The Okanagan College Pride Group is non-partisan so feel-free to send in news releases, etc. from various parties, about glbt issues.
-----
"May 26, 2011
VICTORIA – Today, New Democrat MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert is introducing The Gender Identity and Expression Human Rights Recognition Act, which would ensure that transgendered people are explicitly protected by the B.C. Human Rights Code.
"While the courts have read certain protections for gender identity and expression into our human rights legislation, it is important for the government to recognize transgendered people, by explicitly including them in the human rights code," said Chandra Herbert. "Transgendered people still face incredible barriers to employment and housing, and face discrimination and the threat of violence almost everywhere they go."
Chandra Herbert noted that explicitly including gender identity and expression in the human rights code will help ensure that landlords, employers and ordinary people understand that transgendered people have the right to live and work free from fear and discrimination.
Marie Little, chair of the Trans Alliance Society, agrees: "Protection, like justice itself, must be seen to be done to be effective. Landlords, employers, shopkeepers and restaurant owners - as well as ‘trans’ people themselves must be able to see that these protections exist. I think this bill will accomplish this," said Little. "Explicitly mentioning ‘gender identity’ and ‘gender expression’ in the code goes a long way in the direction of educating people about the issues facing the trans community."
"This is simple, non-partisan legislation that addresses a real need for people in B.C. communities," said Chandra Herbert. "I hope that all members of the legislature will work together to ensure it is passed during the current sitting."
Adrian Dix and the New Democrats believe in taking action to protect all British Columbians from violence, harassment and discrimination."
Source: http://www.bcndpcaucus.ca/en/new_democrats_take_steps_to_protect_transgendered_people
-----
"... I ask you to spread the word and encourage your friends, families and peers to contact their own MLA and ask for their commitment to support this crucial legislation...Sincerely, Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA Vancouver-West End"
MLA Finder: http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm?utm_source=GLBT&utm_campaign=d5a807c73c-West+End+Community+Survey+February+2011&utm_medium=email
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
OC Pride Group: only online
Just to let everyone know May 31st has come and gone which means we are only online at this point. This website will be updated as needed. We are also on Facebook under "Glbt Okanagan-College".
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Source: Okanagan Rainbow Coalition (in Kelowna)
----- Original Message -----
...
Subject: ORC Update - Proms, Volleyball, Volunteers and more!
To: info@gayokanagan.com
> ...
> *
> *
>
> *LGBT Prom Night – Planning Session this Friday, June 3
> We are exploring the possibility of hosting an LGBT
> Prom/Graduation Ceremony
> at The Centre.
> We are pleased to have found that the local school boards have strong
> policies regarding discrimination, tolerance and acceptance, and
> are now
> offering "same sex relationships in the family" education. In
> addition, at
> schools where graduating students are permitted to bring dates
> to prom, same
> sex couples are allowed and supported. However, we understand
> that many
> individuals may not feel comfortable doing so - particularly the more
> vulnerable and sensitive members of the community.
>
>
> With that in mind, we’d like to get a sense of interest and
> support from
> the community for such an event, via a *planning meeting to be
> held at The
> Centre this Friday, June 3 at 5:30pm*. The event would be open
> to all those
> graduating this year or last, and will only happen with your direct
> involvement and support. Come make your voice heard!
>
>
> *Saturday Socials – Volunteers needed and time change*
>
> *Effective this upcoming Saturday – June 4 – the hours of the
> Saturday night
> socials will officially change to 10pm – 2am*. While we
> recognize this will
> affect a small group of members who like to show up early, we
> have a limited
> volunteer pool who are now having to stay later as the socials
> have become
> ever more popular.
> In addition, *we are actively seeking member(s) of the community
> willing to
> work door control and security at the Saturday Socials*. As previously
> mentioned, membership checks will soon be in place in order to
> meet our
> licensing requirements, and for the safety and security of all
> patrons, we
> would like to have someone controlling access as the front door
> from 11pm –
> 1am weekly. Please contact us at info@gayokanagan.com if you are
> able to
> assist on an ongoing basis!
>
>
> *Movie Night – Fridays at The Centre*
>
> We’re starting Friday Night Films – beginning this Friday, June
> 3 at about
> 6:30pm. We’re hoping to show mostly LGBT themed movies, so send
> along your
> suggestions! Popcorn and Pop will be available for sale. On tap
> for this
> week will be either Milk or Shelter.
>
> *
> *
>
> *Beach Volleyball is Back*
>
> Beginning this week, our free outdoor gay beach volleyball makes
> its return
> to Hot Sands Beach at the end of City Park near the bridge in
> Kelowna. It’s
> a great way to end the week, get fresh air, and usually finishes
> off with
> burgers and beer! See you there Friday nights starting at 6:30pm
>
>
> *“Homos at Hanna’s” Dance – June 18, 2011 9PM-1AM*
>
> We’re back downtown! Yes, the next dance will be hosted at
> Hanna’s Lounge in
> the Delta Grande. This is a wonderful classy space with a huge
> outdoor patio
> overlooking Okanagan Lake. Space is limited, and this event is
> sure to sell
> out, so watch for ticket and pricing information soon.
>
> This event will be 16+ again, and tickets are $15 members/$20 others.
>
>
> Hanna’s Lounge is located at 1352 Water Street in Kelowna, BC
>
> *Ideas and Feedback*
> As always we are looking for new ideas from our members of
> events they'd
> like to see in the community, or services we could help facilitate.
> The Board will review and do their best to help make these
> happen. Ideas
> with a commitment of support and volunteers are always the most
> likely to
> happen so please get involved! It's your community, and your ORC.
>
> See you OUT there!
>
> ______________________________
> ______________________________________________________
>
> *Okanagan Rainbow Coalition *| gayokanagan.com |
> info@gayokanagan.com | (250)
> 860-8555
...
Subject: ORC Update - Proms, Volleyball, Volunteers and more!
To: info@gayokanagan.com
> ...
> *
> *
>
> *LGBT Prom Night – Planning Session this Friday, June 3
> We are exploring the possibility of hosting an LGBT
> Prom/Graduation Ceremony
> at The Centre.
> We are pleased to have found that the local school boards have strong
> policies regarding discrimination, tolerance and acceptance, and
> are now
> offering "same sex relationships in the family" education. In
> addition, at
> schools where graduating students are permitted to bring dates
> to prom, same
> sex couples are allowed and supported. However, we understand
> that many
> individuals may not feel comfortable doing so - particularly the more
> vulnerable and sensitive members of the community.
>
>
> With that in mind, we’d like to get a sense of interest and
> support from
> the community for such an event, via a *planning meeting to be
> held at The
> Centre this Friday, June 3 at 5:30pm*. The event would be open
> to all those
> graduating this year or last, and will only happen with your direct
> involvement and support. Come make your voice heard!
>
>
> *Saturday Socials – Volunteers needed and time change*
>
> *Effective this upcoming Saturday – June 4 – the hours of the
> Saturday night
> socials will officially change to 10pm – 2am*. While we
> recognize this will
> affect a small group of members who like to show up early, we
> have a limited
> volunteer pool who are now having to stay later as the socials
> have become
> ever more popular.
> In addition, *we are actively seeking member(s) of the community
> willing to
> work door control and security at the Saturday Socials*. As previously
> mentioned, membership checks will soon be in place in order to
> meet our
> licensing requirements, and for the safety and security of all
> patrons, we
> would like to have someone controlling access as the front door
> from 11pm –
> 1am weekly. Please contact us at info@gayokanagan.com if you are
> able to
> assist on an ongoing basis!
>
>
> *Movie Night – Fridays at The Centre*
>
> We’re starting Friday Night Films – beginning this Friday, June
> 3 at about
> 6:30pm. We’re hoping to show mostly LGBT themed movies, so send
> along your
> suggestions! Popcorn and Pop will be available for sale. On tap
> for this
> week will be either Milk or Shelter.
>
> *
> *
>
> *Beach Volleyball is Back*
>
> Beginning this week, our free outdoor gay beach volleyball makes
> its return
> to Hot Sands Beach at the end of City Park near the bridge in
> Kelowna. It’s
> a great way to end the week, get fresh air, and usually finishes
> off with
> burgers and beer! See you there Friday nights starting at 6:30pm
>
>
> *“Homos at Hanna’s” Dance – June 18, 2011 9PM-1AM*
>
> We’re back downtown! Yes, the next dance will be hosted at
> Hanna’s Lounge in
> the Delta Grande. This is a wonderful classy space with a huge
> outdoor patio
> overlooking Okanagan Lake. Space is limited, and this event is
> sure to sell
> out, so watch for ticket and pricing information soon.
>
> This event will be 16+ again, and tickets are $15 members/$20 others.
>
>
> Hanna’s Lounge is located at 1352 Water Street in Kelowna, BC
>
> *Ideas and Feedback*
> As always we are looking for new ideas from our members of
> events they'd
> like to see in the community, or services we could help facilitate.
> The Board will review and do their best to help make these
> happen. Ideas
> with a commitment of support and volunteers are always the most
> likely to
> happen so please get involved! It's your community, and your ORC.
>
> See you OUT there!
>
> ______________________________
> ______________________________________________________
>
> *Okanagan Rainbow Coalition *| gayokanagan.com |
> info@gayokanagan.com | (250)
> 860-8555
Monday, April 25, 2011
Okanagan College Pride Group is looking for an unpaid coordinator
Okanagan College Pride Group is looking for an unpaid coordinator. You will need to be either a current student that has registration papers or been an accepted student (acceptance letter from college required with start date before Oct. 30th, 2011). In either situation your program must last at least five more months from the date that you send a message of interest. To express interest please email glbt@myokanagan.bc.ca by May 30th, 2011. Please note it will be required that the administration of Okanagan College meet you in-person. If no one is found then this group will cease to be affiliated with the college, and a name change will occur. As a reminder we also have a facebook page under 'Glbt Okanagan-College'.
Monday, April 4, 2011
University of Northern British Columbia
GENDER IS A DRAG: VARIETY SHOW FUNDRAISER
University of Northern British Columbia: NUSC Event Space
April 9th, 2011 from 6-10pm
The Northern Pride Centre Society (PC) is promoting a community drag/variety show to celebrate their successes and to raise money for continued operation. By providing community events, peer support, LGBTQ resources, and a safe environment it is the PC’s mission to foster and enhance the well-being, unity and visibility of transgendered, bisexual, lesbian, and gay persons and people with related concerns in the North.
“We have lots to commemorate! The Pride Centre, located at UNBC, has grown substantially over this past school year” says Arkell Wiley, a volunteer with the PC. “Without funding from the university, however, we also have a long way to go. The Gender is a Drag show will be a chance for us to celebrate diversity, raise funds for the Pride Centre, and have a fabulous time.”
The drag show will feature an assortment of performances by members of the queer and ally community including special appearances by international celebrities and reigning Queens Ivana B'Alone and Foxy de Rossi and the dynamic Mr. Gay PG, Austin Tacious. Other notable performers will be writer Tess Healy and local jam band The Bricks!
There will also be a trivia contest, raffle, 50/50 draw, games, as well as food and art sold by local community members.
Admission is 5$ and tickets are available at Shagg Boutique (1601 Victoria St), the Pride Centre (6-344 of the NUSC Building), the NUGGS office, and at the door. All funds raised will go to support initiatives of the PC such as the educational Positive Space Workshop, Crisis Phone Line, and Youth Outreach Program.
The show will take place at the NUSC event space at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George (3333 University Way) on Saturday April 9th, 2011.
Northern Pride Centre Society
Rm 6-344 of the NUSC Building at UNBC
3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9
.w. northernpridesociety.com
.e. prideunbc@gmail.com
.t. (250) 960-6461
University of Northern British Columbia: NUSC Event Space
April 9th, 2011 from 6-10pm
The Northern Pride Centre Society (PC) is promoting a community drag/variety show to celebrate their successes and to raise money for continued operation. By providing community events, peer support, LGBTQ resources, and a safe environment it is the PC’s mission to foster and enhance the well-being, unity and visibility of transgendered, bisexual, lesbian, and gay persons and people with related concerns in the North.
“We have lots to commemorate! The Pride Centre, located at UNBC, has grown substantially over this past school year” says Arkell Wiley, a volunteer with the PC. “Without funding from the university, however, we also have a long way to go. The Gender is a Drag show will be a chance for us to celebrate diversity, raise funds for the Pride Centre, and have a fabulous time.”
The drag show will feature an assortment of performances by members of the queer and ally community including special appearances by international celebrities and reigning Queens Ivana B'Alone and Foxy de Rossi and the dynamic Mr. Gay PG, Austin Tacious. Other notable performers will be writer Tess Healy and local jam band The Bricks!
There will also be a trivia contest, raffle, 50/50 draw, games, as well as food and art sold by local community members.
Admission is 5$ and tickets are available at Shagg Boutique (1601 Victoria St), the Pride Centre (6-344 of the NUSC Building), the NUGGS office, and at the door. All funds raised will go to support initiatives of the PC such as the educational Positive Space Workshop, Crisis Phone Line, and Youth Outreach Program.
The show will take place at the NUSC event space at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George (3333 University Way) on Saturday April 9th, 2011.
Northern Pride Centre Society
Rm 6-344 of the NUSC Building at UNBC
3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9
.w. northernpridesociety.com
.e. prideunbc@gmail.com
.t. (250) 960-6461
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Okanagan Rainbow Coalition
Hello to all of our members, supporters and friends!
FRIDAY NIGHT - March 18 - 8:30pm - The Centre
SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE from Vancouver
The Engaging Physicians Project welcome the Sister Merry Q. Contrary and Sister Hyde N’ Sikh will be present at The Centre on Friday March 18, 2011, beginning at 8:30pm.
Everyone in the community is invited to this event so come and join us for an evening of Bingo with prizes, appies and cocktails available.
The Sisters exist as an order of 21st century queer nuns who welcome a broad spectrum of genders, sexual orientations and religious/spiritual traditions. Through humour, irreverent wit and glamorous manifestation, they seek to transform social structures that continue to oppress the vulnerable in our society.
"SATURDAY AFTERNOON - MARCH 19 - 3PM - The Centre
Pride 2011 First Planning Meeting
Come out and find out how you can help shape Okanagan Pride 2011, or become a volunteer!
Pride 2011 promises to be even bigger and better than ever!
For more info contact ******@************.com
SATURDAY NIGHT- MAY 7 - 9PM - Mission Hall Lakeshore Rd
THE WHITE PARTY LGBT DANCE
The next Kelowna dance party has been rescheduled to May 7, 2011 in order to avoid conflict with several other local events in April. Mark your calendars as this is always one of the bigger and better ORC dances of the year. Plus - the June and August dances will be held DOWNTOWN! More details to come.
As always, our weekly events including the popular Saturday night socials are still going strong. For all the details, visit our website at gayokanagan.com
See you in the community!"
FRIDAY NIGHT - March 18 - 8:30pm - The Centre
SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE from Vancouver
The Engaging Physicians Project welcome the Sister Merry Q. Contrary and Sister Hyde N’ Sikh will be present at The Centre on Friday March 18, 2011, beginning at 8:30pm.
Everyone in the community is invited to this event so come and join us for an evening of Bingo with prizes, appies and cocktails available.
The Sisters exist as an order of 21st century queer nuns who welcome a broad spectrum of genders, sexual orientations and religious/spiritual traditions. Through humour, irreverent wit and glamorous manifestation, they seek to transform social structures that continue to oppress the vulnerable in our society.
"SATURDAY AFTERNOON - MARCH 19 - 3PM - The Centre
Pride 2011 First Planning Meeting
Come out and find out how you can help shape Okanagan Pride 2011, or become a volunteer!
Pride 2011 promises to be even bigger and better than ever!
For more info contact ******@************.com
SATURDAY NIGHT- MAY 7 - 9PM - Mission Hall Lakeshore Rd
THE WHITE PARTY LGBT DANCE
The next Kelowna dance party has been rescheduled to May 7, 2011 in order to avoid conflict with several other local events in April. Mark your calendars as this is always one of the bigger and better ORC dances of the year. Plus - the June and August dances will be held DOWNTOWN! More details to come.
As always, our weekly events including the popular Saturday night socials are still going strong. For all the details, visit our website at gayokanagan.com
See you in the community!"
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Framing Health: A Discussion and Film Series on Health and Community
Time Tuesday, February 22 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location Artspace
1685 3rd Avenue
Prince George, BC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Created By PrideUNBC, Marli Leibovitch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Info How does it feel to have your gender identity included in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders? Find out when
thirteen transgender and genderqueer scholars, artists, and activists
explore the impact and implications of the Gender Identity Disorder
diagnosis on their lives and communities. "Diagnosing Difference"
...explores the many complexities of the diagnosis from the perspectives
of those it affects most directly and personally. It is a
groundbreaking film that explores the impact of Gender Identity
Disorder diagnosis on people who identify on the trans spectrum in
their own words and images.
With support from the Canadian Medical Association, "Diagnosing
Difference" is the second of three films in the "Framing Health" film
series hosted as a collaboration between the UNBC Pride Centre and
Northern Medical Program medical students.
The event is free and refreshments will be served.
For any further information contact: anamariadotrichardson@gmail.com or pride@unbc.caSee More
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location Artspace
1685 3rd Avenue
Prince George, BC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Created By PrideUNBC, Marli Leibovitch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Info How does it feel to have your gender identity included in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders? Find out when
thirteen transgender and genderqueer scholars, artists, and activists
explore the impact and implications of the Gender Identity Disorder
diagnosis on their lives and communities. "Diagnosing Difference"
...explores the many complexities of the diagnosis from the perspectives
of those it affects most directly and personally. It is a
groundbreaking film that explores the impact of Gender Identity
Disorder diagnosis on people who identify on the trans spectrum in
their own words and images.
With support from the Canadian Medical Association, "Diagnosing
Difference" is the second of three films in the "Framing Health" film
series hosted as a collaboration between the UNBC Pride Centre and
Northern Medical Program medical students.
The event is free and refreshments will be served.
For any further information contact: anamariadotrichardson@gmail.com or pride@unbc.caSee More
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Valentine's Hangover Winter Dance
me Saturday at 9:00pm - Sunday at 2:00am
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location Okanagan Mission Community Hall
4409 Lakeshore Rd
Kelowna, BC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Created By Okanagan Rainbow Coalition, Brian McArthur
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Info 19+
$10 for members, $20 for non-members
Get your $25 1-year membership here:
http://member.gayokanagan.com/application
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location Okanagan Mission Community Hall
4409 Lakeshore Rd
Kelowna, BC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Created By Okanagan Rainbow Coalition, Brian McArthur
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Info 19+
$10 for members, $20 for non-members
Get your $25 1-year membership here:
http://member.gayokanagan.com/application
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Problems with Man Count & HIV Discussion
DISCUSSION #4
To add on to the issue of man count here is some more math. Man count (2008) claims that 18.1% of the MSM population is infected with HIV. However, according to the Health Canada website roughly 65,000 people, in general, are infected with HIV (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hiv-vih-eng.php#hivc). ((33,143,600/2)*.02)*.181 = 59,989. If Man Count was correct, this would mean that infections amongest MSM would consist for 92.29% (59, 989/65,000) of all HIV infections in Canada. This is just ridiculousness to believe and is not supported by government information: "Of all prevalent HIV infections at the end of 2005, an estimated 51% were attributed to men who have sex with men (MSM)." (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/aids-sida/populations-eng.php#men.)
(Canada 2008 population statistics -- http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/080327/dq080327d-eng.htm)
----------
DISCUSSION #3
On the Health Canada website it states in regards to NEW INFECTIONS (of the combined homosexual and heterosexual populations) “3% were men who have sex with men and use injection drugs” (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hiv-vih-eng.php#hivc) this should not be taken to mean that just 3% of MSM who are infected have used drugs.
Instead, the number of MSM who are newly infected that have used drugs are approximately 15.5%. That is, to get the above “3% were men who have sex with men and use injection drugs” 6.8% of the “44% were men who have sex with men” must have used drugs or otherwise 15% of the total newly infected MSM population: 0.068*44 = 2.99; 6.8/44 = 15.45%.
In turn, this mean that the chances for a MSM being infected can be reduced up to 15% by avoiding the use of drugs as well as potentially even reducing the odds further (more than by the aforementioned 15%) by also avoiding having sex with those that do drugs. Keep in mind, the drug use in question are both drugs done by injections as well as smoking pipes and other equipment that could have others blood/bodily fluids on them.
The Canadian Aids Society says that, “People who use drugs comprise about 20% of the population in Canada infected with HIV and about 30% of new infections“ (http://www.cdnaids.ca/hivandpeoplewhousedrugs) in regard to the general population (homosexual and heterosexual combined). In other words, taking these numbers into account MSM can reduce their odds of becoming new infections by perhaps up to 15-30% by avoiding using drugs or having sex with those that do.
It would also appear that for some reason Health Canada is missing the same numbers for WSW, or has included them in the heterosexual category. Perhaps, it need less to say that women can gain aides from having sex with women as well as from drug use.
-----
DISCUSSION #2
As Submitted to: http://mancount.ca/whatis.html
"#2 Be advised that some of your locations that testings were done also may have lead to a higher HIV positive rate than random sampling. For example, the AIDS Walk and Gay's Men Heatlh Submit both may have participates that would be more likily to be infected than the general populations. What are the actual test results for these events?..."
on the behalf of OC Pride Group.
http://glbtmyokanagan.blogspot.com/
P.S. Since then I have found out, according to their website, that those that took part in the study did not recieve the test results. It read: '#1 It would seem that you did not count for that there might be a possibility that those that believe they are HIV/AIDS negative are less likely to get tested out of believe that there is no need to get tested (or out of fear finding out otherwise). Whereas, those that tested HIV/AIDS positive and who already knew of their status (approx. 86% according to your data: 100-14) were less stressed at finding out, because they knew what the results were going to be (presumably because of priori testing), and in turn might have felt more comfortable to participate. In turn, if the above is correct then those that already knew their status may feel more comfortable to participate, and this would lead to a higher percentage of those testing positive amongst the sample(s) of your studies population as compared to an unbiased random sample of the general population."
P.P.S. There are at least four (18% of the total) locations that blood samples were taking from that would likily have higher than normal positive results: the above two and two other locations. Risky sex practices are associated with greater likilyhood of infections, and some of the locations (the other two out of the four) in the study cater to persons that participate in these higher risk practices.
-----
DISCUSSION #1
There are approx. 58000 people (of all walks of sexuality including straights/heterosexuals) infected with AIDS/HIV currently living in Canada. 27% of people that are infected are unaware that they are infected. 51% of those that test positive for AIDS/HIV are males that have sex with other males. (source for all the above: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/aids-sida/populations-eng.php#men.) There are approx. between 2300 and 4500 new cases in Canada of HIV/AIDS each year (http://www.avert.org/canada-hiv.htm, please note the reliability and validity of this source was not verified). Population of Canada is 33,873,357 of which 49% are males. 2% of the male population identifies themselves as gay or bi-sexual (this is a conservative estimate often stated): the larger this actual number is the lower the infection rate will be under these following calculations.
Very rough calculations:
33,873,357 x .49 = 16,597,944.93
16,597,944.93 x .02 = 331,958.8986
58,000 x .51 = 29,580
29,580 x .27 = 7,986.6
7986.6/331,958.8986 = 0.024059002
0.024059002 x 100 = 2.4059002%
There are several problems with this figure, a main problem with this figure is that because of the use of drugs many people can live many years while being infected and these figures are overly accumulative and therefore makes it seems statistically that all of the the 29,580 are currently sexual active in the gay and bi populations while in fact they (i.e., some to many) may not have been for years or decades. Another main problem is that it assumes that even if all this 58,000 are still sexually active (and there are no unknown cases) that only those unware that they are infected would continue to have sex (and those who would know either wouldn't have sex or would have sex with those that are also already infected).
Using the figure of 2,300 new cases per year (to attemp to reduce the accumulative affect):
2,300 x .51 = 1173
1173/331,958.8986
0.003533569 x 100 = 0.3533569%
The problem with using the number of new cases is it it presumes that these individuals will still continue to be sexually active (something hopefully doubtful) and it assumes time has remained constant (not going forward and the numbers of infected persons do not accumulated or infected persons do not die: needless to say, both assumptions being wrong). And, in reality if they stop being sexually active there would still be those that are unaware that they are infected and who are sexually active. It also presumes that all past infected people are known and 100% have stopped being sexually active with non-infected people (common sense would say this is, sadly, doubtful). What needs to be asked is 'on any random snapshot day how many infected gay or bi-sexual men are sexually active with non-infected men?' (what is meant by this is who are or will be sexually active for the present and statistically presumably the future).
It would seem that given the two data above would give a range of potentially still sexually active AIDS/HIV gay or bi-sexual males (who will have sex with non-infected males) maybe between 0.3533569% (this would be 1 out of approx. 284 partners) and 2.4059002% (approx. 1 out of 42 partners). However, you could also use (29,580/331,958.8986)x100 = 8.910741699% but the problem with this number is it assumes that ALL infected MSM are having sex with ONLY non-infected MSM (approx. 1 out of 11 partners). Therefore, it is probably most reasonable to assume that the potential range of infected partners, who a non-infected MSM could have is between 1 out of 284 (0.35%) to 1 out of 11 (8.9%) partners.
Interesting Reading:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/24/f-aids-hiv-global-epidemic.html
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hiv-vih-eng.php#hivc
Yearly increases by cases and rates by Specific Geographical Areas and other demographics:
http://www.bccdc.ca/util/about/annreport/default.htm
*1 in 40 gay men in Vancouver study unaware of HIV status: CBC News
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/1-40-gay-men-vancouver-study-unaware-hiv.html
To add on to the issue of man count here is some more math. Man count (2008) claims that 18.1% of the MSM population is infected with HIV. However, according to the Health Canada website roughly 65,000 people, in general, are infected with HIV (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hiv-vih-eng.php#hivc). ((33,143,600/2)*.02)*.181 = 59,989. If Man Count was correct, this would mean that infections amongest MSM would consist for 92.29% (59, 989/65,000) of all HIV infections in Canada. This is just ridiculousness to believe and is not supported by government information: "Of all prevalent HIV infections at the end of 2005, an estimated 51% were attributed to men who have sex with men (MSM)." (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/aids-sida/populations-eng.php#men.)
(Canada 2008 population statistics -- http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/080327/dq080327d-eng.htm)
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DISCUSSION #3
On the Health Canada website it states in regards to NEW INFECTIONS (of the combined homosexual and heterosexual populations) “3% were men who have sex with men and use injection drugs” (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hiv-vih-eng.php#hivc) this should not be taken to mean that just 3% of MSM who are infected have used drugs.
Instead, the number of MSM who are newly infected that have used drugs are approximately 15.5%. That is, to get the above “3% were men who have sex with men and use injection drugs” 6.8% of the “44% were men who have sex with men” must have used drugs or otherwise 15% of the total newly infected MSM population: 0.068*44 = 2.99; 6.8/44 = 15.45%.
In turn, this mean that the chances for a MSM being infected can be reduced up to 15% by avoiding the use of drugs as well as potentially even reducing the odds further (more than by the aforementioned 15%) by also avoiding having sex with those that do drugs. Keep in mind, the drug use in question are both drugs done by injections as well as smoking pipes and other equipment that could have others blood/bodily fluids on them.
The Canadian Aids Society says that, “People who use drugs comprise about 20% of the population in Canada infected with HIV and about 30% of new infections“ (http://www.cdnaids.ca/hivandpeoplewhousedrugs) in regard to the general population (homosexual and heterosexual combined). In other words, taking these numbers into account MSM can reduce their odds of becoming new infections by perhaps up to 15-30% by avoiding using drugs or having sex with those that do.
It would also appear that for some reason Health Canada is missing the same numbers for WSW, or has included them in the heterosexual category. Perhaps, it need less to say that women can gain aides from having sex with women as well as from drug use.
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DISCUSSION #2
As Submitted to: http://mancount.ca/whatis.html
"#2 Be advised that some of your locations that testings were done also may have lead to a higher HIV positive rate than random sampling. For example, the AIDS Walk and Gay's Men Heatlh Submit both may have participates that would be more likily to be infected than the general populations. What are the actual test results for these events?..."
on the behalf of OC Pride Group.
http://glbtmyokanagan.blogspot.com/
P.S. Since then I have found out, according to their website, that those that took part in the study did not recieve the test results. It read: '#1 It would seem that you did not count for that there might be a possibility that those that believe they are HIV/AIDS negative are less likely to get tested out of believe that there is no need to get tested (or out of fear finding out otherwise). Whereas, those that tested HIV/AIDS positive and who already knew of their status (approx. 86% according to your data: 100-14) were less stressed at finding out, because they knew what the results were going to be (presumably because of priori testing), and in turn might have felt more comfortable to participate. In turn, if the above is correct then those that already knew their status may feel more comfortable to participate, and this would lead to a higher percentage of those testing positive amongst the sample(s) of your studies population as compared to an unbiased random sample of the general population."
P.P.S. There are at least four (18% of the total) locations that blood samples were taking from that would likily have higher than normal positive results: the above two and two other locations. Risky sex practices are associated with greater likilyhood of infections, and some of the locations (the other two out of the four) in the study cater to persons that participate in these higher risk practices.
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DISCUSSION #1
There are approx. 58000 people (of all walks of sexuality including straights/heterosexuals) infected with AIDS/HIV currently living in Canada. 27% of people that are infected are unaware that they are infected. 51% of those that test positive for AIDS/HIV are males that have sex with other males. (source for all the above: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/aids-sida/populations-eng.php#men.) There are approx. between 2300 and 4500 new cases in Canada of HIV/AIDS each year (http://www.avert.org/canada-hiv.htm, please note the reliability and validity of this source was not verified). Population of Canada is 33,873,357 of which 49% are males. 2% of the male population identifies themselves as gay or bi-sexual (this is a conservative estimate often stated): the larger this actual number is the lower the infection rate will be under these following calculations.
Very rough calculations:
33,873,357 x .49 = 16,597,944.93
16,597,944.93 x .02 = 331,958.8986
58,000 x .51 = 29,580
29,580 x .27 = 7,986.6
7986.6/331,958.8986 = 0.024059002
0.024059002 x 100 = 2.4059002%
There are several problems with this figure, a main problem with this figure is that because of the use of drugs many people can live many years while being infected and these figures are overly accumulative and therefore makes it seems statistically that all of the the 29,580 are currently sexual active in the gay and bi populations while in fact they (i.e., some to many) may not have been for years or decades. Another main problem is that it assumes that even if all this 58,000 are still sexually active (and there are no unknown cases) that only those unware that they are infected would continue to have sex (and those who would know either wouldn't have sex or would have sex with those that are also already infected).
Using the figure of 2,300 new cases per year (to attemp to reduce the accumulative affect):
2,300 x .51 = 1173
1173/331,958.8986
0.003533569 x 100 = 0.3533569%
The problem with using the number of new cases is it it presumes that these individuals will still continue to be sexually active (something hopefully doubtful) and it assumes time has remained constant (not going forward and the numbers of infected persons do not accumulated or infected persons do not die: needless to say, both assumptions being wrong). And, in reality if they stop being sexually active there would still be those that are unaware that they are infected and who are sexually active. It also presumes that all past infected people are known and 100% have stopped being sexually active with non-infected people (common sense would say this is, sadly, doubtful). What needs to be asked is 'on any random snapshot day how many infected gay or bi-sexual men are sexually active with non-infected men?' (what is meant by this is who are or will be sexually active for the present and statistically presumably the future).
It would seem that given the two data above would give a range of potentially still sexually active AIDS/HIV gay or bi-sexual males (who will have sex with non-infected males) maybe between 0.3533569% (this would be 1 out of approx. 284 partners) and 2.4059002% (approx. 1 out of 42 partners). However, you could also use (29,580/331,958.8986)x100 = 8.910741699% but the problem with this number is it assumes that ALL infected MSM are having sex with ONLY non-infected MSM (approx. 1 out of 11 partners). Therefore, it is probably most reasonable to assume that the potential range of infected partners, who a non-infected MSM could have is between 1 out of 284 (0.35%) to 1 out of 11 (8.9%) partners.
Interesting Reading:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/24/f-aids-hiv-global-epidemic.html
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hiv-vih-eng.php#hivc
Yearly increases by cases and rates by Specific Geographical Areas and other demographics:
http://www.bccdc.ca/util/about/annreport/default.htm
*1 in 40 gay men in Vancouver study unaware of HIV status: CBC News
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/1-40-gay-men-vancouver-study-unaware-hiv.html
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
"Paul Cameron, a former University of Nebraska assistant professor who now heads a group called the Family Research Institute, claims that gay men have an average life expectancy of 43 years.1 He and his co-authors calculated that figure by checking urban gay newspapers for obituaries and news stories about deaths. But as Walter Olson pointed out in Slate last December, this method produces an unrepresentative sample that includes only those who die; gay men of the same generation who live longer aren't in the sample at all! The sample also is biased toward urban gays who have AIDS and have come out of the closet."
Citation: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/21stC/issue-3.3/ross.html
Citation: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/21stC/issue-3.3/ross.html
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
SFU: Queer News Flash! Discussion Group
Time Wednesday, February 2 · 2:30pm - 4:00pm
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Location OOC Lounge, SFU Burnaby
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Created By Out On Campus, Out On Campus
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More Info The Spring semester's discussion groups are underway! The first discussion group is as follows:
Wednesday, February 2nd, from 2:30-4:00pm in the OOC lounge
Queer News Flash
We'll be taking in the news related to queer issues
and discussing the articles that come. Feel free to
bring an article with you!
See you there! And stay tuned for a schedule of all upcoming discussion groups.
facebook address: under "Queer News Flash! Discussion Group"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location OOC Lounge, SFU Burnaby
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Created By Out On Campus, Out On Campus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Info The Spring semester's discussion groups are underway! The first discussion group is as follows:
Wednesday, February 2nd, from 2:30-4:00pm in the OOC lounge
Queer News Flash
We'll be taking in the news related to queer issues
and discussing the articles that come. Feel free to
bring an article with you!
See you there! And stay tuned for a schedule of all upcoming discussion groups.
facebook address: under "Queer News Flash! Discussion Group"
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Facebook: "Glbt Okanagan-College"
Back on facebook under "Glbt Okanagan-College". If you are a fellow student at the college and interested in joining the group please send a friendship request so we can get to know you.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Welcome Back! January 2011
If you are attending the college and would like to get involved in organizing events please email us at glbt@myokanagan.bc.ca.
LGBT Movement
If someone asks me what the lgbt movement is about, I will tell them. It is not about being seen as normal, because there is not only one single normal. Instead it is about not being isolated and feeling alone because of who you are. But isn’t that what being normal is all about, the person may respond? Yes it is.