesting justices are poised to overturn abortion rights has left LGBTQ+ advocacy groups fearful that same-sex marriage could also be at risk. Queer advocates fear that if Roe v Wade is overturned, this could open the door to legal challenges targeting same-sex marriage and other landmark civil rights rulings.
Transgender woman, 79, can claim Maine nursing home discriminated against her
NBC News, March 2022
A 79-year-old woman has reasonable grounds to claim that a Maine assisted-living facility discriminated against her for being transgender when it rejected her as a potential resident, the Maine Human Rights Commission found. The commission’s 3-2 vote sets in motion a process that could result in a lawsuit being filed against Sunrise Assisted Living in the town of Jonesport on a claim of violating state nondiscrimination law by denying Marie King’s application for residency.
NBC News, March 2022
A 79-year-old woman has reasonable grounds to claim that a Maine assisted-living facility discriminated against her for being transgender when it rejected her as a potential resident, the Maine Human Rights Commission found. The commission’s 3-2 vote sets in motion a process that could result in a lawsuit being filed against Sunrise Assisted Living in the town of Jonesport on a claim of violating state nondiscrimination law by denying Marie King’s application for residency.
While straight men face educational crisis, gay men excel academically, study finds
NBC News, March 2022
A new study offers important nuance about the widening educational gender gap in the United States, coming to starkly opposing conclusions about how growing up gay appears to affect the academic performance of males versus females. On an array of academic measures, gay males outperform all other groups on average, across all major racial groups. Conversely, lesbians perform more poorly in school overall and Black gay women have a much lower college graduation rate than their white counterparts.
NBC News, March 2022
A new study offers important nuance about the widening educational gender gap in the United States, coming to starkly opposing conclusions about how growing up gay appears to affect the academic performance of males versus females. On an array of academic measures, gay males outperform all other groups on average, across all major racial groups. Conversely, lesbians perform more poorly in school overall and Black gay women have a much lower college graduation rate than their white counterparts.
Trans U.S. seniors fear bleak future in residential care
Thomson Reuters Foundation, February 2022
As the first substantial generation of people living openly as transgender reaches old age in Western countries, LGBTQ+ advocates say care systems are woefully unprepared. Ties with family members have often ruptured over their gender identity and many struggle to find and maintain well-paid jobs during their working lives, limiting their care options in old age. Only a handful of nonprofits are trying to plug the gaps in caring for elderly trans people.
Thomson Reuters Foundation, February 2022
As the first substantial generation of people living openly as transgender reaches old age in Western countries, LGBTQ+ advocates say care systems are woefully unprepared. Ties with family members have often ruptured over their gender identity and many struggle to find and maintain well-paid jobs during their working lives, limiting their care options in old age. Only a handful of nonprofits are trying to plug the gaps in caring for elderly trans people.
AIDS and ACT UP: Sarah Schulman Puts Women and People of Color Back at the Heart of the Story
The Guardian, May 2021
Just weeks shy of the 40th anniversary of the CDC’s ominous first report of what became known as AIDS, the veteran AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) activist has come armed with a 700-page magnum opus she hopes will set the record straight about one of the most consequential social movements of the 20th century.
The Guardian, May 2021
Just weeks shy of the 40th anniversary of the CDC’s ominous first report of what became known as AIDS, the veteran AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) activist has come armed with a 700-page magnum opus she hopes will set the record straight about one of the most consequential social movements of the 20th century.
As Meth Overdoses Soar, Scientists Develop First Regimen to Treat Addiction to the Drug
NBC News, February 2021
Just as the National Institute on Drug Abuse has issued a report detailing the U.S.'s soaring rate of overdose deaths tied to meth, a national research team has reached a milestone by developing the first safe and efficacious medication-based treatment for addiction to the often ruinous stimulant.
NBC News, February 2021
Just as the National Institute on Drug Abuse has issued a report detailing the U.S.'s soaring rate of overdose deaths tied to meth, a national research team has reached a milestone by developing the first safe and efficacious medication-based treatment for addiction to the often ruinous stimulant.
Pressure to Keep Up: Status Imbalance a Major Factor in Stress in Gay Men
The Guardian, February 2020
The persistence of mental health hardships among gay and bisexual men, which endure even as LGBTQ people gain greater acceptance and civil rights, can be explained at least in part by the corrosive effects of status consciousness, competitiveness and racism within the gay community itself.
The Guardian, February 2020
The persistence of mental health hardships among gay and bisexual men, which endure even as LGBTQ people gain greater acceptance and civil rights, can be explained at least in part by the corrosive effects of status consciousness, competitiveness and racism within the gay community itself.
Truvada and the Truth: Is HIV Prevention Propelling the STI Epidemic
The Guardian, October 2018
Among gay and bisexual men, a rapidly expanding STI epidemic is fueling questions about whether the steadily rising number of people who start Truvada for HIV prevention subsequently change their sexual behavior in ways that increase their risk of contracting chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and, in rarer cases, hepatitis C.
The Guardian, October 2018
Among gay and bisexual men, a rapidly expanding STI epidemic is fueling questions about whether the steadily rising number of people who start Truvada for HIV prevention subsequently change their sexual behavior in ways that increase their risk of contracting chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and, in rarer cases, hepatitis C.
"'Born This Way' May Be The Wrong Song." (Second Nexus, Feb. 2016)
The vast chorus of personal testimony about the unchangeable nature of sexuality notwithstanding, there is weak scientific evidence supporting the notion that infants emerge from womb already primed as gay, lesbian or bisexual. And a new study now suggests that born-this-way arguments may not actually be the best way to promote acceptance toward gays.
The vast chorus of personal testimony about the unchangeable nature of sexuality notwithstanding, there is weak scientific evidence supporting the notion that infants emerge from womb already primed as gay, lesbian or bisexual. And a new study now suggests that born-this-way arguments may not actually be the best way to promote acceptance toward gays.
“It Really Might ‘Get Better’ for LGBT Teens.”
The Atlantic, February 2015
A new study lends support to the idea that bullying and depression decrease over time.
In Sept. 2010—spurred by a slew of media reports about LGBT young people committing suicide—sex columnist Dan Savage posted a YouTube video with his husband, Terry Miller, directly addressing LGBT teens struggling with bullying. “It gets better,” the couple promised, pointing to their own lives as inspiration.
The Atlantic, February 2015
A new study lends support to the idea that bullying and depression decrease over time.
In Sept. 2010—spurred by a slew of media reports about LGBT young people committing suicide—sex columnist Dan Savage posted a YouTube video with his husband, Terry Miller, directly addressing LGBT teens struggling with bullying. “It gets better,” the couple promised, pointing to their own lives as inspiration.
“Busting The Myth That Condoms Don’t Protect Gay Men Against STIs.” (POZ, Sept. 2014) Some gay men have started to believe that condoms don’t matter for STI protection.
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“Younger Gays and Aging." (The Advocate, Dec. 2010) Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of young gay men like he thought of losing their youthful veneer.
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“Jackie Warner Weighs In.”
(Out Traveler, Spring 2008) An interview with the star of Bravo’s “Work Out.” |
- POZ, Oct. 2014: “PrEP and Prejudice.” Can personal choice and public health find common ground in pre-exposure prophylaxis? Can PrEP reverse the rising rates of HIV infections among gay and bisexual men in the United States? (This article received the Excellence in HIV/AIDS Coverage Award in the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association's Excellence in Journalism Awards.)
- POZ, July 2014: “100% Efficacy for Gays Who Adhered in PrEP Study; Most Didn’t.”
- POZ, June 2014: “Hepatitis C Transmits Sexually in HIV-Positive Gay Men.” This silent epidemic has largely traveled under the radar, seriously endangering the health of HIV-positive gay men and questioning the safety of serosorting.
- Out magazine, Nov. 2013: “Too Close for Comfort.” Why serial monogamy isn't so safe.
- The Advocate, Dec. 2010: “Younger Gays and Aging.”
- The Advocate, Dec. 2010: “Social Groups for Gays.”
- The Advocate, Dec. 2010: “Coping with and HIV Diagnosis.”
- The Advocate, Nov. 2010: “Gays, Substance Abuse, and Depression.”
- The Advocate, Nov. 2010: “Helping a Friend or Family Member Who Is Depressed.”
- The Advocate, Oct. 2010: “Body Image: Never Big Enough.”
- Out, March 2009: “Mr. Lips to You.” Broadway’s Nick Adams.
- Out Traveler, July 2008: "Hot Hotel Gyms."
- Out Traveler, Spring 2008: “The Best Gay-Owned Spas in the U.S.”
- Out Traveler, Spring 2008: “Jackie Warner Weighs In.” An interview with the star of Bravo’s “Work Out.” (The byline is incorrectly attributed to someone else. My name is mentioned in the opening paragraph.)
- HIV Plus, May 2006: “What’s Gone Wrong?” Why are HIV rates so high among black men who have sex with men
- Gay.com, Nov. 2005: "Kicking Butts, Gays and Smoking."
- Gay.com, Aug. 2005: "Fashion Guinea Pig: Sexy Short Shorts."
- The Advocate, June 2004: "Bordering in Equality." Maine recognizes domestic partnerships; Virginia bans them.
- The Advocate, May 2004: "The Two Faces of George Bush."
- The Advocate, May 2004: "Out in the Terry Family." Randall Terry says his son's coming out was a "betrayal."
- The Advocate, May 2004: "Digging Out of Debt."
- The Advocate, Dec. 2003: "The Fire Under Fierstein." Profile of Harvey Fierstein.
- The Advocate, Nov. 2003: "Free to Damn Matthew Shepard?" Fred Phelps unleashes his wrath.
- Out, Oct. 2003: "Gay Talk Jocks."
- The NY Observer, Sept. 2001: "Crackdown on Prostitutes?" Community Bd. contradictorily backs decriminalization.
- Columbia Spectator, March .1999: "That 'Guy Who Sings' Makes His Mark On the Downtown Club Scene."