Syracuse University has created a new program series, "HIV/AIDS & the Queer
Community," designed to educate all members of the SU community about the
history and current issues around HIV/AIDS. The series commenced in January,
continued with a testing event in mid-February, and will continue throughout the
semester.
"HIV/AIDS & the Queer Community" events are open to all members of the
University community, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Content will focus
on issues of concern to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ)
community, and will introduce students, faculty and staff to activism around
HIV/AIDS.
SU's LGBT Resource Center is co-sponsoring the series with Syracuse University
Health Services, the Chancellor's Feinstone Grant for Multicultural Initiatives, the
Onondaga County Department of Health, AIDS Community Resources and the
newly formed student group OrangeAID, which focuses on HIV/AIDS education
among SU students.
Globally, HIV/AIDS continues to impact people of all genders, races and sexual
orientations. Currently, more than 1.1 million Americans live with HIV, and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that roughly 56,000 new
HIV infections occurred in the United States in 2006. Additionally, the CDC estimates
that 34 percent of these new infections were among men and women 13-29 years old.
"These programs serve as an important reminder to students that HIV/AIDS can not
only happen to young people, but that it is happening at an alarming rate," notes
Emily Allen, president of OrangeAID.
"The program series promotes discussion about HIV/AIDS, specifically noting its
historical connection to the LGBTQ community, while reminding everyone that
HIV/AIDS affects everyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation", says Adrea
Jaehnig, director of SU's LGBT Resource Center.
"Each of us has an opportunity to take charge of our sexual health. It starts with
education," says James Jacobs, director of SU Health Services. "For those who choose
to be sexually active, it also requires learning to talk with partners about sex before
doing sex, it requires consistent commitment to safer-sex practices and, when
appropriate, medical consultation and judicious testing." Health Services offers one
free confidential HIV test per year for all full-time students. Other testing is available
on a fee-for-service basis and is often covered in-full or in-part by health insurance.
A programming board of students, staff and community volunteers has come
together to create this series. Free condoms, dental dams and HIV/AIDS and
educational materials are available at the LGBT Resource Center, SU Health Services
and at all of the events in this series:
Tuesday, Feb. 17, and Wednesday, Feb. 18
"Real Sex-Talk to the Doc!"
7:30 p.m., LGBT Resource Center
Do you have questions about safe sex and sexuality? Are you uncomfortable asking
these questions of your doctor? Now is your chance to come meet with a doctor to
answer all your questions in a safe and confidential space. The Feb. 17 forum will
feature information tailored toward men, while the forum on Feb. 18 will primarily
deal with women's health information. Students are encouraged to attend whichever
forum is more suited to their needs-or both.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Friends of Dorothy Dinner
5 p.m., departs from LGBT Resource Center
Come join us for the monthly fundraiser dinner to support the Friends of Dorothy
House, a home-based care facility for people living with AIDS. The suggested dinner
donation is on a sliding scale starting at zero, and all are encouraged to help out.
R.S.V.P. to lgbt@syr.edu to carpool. Other Friends of Dorothy Dinners will take place
March 25 and April 29.
Tuesday, March 24
HIV/AIDS & the Queer Community in Central New York-A Panel
Discussion
8 p.m., Hall of Languages, Room 207
Come to this informative session about the history of HIV/AIDS activism in the
Central New York community. Panelists will offer a look back at the impact of
HIV/AIDS in our community, and the people and organizations that came together
to respond to the epidemic.
Tuesday, April 7
Living with HIV/AIDS-A Panel Discussion
8 p.m., Hall of Languages, Room 207
What is it like to live with HIV/AIDS today? How have medical developments and
social changes impacted those living with HIV/AIDS? How do people living with
HIV/AIDS negotiate personal relationships? Join this informative panel discussion to
learn more.
The LGBT Resource Center is located at 750 Ostrom Ave. To find out more about the
"HIV/AIDS & the Queer Community" program series and to see the full calendar of
events, visit http://lgbt.syr.edu, email
lgbt@syr.edu or call (315)443-3983.
