The Bilerico Project

DC Gay, Lesbian, Bi Students 10 Times More Likely to Have Used Meth

David Mariner — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:26:52 -0500

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual students in DC public schools are 10 times more likely to have tried crystal meth than their peers, according to a new fact sheet released by DC Public Schools. 23.5% of self identified GLB identified students have used meth compared to 2.48% of heterosexual students. The fact sheet, available on the DCPS website, documents widespread and significant health disparities faced by Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual (GLB) high school students. Information about transgender students was not collected in this survey.

]]>The data comes from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), conducted every two years by DC Public Schools in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2007 marked the first year that the local version of the survey asked questions about GLB identity. Questions about sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression have been included in YRBS surveys in more than a dozen states.

The DC fact sheet does not explain what accounts for the numerous health disparities including crystal meth use, but is likely in part related to a school climate that can be hostile and unsafe. An analysis of similar data collected in Massachusetts found that "at-school victimization" is associated with differences in health risk behaviors. (Bontempo DE, D'Augelli AR. Effects of at-school victimization and sexual orientation on lesbian, gay, or bisexual youths' health risk behavior. J Adolesc Health. 2002 May;30(5):364-74.)

GLB students in DC Public Schools reported similar concerns about safety:

* 26.3 percent of GLB identified students in DC Public Schools report that they have stayed home from school one or more days in the past month because they felt unsafe in school or on their way to school.

* 30.6% of GLB identified students were bullied at least once on school property in the last year.

More information about the survey is available on The DC Center Website.

True Colors Tour Partners with GLBT Community Centers

David Mariner — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:13:37 -0500

Today Cyndi Lauper and the True Colors Tour announced an exciting partnership with CenterLink and GLBT Community Centers around the country. The True Colors Tour is hitting the road this summer, spreading the message of GLBT equality and highlighting the important work of GLBT community centers along the way.

The tour will feature five hours of non-stop music and entertainment by headliners Cyndi Lauper, The B-52s, and exciting special guests including Rosie O'Donnell, Wanda Sykes, Indigo Girls, Tegan and Sara, Regina Spektor, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Joan Armatrading, Nona Hendryx, Deborah Cox, The Cliks and many more. Hosted by Carson Kressley, the tour will visit 24 cities across the United States and Canada from May 31st to July 5th.

Here in Washington DC, The True Colors Tour will perform at the historic DAR Constitution Hall. I'm really excited for the opportunity to spread the word about the great work of the The DC Center.

]]>The True Colors Tour was conceived by Cyndi Lauper stemming from her desire to give back to the LGBT community for the love and support they have given her throughout her career. The True Colors Tour is a celebration of the basic values and freedoms that should be shared by all Americans regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Attendees will experience these values through the music of both legendary icons and the newest and coolest acts this generation has to offer.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to join in the celebration. Tickets for select cities will go on sale beginning March 15th and will be available at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more official tour & ticket information please visit the True Colors website.

Local LGBT Priorities for 2008

David Mariner — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:50:58 -0500

We spend a lot of time online talking about LGBT priorities at the federal level (ENDA, Hate Crimes, etc ...), but perhaps not as much time talking about LGBT priorities for our local communities.

The District of Columbia's Offce of LGBT Affairs, lead by Christopher Dyer, recently released their annual report. It includes the top 10 priorities for the LGBT community in DC as identified by the Office and the Mayor's advisory committee on LGBT issues. They are ......

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Community Health and Wellness

Cultural Competency Training

Economic Development

Elder Community Issues

GLBT Specific Data Collection

HIV/STD Prevention

Public Safety

Substance Abuse

Transgender Community Issues

Youth Issues

It's a great list that for the most part I agree. Of course, I probably don't spend as much time working on each of these issues as I should. I'm very curious to hear from other cities. Do these priorities match up with yours? Where should our focus be in 2008?

Marcellas Reynolds Talks About His New Show

David Mariner — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:08:26 -0500

I've been a fan of Marcellas Reynolds since I first saw him on Season 4 of Big Brother. I recently got a chance to touch base with Marcellas and find out more about what he's been up to and his new Style Network show.

You first appeared on the CBS show 'Big Brother' in Season 3. How has your life changed since being on the show?

Wow my life is sooo different than before. I think the biggest difference is how many people know me. Not a day goes by without someone saying "Hi Marcellas." And of course now I'm now on TV a lot. Big Brother really changed my life & the direction of my entertainment career.

]]>You've been able to use your celebrity to raise money for many organizations. What cause means the most to you?

I'll always have a soft spot for Project Angel Food. The work they do, delivering fresh, hot, nutritious meals to those in need is amazing. I also love L.A. Pride. They asked me to host the concert last summer and it was just monumental for me. They asked me to return next summer and I said yes. My pal Shannon (Elizabeth) would kill me if I didn't mention Animal Avengers. It's such a fun charity that rescues animals.

Your new show, 'Shop Like a Star' premieres on the Style Network January 12th. What can we expect to see on the show?

I'm so proud of this show! I'm not just on-air talent but consulting producer. It's my very first producer credit! We're teaching men and women how to shop. How to get the looks of their favorite stars at their local stores and via the internet. It's fun and informative!

What hot items are celebrities shopping for these days?

Women wearing mens watches; Rolexes, Cartier Tanks. It's all about the big chunky watch. For girls it's the season of the trouser; skinny, flare, wide-legged, high-waisted. You are not in fashion without a good pair of slacks. For men, it's dark, skinny jeans and wing-tips. The rounded toe shoe is so in! Retire those square toes with a chunky heel. Oh and men must have a mini-trench. An updated, fitted trench coat in black or navy reeks of style.

Season 9 of 'Big Brother' begins February 12th on CBS. Do you plan to be involved in the show?

I'm sitting this season of Big Brother out. I want to really focus on my fashion styling, TV hosting and acting. I'm actually pitching 2 new shows that I hope get picked up. I want to produce also. It's time for me to move on. Nothing is sadder than an ex-reality star holding on to a past season of a show.

Is there anything else you'd like your fans to know?

Just keep watching me! I work for Style and E! a lot. Expect to see me doing more make-overs on your favorite talk shows in 2008. And please visit marcellasreynolds.com for all things me!

11 Holiday Gifts that Build a Better World

David Mariner — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:28:12 -0500

If you haven't finished your holiday shopping yet, you're running out of time. If you're looking for some last-minute gift ideas, here are 11 great presents. Of course, the best part of these gifts is that the proceeds benefit worthy causes and organizations. We spend so much money during the holidays, why shouldn't some of it go to help others? Here are my favorites:

	Rosie's Peace Tee Benefits Children's Charities Rosie has made a high-quality shirt in sizes that fit real people. The 'Peace' tee has a wonderful, simple message and proceeds from Rosie's store go towards children's charities. Of course, the 'Love' tee shirts are just as nice. get it now
	Lance Armstrong Live Strong Skull Cap Benefits Lance Armstrong Foundation for Fighting Cancer However noble the cause, those bright yellow livestrong bracelets just aren't cool anymore. Fortunately Lance has some cool stocking stuffers. At just $14, this skull cap makes a perfect gift for a friend. get it now

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2007 Ford Warriors in Pink Silk Scarf (by Lilly Pulitzer)
Benefits Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
This may be your last chance to buy the limited edition 2007 Ford Warriors in Pink Silk Scarf. At $35, it's an affordable gift for friends, and a great way to raise awareness of breast cancer.
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Barclay Butera "Angels in L.A." Pillow
Benefits AIDS Project Los Angeles
This lavish, white-on-white pillow made from heavyweight, high quality linen contains 4,000 stitches that form the AIDS ribbon and the words “Angels in L.A.”. At $295, it's an expensive present, but a great reminder of how you honored your friend or family member by supporting AIDS Project Los Angeles
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Hand Made Lidded Basket
Benefits the Women of Uganda
The horriffic genocide that occured in Rwanda in 1994 took the lives of nearly a million people, or 10 percent of the population of Rwanda. The women of Rwanda, many of whom are now widows, are leading the way in rebuilding their economy and their country one basket at a time. Buy one of these beautiful handmade baskets and be a part of their heroic efforts.
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Love and Pride 1138 Products
Benefits Lambda Legal
The 1138 Collection is designed to get people talking. Bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry feature innovative designs around the number 1138. 10% of the purchase is donated to Lambda Legal to work toward a day when all loving couples have equal access to marriage and equal access to all 1138 rights.
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Kiva Gift Certificates
Loans that change lives.
Kiva let's you lend money to an individual entrepeneur in the developing world, empowering themselves to lift themselves out of poverty. I love Kiva, and was a member long before Oprah gave Kiva her seal of approval. This is the perfect last minute gift because you can print out gift certificates straight from the website.
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Clinton Presidential Center Cookbook
Benefits The William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation
Over 250 supporters from Clinton friends including Madeleine Albright & James Carville. The Clinton Foundation has done amazing work on HIV/AIDS around the world. Here's a chance to show your support.
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Housing Works Online Auctions
Benefits Housing Works
You don't have to go to their thrift store in New York City to purchase an item from Housing Works. Some of their best stuff is available online. Housing Works auctions have raised over $2 million for people living with HIV/AIDS. Check it out. You're sure to find something special here
housing works online auction

Same Love, Same Rights Pin
Benefits Various Marriage Equality Efforts
Get this beautiful 'commitment' lapel pin for a friend who is participating in the fight for Marriage Equality.
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Amnesty International 2007 Calendar
Benefits Amnesty International
Amnesty's 2007 calendar includes stunning portraits from the world-renowned photo-journalism agency Contact Press Images.
buy it now

A Plague of Biblical Proportions

David Mariner — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:58:28 -0500

Presidential Candidates, Democrat and Republican alike laid out their plans to fight HIV/AIDS at the Global AIDS Summit, sponsored by the evangelical Saddle Back Church. Hillary Clinton was the only candidate to appear in-person. Barack Obama, who gave his most significant speech on HIV/AIDS to date at the Saddle Back Church Summit last year, submitted a video tape message that was aired during the summit along with John Edwards, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, and Mitt Romney. And while some right-wing fundamentalists expressed concern at seeing Hillary Clinton at an Evangelical Summit, she apparently won over more than a few hearts, at least one outlet reports she received a standing ovation.

Of course for anyone paying attention to HIV/AIDS issues in the 2008 Presidential Campaign, it should come as no suprise that Hillary and the other Democratic Presidential Candidates had more to offer on HIV/AIDS issues than their Republican counterparts.

]]>Where the Democrats Stand: The top Democratic candidates have all thought through their HIV/AIDS policy. John Edwards was first to release his plan to address HIV/AIDS, and was followed by Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton has announced plans to release a detailed HIV/AIDS plan. All three candidates have also pledged to support the 08 Stop AIDS call for $50 billion over five years to fight global AIDS. (Again, John Edwards was the first of the top three to do so.)

Where the Republicans Stand: While most of the Republican contenders released press-releases on World AIDS Day, none of them has put out a detailed plan to fight HIV/AIDS. Similarly, none of the Republican contenders have joined the call for $50 billion over five years to fight global AIDS.

Given these differences, it's pretty easy to see why both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have appeared in-person with Pastor Rick Warren at the Saddle Back Church, while the Republican candidates have not.