January 2019 – David Mariner

Sitting at the Table: Medical Research Advocacy

January 27, 2019January 27, 2019 by David Mariner

Your voice matters. As a community activist your voice is needed when it comes to medical research, especially when researchers are recruiting trial participants from your community or trying to address health issues that impact your community.

Sitting at the table for the first time, however, can be intimidating. Many years ago, JD Davids put together these tips for Project TEACH, with help from Charles Nelson, Kiyoshi Kuromiya, and Jane Shull. These tips remain as relevant today as they were when they were first written.

1. Remember the people who aren’t in the room: You are there to represent your community, not to impress the other people at the table. You must be clear about what your community needs and wants, and report back information to people who are not there. If you are sitting on a scientific committee designing research, you don’t have to be a scientist — you need to think about and talk about how their research will affect your community. Don’t be afraid to go back and ask your community what they think.

2. Set goals to focus your participation: Your homework is to know the issue, and figure out how it affects you and your community. What can this group or committee do about this issue? Your goals must be clear, wellthought out, and possible for this group of individuals to do at this time. You can have goals for each meeting, and overall goals for the committee’s work. What goals must be met, and what goals are you willing to compromise in order to win the most important things? Discuss these with your contacts and supporters. If you learn more or situations change, look again at your goals and change them if necessary.

3. Be truly present: You need to be there physically, mentally, and emotionally. The first key to this is showing up. Go to all the meetings. If they do not meet at times you can attend, demand that the times change, or find someone else to take your place. If they communicate through conference calls, be on all the calls, or you may miss important information.

Listen to everything. It is not helpful for you to demand an answer to a question that was already answered 10 minutes ago. Try your best to keep track of the conversation. If you ask a question, you must listen to the answer — do not assume you know what they are going to say. It is very easy to get distracted, especially on conference calls. Try to notice when you are not listening, and learn to concentrate on what is going on. Bring a tape recorder if you have trouble remembering the details or taking notes, and review it later.

Stay awake. If you find yourself getting sleepy, stand up or walk around if possible. Go to the bathroom and splash cold water on your face. Don’t load up on coffee and sweets — it can just lead to a crash. Snacks like nuts and fruit can give you a better energy boost.

Focus on what you do understand, not what you don’t yet understand. It is easy to become discouraged, but remember that you have support and can learn. Picture ideas in your head at first, rather than trying to write down details, especially with scientific and treatment issues.

4. Make all your comments and get your questions answered, sooner or later: You always have the right to ask questions. If you do not understand something, and no one is helping you, interrupt the meeting and demand an explanation. If you have a comment to make, do not let the conversation or meeting end until that comment is made.

If you ask a question, and feel that it was not answered all the way, point that out. If you still feel like you are getting the run-around, you have to make a decision — should you continue to interrupt the meeting, or will you give up for now and get your answer later from one of your contacts? Either decision is the right one at different times — it will become easier to tell with experience.

If you are not sure of how to say something important or sensitive during a meeting, make yourself a note. Then work with your contacts and supporters afterwards to write a letter to all the committee members, stating your position, and email or fax it to them or bring it to the next meeting.

Don’t be afraid of disagreements, even with your contacts and allies. A good working relationship can include arguments, so people know where you stand and that they can’t walk over you. Do stay open and honest without making personal attacks.

Sometimes you may have to pick your battles, and let things go if you can get an answer outside the meeting, or come back with a stronger suggestion or proposal next time. Remember, you are there to meet your goals, in order to help your community. If you call someone a “murderer” the first time you have a minor disagreement or because they say something dumb, they may never listen to anything you say again. Some people will say ignorant or offensive things to distract you from the real issues — don’t fall for it.

Avoid making up facts and figures. You may get caught. If you are pretty sure, say “I think that…” or “I believe that…”, and hope that someone else in the room can back you up. Or write a note to a contact near-by, asking if they know and can make the point. Sometimes you may need to bluff to bring out an important issue or make a point. You can act like you know the details without saying any. Use words like “approximately,” “about,” or “roughly” to describe your best guess, as in “About half the people dropped out of the study because of side effects. Obviously there is a problem here.”

5. Get in on the details. Most of your goals may be for big issues and decisions. But smaller things can make a large difference, too. Sometimes the people who write the final wording of a policy or decision have the most power. Do not give your okay for a general statement and go home — help write it, or demand to see a copy before it is made final or sent out!

GENDA Moves Forward in New York State

January 21, 2019 by David Mariner

Glennda Testone, Executive Director of The Center (the LGBT Community Center of New York City, made the following statement in in regards to the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act:

After years of fierce advocacy and activism in transgender and gender nonconforming communities, it is with great pleasure that The Center wholeheartedly applauds New York State lawmakers for passing the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA, A747/S1047), a major step forward in ensuring that transgender, gender nonconforming and nonbinary (TGNCNB) people are treated fairly and equally under the law. By adding gender identity and expression as a protected class under the Human Rights Law, GENDA provides TGNCNB people with protection against harassment and discrimination in employment, housing and public spaces like restaurants and shops.

This hard-fought victory is a result of more than a decade of dedicated activism, bravery and persistence, led by TGNCNB advocates and allies across New York State and beyond. We thank them for never giving up on this crucial piece of legislation and fighting so that TGNCNB people in our community are affirmed, protected and celebrated.

We also applaud the passage of A576/S1046, legislation that now bans the dangerous and medically-discredited practice known as ‘conversion therapy’ in New York State. By banning conversion therapy, New York will protect LGBTQ youth, especially TGNCNB youth, from being unduly victimized and traumatized simply for living their authentic lives.

The Center was proud to include GENDA and the statewide ban on conversion therapy as key priorities for our advocacy initiative, RiseOut, as part of a broad, unified effort to pass LGBTQ-affirming legislation with LGBTQ community leaders from every region of the state.

As we celebrate the historic progress made today, we must also recognize that one law is not a cure-all for the systemic oppression and discrimination that TGNCNB New Yorkers face. To most effectively protect marginalized communities who continue to be disproportionately impacted by hate crimes and targeted by the criminal justice system, lawmakers must also address the overrepresentation of queer, TGNCNB people and people of color in the criminal justice system. To this end, The Center has proposed a reporting bill as a companion to GENDA that would gather data to help legislators understand how criminal penalties under the Hate Crimes Act are applied. It will report on the sexual orientation, gender identity and racial or ethnic identity of victims and alleged perpetrators of hate crimes.

Today represents a bright moment in New York State’s progressive history. We applaud our legislature’s steadfast leadership and commitment to civil rights as we look forward to continuing our work to build a stronger, more inclusive New York State where all LGBTQ people are welcomed, affirmed and fully protected.

Glennda Testone,
Executive Director

Gay and Trans Panic Defense Prohibition Act

February 13, 2019January 21, 2019 by David Mariner

The National LGBT Bar Association (LGBT Bar) – the country’s largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and ally legal professionals – is proud to announce the introduction of the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2018.

The bill, introduced by Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and Congressman Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) this week, would do away with the use of the gay and trans ‘panic’ defenses, which use a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression as legal rationale for violent assault and murder. The bill is supported by the American Bar Association, the Matthew Shepard Foundation, the American Unity Fund, and Equality California.

A gay and trans ‘panic’ defense is employed when a defendant cites their victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression as cause for their violent and even deadly actions. These defenses have a long and dark history. They were used in high profile cases such as the murders of Matthew Shepard, Ahmed Dabarran, and Gwen Araujo, and have been successful in allowing violent offenders to walk free.

“Gay and trans ‘panic’ defenses have long stood as a symbol of dangerous and outdated thinking,” said D’Arcy Kemnitz, Executive Director of the LGBT Bar. “An individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression should never justify a violent attack or murder. To say otherwise sends a message to the LGBT community that their lives are inherently less valued. The continued allowance of these defenses is a failure of the justice system.”

The LGBT Bar has worked to ban such defenses for over a decade and was instrumental in the passage of the 2013 American Bar Association Resolution calling for an end to this practice in court. Similar legislation passed in California in 2014 and Illinois in 2017. New Jersey, Washington, Washington DC, and Rhode Island currently have similar legislation pending that would protect LGBT victims of violence from discrimination in the courtroom.

The LGBT Bar is hopeful that the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2018 will bring an end to this heinous defense.

LA Center Marks 50 Years of Queer

January 20, 2019 by David Mariner

The Los Angeles LGBT Center, which is the world’s largest LGBT organization, has announced 50 Years of Queer, the new campaign to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Throughout 2019 the Center’s signature events and other community-focused occasions will hallmark the organization’s half-century milestone.

“This is a historic moment for the Center and for the LGBT community,” said Center CEO Lorri L. Jean. “Fifty years ago, a small group of volunteers banded together and decided to change the world. Perhaps that’s not how they thought of it, but that’s what happened. What began as a vision for helping members of our community developed into what’s now the largest LGBT organization, with nearly 700 employees, thousands of volunteers and supporters, and many more thousands of people whose lives have been changed for the better. What better way to celebrate who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going than with a year-long set of opportunities for everyone to get involved!”

The year-long celebration will feature two landmark events that will serve as centerpieces of the anniversary festivities:

On April 7, the Center will open the two-acre Anita May Rosenstein Campus, a first-of-its-kind complex in Hollywood which will offer comprehensive multi-generational services and 100 beds for homeless youth, a new Senior Community Center and Youth Academy, and expanded programming and administrative space. Phase 2—scheduled to open in early 2020—will include 99 units of affordable housing for seniors and 25 supportive housing apartments for youth.

On September 21, a star-studded celebration and concert at the Greek Theatre will feature musical headliners and special guests, preceded by a sit-down gala dinner.

In celebration of 50 Years of Queer, events throughout the year will integrate important historical and cultural themes that highlight not only the history of the Center, but the LGBT movement at large. Among those events will be a special year-long Big Queer Convo panel series documenting the impact of LGBT people on the entertainment and news media over the last half-century, beginning on January 30 with The New Normal: Television and the Emergence of LGBT Identities. A host of other events will follow including: Simply diVine (April 27), the premier food and wine event for LGBT people and their allies at Hollywood Forever; L.A. Pride Parade (June 9) in which the Center’s march contingency will hold placards depicting LGBT individuals who posed for the 50 Years of Queer campaign; Trans Pride L.A., one of the oldest and largest trans celebrations in the country (June 14–15); OUT Under the Stars summer outdoor film screenings at Hollywood Forever (tentatively scheduled for June 21 and August 16); and the 27th Annual Models of Pride, the world’s largest free conference of its kind geared for LGBTQ youth and their allies (October).

Starting later this month, a special series of commemorative books will be released throughout the year, along with a digital 50 for 50 series, highlighting 50 moments from the Center’s history and inviting community members to share their stories. Don’t miss out on the details! For the latest news and updates about the 50 Years of Queer campaign and the exciting year-long events and activities, visit lalgbtcenter.org/50 and follow @lalgbtcenter on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

One Trans Activist’s Dream for Puerto Rico

January 18, 2019 by David Mariner

Joanna Cifredo has a dream for the youth of Puerto Rico. Not just the youth currently living in Puerto Rico but also the youth that have had to leave the country. She knows well what their experience is like. Her family migrated following the destruction of Hurricane Hugo. Thousands of youth have followed this path, relocating stateside and attending schools that might not have the resources to adequately support the needs of displaced children of color who are overwhelmingly poor, traumatized, and with limited English proficiency. This exodus is happening as Puerto Rico itself struggles to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Maria.

“As the island struggles to recover, we must ask ourselves where do the voices of Puerto Rico’s youth fit in shaping the future of Puerto Rico? How does this displacement affect the sustainability of Puerto Rico and what is the impact on us as a people?” – Joanna Cifredo

Joanna’s vision is called Camp Albizu, named after union organizer and independence activist Don Pedro Albizu Campos. Joanna is working to bring a group 30 Puerto Rican youth leaders from Puerto Rico and our five largest diasporas in the US (Chicago, Philly, Greater Boston, NYC, and Central Florida) for a week-long celebration of Puerto Rican heritage, culture, and organizing.

“As Puerto Rico is in desperate need of young people who are proud of where they come from, who are politically and socially engaged and are passionate about creating a stronger, more sustainable Puerto Rico.” – Joanna Cifredo

You can help make this dream a reality. Joanna has launched a gofundme campaign to fund the initial stage of this project.

I have the honor of knowing Joanna for many years as colleagues and as friends. I am proud to support this campaign and I hope you will join me by making a donation using the link below:

Learn more and donate to Joanna Cifredo & Camp Albizu’s GoFundMe campaign

Crystal Meth: How to Ask for Help

August 25, 2021January 1, 2019 by David Mariner

If you think you’ve got a problem with meth , recognizing that you have a problem is the first step in getting help.

A lot of people think they can kick meth and other drugs on their own, but that’s not going to work for most people. To get started, you need to find someone you can trust to discuss your problem with.

A friend or loved one can be a good option at first, particularly if you think they can help you without being judgmental or trying to use your problem to control you. A supportive and understanding person outside of your family or friends may be your best option, especially if that person has faced a problem with meth before. If you can’t talk to your significant other, a siblingor a parent, you may want to approach a counselor, a doctor, a religious leader, a former user on the road to recovery, or a hotline operator.

So, how do you ask for help? Try nine simple words “I have a problem, and I need your help.”

Practice those words over and over until you can say them to the person you want to turn to for help. If your intended helper doesn’t know you use meth, or even if he or she does know, you need to continue: “My problem is meth.” Saying it is very powerful-you take your problem out of your head and puts it where others can help. There! It’s not a secret anymore, and you’ve asked someone for help. Now, to make certain that you get the help you need to deal with your problem, here are some things you can do to make getting help for you easier on the person you asked.

Have a vision of what “help” means to you right now .

If you still need to talk with someone to figure out what that “help” is, ask your helper to help you find and show up for either a Crystal Meth Anonymous meeting or a counselor. You can start by looking at www.crystalmeth.org .
If you just want to get your use to a level where it isn’t running your life, tell your helper that you want to learn to use less. Let them know that you want to cut back on your use and ask them to help you find a “harm reduction” program or specialist. In the DC area, a monthly harm reduction group takes place at the DC Center. Find out more at 202 682-2245.
If you want to stop using completely, tell your helper that you want treatment to stop using and what type of insurance you have, if any. Don’t let a lack of money or insurance stand in your way, though. Let your helper know that there are lists of treatment centers available online or by calling 1-800-662-4357.

Have this guide handy when you ask for help, too . If emotions keep you from saying too much, you can always point to words on the page to ask for help and to describe the help you need. The website at the bottom of this page can help your helper and you, too!

Overcoming a drug problem is not easy . Quitting drugs is probably going to be the hardest thing you’ve ever done, but it will be one of the things you’re most proud of having done, too. It’s not a sign of weakness if you need professional help from a trained drug counselor or therapist. Most people who try to kick a drug or alcohol program need professional assistance or treatment programs to meet their goals.

Once you decide start a treatment program–whether inpatient or outpatient or through 12-step meetings (CMA)–try these tips to make the road to recovery less bumpy:

Tell your friends about your decision to stop using drugs. Real friends will respect your decision. But also keep in mind that you may need to find new friends who will be 100% supportive. Unless all of your friends get off drugs together, you won’t be able to hang out with the buds you got high with before. It may hurt like hell to give up your friends, but you’re choosing the life you want for yourself, not they life that they want you to have.
Ask your friends or family to be available when you need them. You may need tocall someone in the middle of the night just to talk. If you’re going through a tough time, don’t try to handle things on your own – accept the help your family and friends offer.
Accept only invitations to events that you know won’t involve drugs. Going to themovies is probably safe, but you may want to skip a Friday night party until you’re feeling more secure. Plan activities that don’t involve drugs. Go to the movies or to museums, try bowling, or take a class with a friend.
Have a plan about what you’ll do if you find yourself in a place with drugs. The temptation will be there eventually, but if you know how you’re going to handle it, you’ll be OK. Establish a plan with your friends and family so that if you call home using a code, they’ll know that your call is a signal you need to get out where you are fast.
Remind yourself that having a drug problem doesn’t make you bad or weak. If you slip up and use a bit, talk a counselor or someone in your treatment program as soon as possible. There’s nothing to be ashamed about, but it’s important to recognize the slip quickly so that all of the hard work you put into your recovery is not lost.

If you’re worried about a friend who has an addiction, use these tips to help him or her, too. For example, let your friend know that you are available to talk or offer your support. If you notice a friend using again, talk about it openly and ask what you can do to help. If your friend is going back to drugs and won’t accept your help, don’t be afraid to talk to a counselor. It may seem like you’re ratting your friend out, but it’s the best support you can offer.

Above all, offer a friend who’s battling a drug problem lots of encouragement and praise. It may seem corny, but hearing that you care is just the kind of motivation your friend needs.

Staying Clean

Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction doesn’t end with a 6-week treatment program. It’s a lifelong process. Many people find that joining a support group can help them stay clean. There are support groups specifically for teens and younger people, too. You’ll meet people who have gone through the same experiences you have, and you’ll be able to participate in real-life discussions about drugs that you won’t hear elsewhere.Many people find that helping others is also the best way to help themselves. Your understanding of how difficult the recovery process can be will help you to support others -both teens and adults – who are battling an addiction.If you do have a relapse, recognizing the problem as soon as possible is critical. Get help right away so that you don’t undo all the hard work you put into your initial recovery. And don’t ever be afraid to ask for help!

Originally created by the DC Crystal Meth Working Group which is not currently active.