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.
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.
Bush demanded billions for AIDS in Africa. It paid off.
NBC News, February 7, 2023
George W. Bush’s reputation was forever complicated by war, but a proposal in his 2003 State of the Union became a historic success, resulting in 25 million lives saved from AIDS, 20 million people with HIV provided treatment and 5.5 million babies born to HIV-positive mothers but free of the virus. After two decades, this is the legacy of PEPFAR — the most ambitious U.S. foreign aid program since the Marshall Plan.
NBC News, February 7, 2023
George W. Bush’s reputation was forever complicated by war, but a proposal in his 2003 State of the Union became a historic success, resulting in 25 million lives saved from AIDS, 20 million people with HIV provided treatment and 5.5 million babies born to HIV-positive mothers but free of the virus. After two decades, this is the legacy of PEPFAR — the most ambitious U.S. foreign aid program since the Marshall Plan.
How 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.
After Fetterman debate, stroke survivors speak about their own struggles
NBC News, October 2022
For stoke survivors, the test Fetterman faced as he debated Mehmet Oz was not just political, but deeply personal. In him, they saw an avatar of their own struggles following a stroke: to recuperate physically, to communicate fluently and to coax from others an empathetic understanding that while some of their faculties may have been compromised, their intellects often remain unscathed.
NBC News, October 2022
For stoke survivors, the test Fetterman faced as he debated Mehmet Oz was not just political, but deeply personal. In him, they saw an avatar of their own struggles following a stroke: to recuperate physically, to communicate fluently and to coax from others an empathetic understanding that while some of their faculties may have been compromised, their intellects often remain unscathed.
Government can't mandate coverage for drugs that prevent HIV, Texas federal judge rules
NBC News, September 2022
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that a provision of the Affordable Care Act that mandates free coverage of HIV-prevention drugs violates the religious beliefs of a Christian-owned company. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor came in response to a lawsuit filed by Jonathan Mitchell, a former Texas solicitor general.
NBC News, September 2022
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that a provision of the Affordable Care Act that mandates free coverage of HIV-prevention drugs violates the religious beliefs of a Christian-owned company. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor came in response to a lawsuit filed by Jonathan Mitchell, a former Texas solicitor general.
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.
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.
Judge strikes down military's limits on service members with HIV
NBC News, April 2022
In a landmark ruling, a federal court has ordered the Defense Department to end a long-standing Pentagon policy forbidding enlisted military service members from deploying in active duty outside the continental U.S. and being commissioned as officers if they have HIV. Supporters hailed it as overdue legal affirmation that people on effective antiretroviral treatment for HIV are healthy and pose no risk to others.
NBC News, April 2022
In a landmark ruling, a federal court has ordered the Defense Department to end a long-standing Pentagon policy forbidding enlisted military service members from deploying in active duty outside the continental U.S. and being commissioned as officers if they have HIV. Supporters hailed it as overdue legal affirmation that people on effective antiretroviral treatment for HIV are healthy and pose no risk to others.
Trump Success In Ending Obamacare Would Kill Fauci Plan to Conquer HIV
The Guardian, October 2020
In his State of the Union in February 2019, Donald Trump vowed to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. But if Trump has his way and the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act (ACA) the resulting disruption to the healthcare system would end that dream. “The plan is dead in the water if the ACA goes down,” said Nastad's Amy Killelea.
The Guardian, October 2020
In his State of the Union in February 2019, Donald Trump vowed to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. But if Trump has his way and the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act (ACA) the resulting disruption to the healthcare system would end that dream. “The plan is dead in the water if the ACA goes down,” said Nastad's Amy Killelea.
"Rick Scott Had Us On Lockdown"
How Florida Said No to $70 Million for HIV Crisis
The Guardian, September 2019
While the Republican senator Rick Scott was governor of Florida his administration presided over the effective blocking of $70 million in federal funds available for fighting the state’s HIV crisis. Coupled with the fact that Scott refused to expand Medicaid in Florida, this new revelation—the product of an extensive investigation—helps explain why the state’s HIV epidemic became almost peerlessly severe during Scott’s time in office.
How Florida Said No to $70 Million for HIV Crisis
The Guardian, September 2019
While the Republican senator Rick Scott was governor of Florida his administration presided over the effective blocking of $70 million in federal funds available for fighting the state’s HIV crisis. Coupled with the fact that Scott refused to expand Medicaid in Florida, this new revelation—the product of an extensive investigation—helps explain why the state’s HIV epidemic became almost peerlessly severe during Scott’s time in office.
Paid Family Leave is a Game-Changer for New Parents' Health, Not Just Their Economic Security
The Nation, August 2019
The U.S. stands alone among wealthy nations for not providing paid family leave. Instead, the nation guarantees 12 weeks of unpaid time off following the birth of a child--a policy that covers only about 60 percent of private sector workers. Research indicates that paid family leave policies could provide new parents with myriad health, as well as economic, benefits.
The Nation, August 2019
The U.S. stands alone among wealthy nations for not providing paid family leave. Instead, the nation guarantees 12 weeks of unpaid time off following the birth of a child--a policy that covers only about 60 percent of private sector workers. Research indicates that paid family leave policies could provide new parents with myriad health, as well as economic, benefits.
The Pride Power 50
City & State Magazine, June 2018
In this special section of City & State, we recognize 50 people in the LGBT community who are key players in the world of New York politics and government, plus 10 up-and-comers. Since we cover politicians on a day-to-day basis, we limited this list to those who are not strictly in government but instead influence it from the outside.
City & State Magazine, June 2018
In this special section of City & State, we recognize 50 people in the LGBT community who are key players in the world of New York politics and government, plus 10 up-and-comers. Since we cover politicians on a day-to-day basis, we limited this list to those who are not strictly in government but instead influence it from the outside.
"The Republican Health Care Plan Would Devastate People With HIV"
(POZ, June 2017)
President Donald Trump’s proposed federal budget and the House Republican health care bill, if enacted, would deal a devastating blow to people living with and at risk for HIV. Additionally, the president’s proposed cuts to global HIV funding could prove cataclysmic to developing nations.
(POZ, June 2017)
President Donald Trump’s proposed federal budget and the House Republican health care bill, if enacted, would deal a devastating blow to people living with and at risk for HIV. Additionally, the president’s proposed cuts to global HIV funding could prove cataclysmic to developing nations.
"It's Science: Raising the Minimum Wage Would Make America a Happier Place." The Nation, Oct. 2015
“There’s this idea that our society is premised on the pursuit of happiness,” says Laura Smith, a Columbia psychologist. That premise, she reasons, is tied to the implicit American social contract, “which is that a hard day’s work is going to be the pathway to full enfranchised citizenship. And when full-time contributors to the necessary fabric of society can’t earn enough to lift their families out of poverty, our tacit social contract is compromised.”
“There’s this idea that our society is premised on the pursuit of happiness,” says Laura Smith, a Columbia psychologist. That premise, she reasons, is tied to the implicit American social contract, “which is that a hard day’s work is going to be the pathway to full enfranchised citizenship. And when full-time contributors to the necessary fabric of society can’t earn enough to lift their families out of poverty, our tacit social contract is compromised.”
“The Audacity of New York's Hope to End AIDS”
POZ, May 2015
“We’re beginning to see a real ray of light in what has been a 35-year nightmare,” said Andrew Cuomo, who presides over the state with the largest number of people living with HIV, an estimated 154,000 New Yorkers. He acknowledged that when the early sketches of the blueprint were drawn, “people thought it was an outrageous goal.” He then asserted that “sometimes what sounds outrageous is exactly what we need to do.”
POZ, May 2015
“We’re beginning to see a real ray of light in what has been a 35-year nightmare,” said Andrew Cuomo, who presides over the state with the largest number of people living with HIV, an estimated 154,000 New Yorkers. He acknowledged that when the early sketches of the blueprint were drawn, “people thought it was an outrageous goal.” He then asserted that “sometimes what sounds outrageous is exactly what we need to do.”
“PEPFAR Turns 10: Success at a Crossroads.”
(POZ, Dec. 2013) Over the summer, the 1 millionth baby was born HIV-free thanks to a huge push by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Worldwide, new HIV infections have fallen by a third since 2001. New infections among children have tumbled 52 percent during the same period. AIDS-related deaths have since dropped 30 percent since 2005. Also, 13 hard-hit nations each recently hit an important tipping point: A greater number of people are getting on ARVs each year than are newly infected with the virus.
(POZ, Dec. 2013) Over the summer, the 1 millionth baby was born HIV-free thanks to a huge push by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Worldwide, new HIV infections have fallen by a third since 2001. New infections among children have tumbled 52 percent during the same period. AIDS-related deaths have since dropped 30 percent since 2005. Also, 13 hard-hit nations each recently hit an important tipping point: A greater number of people are getting on ARVs each year than are newly infected with the virus.