Baltimore health authorities are urging local gay and bisexual men to get vaccinated against hepatitis A following reports of outbreaks of the disease among LGBT communities in other cities nationwide. A highly contagious disease, hep A causes a variety of symptoms which can last a few weeks in mild cases, to a few months in more severe cases. It can be prevented through a widely available vaccination. We asked Dr. Sebastian Ruhs, director of Chase Brexton’s Infectious Diseases Center of Excellence, to provide some details on hep A and how to get vaccinated.
What to Do Now that it’s Flu Season
Vaccination is the wisest course Dear Dr. Eva, How bad is the flu going to be this year? Should I get vaccinated? Which is better, the shot or the nose spray? How well do they work to prevent infection? Can you get sick with the flu from taking the vaccine? MW
Therapy Not For Me, You Say!
As the nation’s, indeed the world’s, attention has been on mental health, I want to focus on just what therapy/counseling is. I often hear people say: “I haven’t done this before; how does it go?” We do not ask this question if we have a toothache and have to go to the dentist, do we?
Is North Korea Gay-friendly?
With the North Korea situation being in front of the news, the answer to that question is simple: No. But it gives us an opportunity as a community to look at how the US and our community are dealing with other nations and their LGBT policies. The best examples from the last few years are in the Middle East, Africa, and Chechnya.
HIV Treatment and Prevention in Peril
Trump obliterates AIDS advisory council “All things AIDS, nationally and internationally, are in danger from the Trump administration, from PACHA to PrEP funding and other services right here in Baltimore,” says Lynda Dee, president of AIDS Action Baltimore, a non-profit group marking its 30th year providing essential services to people with HIV / AIDS.
Sen. Chelsea Manning?
With her 35-year sentence commuted by Obama, Manning aims to be the US’s first trans senator Elections have been bringing surprises lately – from Brexit to Trump. So could Marylanders soon be sending to Washington the first transgender US Senator? They may get the chance. Chelsea Manning – whistleblower of US war crimes in Iraq, who, as US Army intelligence analyst Bradley Manning leaked 750,000 pages of classified government documents to Wikileaks – threw her hat into the ring January 14th, announcing she would oppose two-term Maryland Sen. Benjamin Cardin, a conservative Democrat.
‘Divine Light’ Shines in Baltimore
Divine Light, a faith-based non-profit outpatient treatment and recovery program geared towards the LGBTQ community that started in Philadelphia over seven years ago, has opened an office in downtown Baltimore. Divine Light CEO / founder Sakina Dean welcomed invited guest to the new Baltimore location at 1 North Charles Street, suite 1504, on January 10th. Ms. Dean told Baltimore OUTloud that Divine Light is excited about expanding into the Baltimore area where it can provide a clean, safe environment for outpatient recovery from substance abuse as well as mental health counseling that is welcoming to sexual and gender minorities.
New Leadership at The Center for Black Equity
Dr. Durryle Brooks has been announced as the new head of the Center for Black Equity – Baltimore, a nonprofit group that aims to foster the local black LGBTQ community. He fills the vacancy left by Carlton R. Smith, the group’s founder.
Carlton Smith • New Ryan White Council Chair
For 26 years, the Ryan White Planning Council has focused on providing medical care and support services for people with HIV in Baltimore. The Planning Council recently elected Carlton R. Smith as chairman, as part of a new leadership team with over 60 years of combined experience in HIV planning, advocacy, and service provision.
‘Dance 4A Cause’ Fundraiser Coming in April
A small, local charity operation is about to make a big splash in Baltimore LGBT nightlife. This spring, D4AC (Dance for a Cause) kicks off its third annual fundraiser with a number of notable upgrades, including expansion to a three-day weekend event, robust entertainment lineup, and a more ambitious fundraising goal of $10,000 (proceeds go to Chase Brexton and Baltimore AIDS Walk & Run).