New Study Finds Gap in LGBT Health Services

With all the media coverage lately around Gay Pride events, as well as around marriage equality, it is ironic that so little is really known about the lives and health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. This lack of specific information on the LGBT community is not just an academic problem; policymakers, especially those in government, demand real numbers to document the existence of problems. This is particularly true in these tough economic times, as funders, government officials and state agencies rightly demand efficient programs that are targeted like laser beams on specific, documented problems. In this context as with so many things, knowledge equals power: the power to allocate resources and work to fix these problems.

At the national level, researchers have estimated that LGBT people lag behind on seven of the ten targets set by the U.S. government to improve health nationally, called Healthy People 2010. In New York City, we know that LGBT lag behind on at least six of NYC’s health goals, called Take Care New York. However, most states do not measure sexual orientation on their health surveys, and none have consistently measured gender identity.

As researchers and advocates, we are working to change that. In our recent work funded by the New York State Department of Health interviewing 60 experts in health and human services and surveying 3,500 LGBT New Yorkers about their health and human service needs, we have found some striking disparities between their experiences and those of non-LGBT people. Empire State Pride Agenda has just this week published these findings in a report entitled “LGBT Health and Human Service Needs in New York State.”

See New Study Finds Gap in LGBT Health Services

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Human Relations Commission Urges Expanding PA Anti-Discrimination Law, Would Include Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression in Pennsylvania Human Relations Act

HARRISBURG, Pa — Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Chairperson Stephen A. Glassman announced today that the commission is strongly urging the legislature to pass House Bill 300, which was introduced Wednesday, and would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act currently prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, disability and familial status.

“Ensuring that Pennsylvanians are free from discrimination is crucial, especially in difficult economic times,” Glassman said. “Discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and education is illegal in Pennsylvania, but lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are currently excluded from these protections.

“House Bill 300 will help guarantee full equality for everyone in this great commonwealth.”

HB 300 has bipartisan support from 79 sponsors in the House of Representatives. The commission has supported passage of similar bills introduced in past legislative sessions.

The bill defines sexual orientation as actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality. It defines gender identity or expression to mean actual or perceived gender identity, appearance, behavior, expression or physical characteristics whether or not associated with an individual’s assigned sex at birth.

“Our statistics show that discrimination complaints rise sharply when the economy is in decline,” Glassman said. “As economic stresses increase and people look for someone to blame for their difficulties, frequently the targets are those who are perceived as different because they are minorities. Passing this bill would serve as a timely illustration of our commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens and ensuring equal opportunity for all.”

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LGBT groups brace for tough economic times

Nearly three dozen major LGBT groups, including HRC, The Victory Fund, National Black Justice Coalition and the National Center for Transgender Equality, have begun a dialogue on ways to cope with declining financial support because of the struggling economy. Cost-saving options range from teaming up for health care, computer services and other administrative expenses to even combining groups with similar missions. Advocate.com

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Exclusive Daily Beast Valentines Poll: The Sex Freeze and the Baby Bust

In a time where consumer confidence, consumer spending and the GDP are all on the decline,  a new poll on sex and romance from The Daily Beast, an operating unit of IAC (NASDAQ:IACI),  found that interest in sex in these difficult times is also on the decline. Furthermore, Americans are less likely to have children and are postponing other major life events such as getting married, moving in with a partner and getting divorced. The complete survey, including all data, is available at thedailybeast.com.

Although nearly half of Americans believe that sex helps take their mind off of problems, only 13% of Americans overall say they will have sex more often this year compared to last.  Income, however, impacts the number of times people are having sex each month as well as their overall romantic relationships.  43% of those earning $75,000 or higher are having sex six or more times a month, compared to only 21% of those earning less than $75,000. Additionally, 58% of those earning over $75,000 feel that the recent financial issues have had no impact on their relationship, compared to only 40% of those making less than $75,000.
 
FINDINGS FROM VALENTINE’S DAY POLL INCLUDE:
 –  42% of the Americans surveyed are now less likely to have children
 –  More than one in three are less likely to get divorced
 –  In both sex and dating, Americans are being more careful. 41% are more
     cautious about who they date and one in five are using more birth
     control to avoid having children
 
“It’s startling to learn here of the number of people who are postponing having children for financial reasons,” said Tina Brown, co-founder and Editor in Chief of The Daily Beast. “We could be about to see a potential Baby Bust.”
Despite a tough economy, over 60% of Americans, regardless of gender, household income or political party, feel that the bad economic times are going to last two years or less.  Americans remain romantic with 6 out of 10 believing that despite the current economy, romance still exists and the economic crisis focuses us on what’s important – strong relationships and partners.
 
Political affiliation did, however, impact poll results when it came to financial stability. One in four Americans are looking for someone who can provide financial stability rather than seeking true love, with almost 30% of Democrats surveyed sharing that viewpoint, compared to 21% of Republicans. Republicans and Democrats also vary on the institution of marriage with 76% of Republicans viewing marriage as the eventual purpose of a relationship, compared to only 68% of Democrats.
 
When asked about the First Couple and whether or not they have a true romance, party affiliations matter with 80% Democrats thinking Barack and Michelle Obama have a true romance, compared to only 48% of Republicans.
 
With Valentine’s just a few days away, romantic spending is down. The most popular gifts are dinner with two (21%), a card (19%) while an additional 12% are saying “what gifts?, I’m saving money this year.” The floral industry may be impacted with only 4% opting for expensive flowers.
 
The Daily Beast Valentine’s Day Poll was conducted by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB.) The poll covered 1,000 internet interviews from January 30- February 2, 2009. Overall, the margin of error is +/- 3.1%. The sample included 900 interviews with the U.S. population ages 18 and over and an additional 100 interviews with gay men and women aged 18 and over.
 
About The Daily Beast
The Daily Beast is a website dedicated to news and commentary, culture and entertainment. Created by Tina Brown and IAC, The Daily Beast curates the web’s best content and offers fresh works from its own talent roster of contributors. The Daily Beast is an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ:IACI). For more information, visit www.thedailybeast.com.

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Exclusive Daily Beast Valentines Poll: The Sex Freeze and the Baby Bust

In a time where consumer confidence, consumer spending and the GDP are all on the decline,  a new poll on sex and romance from The Daily Beast, an operating unit of IAC (NASDAQ:IACI),  found that interest in sex in these difficult times is also on the decline. Furthermore, Americans are less likely to have children and are postponing other major life events such as getting married, moving in with a partner and getting divorced. The complete survey, including all data, is available at thedailybeast.com.

Although nearly half of Americans believe that sex helps take their mind off of problems, only 13% of Americans overall say they will have sex more often this year compared to last.  Income, however, impacts the number of times people are having sex each month as well as their overall romantic relationships.  43% of those earning $75,000 or higher are having sex six or more times a month, compared to only 21% of those earning less than $75,000. Additionally, 58% of those earning over $75,000 feel that the recent financial issues have had no impact on their relationship, compared to only 40% of those making less than $75,000.
 
FINDINGS FROM VALENTINE’S DAY POLL INCLUDE:
 –  42% of the Americans surveyed are now less likely to have children
 –  More than one in three are less likely to get divorced
 –  In both sex and dating, Americans are being more careful. 41% are more
     cautious about who they date and one in five are using more birth
     control to avoid having children
 
“It’s startling to learn here of the number of people who are postponing having children for financial reasons,” said Tina Brown, co-founder and Editor in Chief of The Daily Beast. “We could be about to see a potential Baby Bust.”
Despite a tough economy, over 60% of Americans, regardless of gender, household income or political party, feel that the bad economic times are going to last two years or less.  Americans remain romantic with 6 out of 10 believing that despite the current economy, romance still exists and the economic crisis focuses us on what’s important – strong relationships and partners.
 
Political affiliation did, however, impact poll results when it came to financial stability. One in four Americans are looking for someone who can provide financial stability rather than seeking true love, with almost 30% of Democrats surveyed sharing that viewpoint, compared to 21% of Republicans. Republicans and Democrats also vary on the institution of marriage with 76% of Republicans viewing marriage as the eventual purpose of a relationship, compared to only 68% of Democrats.
 
When asked about the First Couple and whether or not they have a true romance, party affiliations matter with 80% Democrats thinking Barack and Michelle Obama have a true romance, compared to only 48% of Republicans.
 
With Valentine’s just a few days away, romantic spending is down. The most popular gifts are dinner with two (21%), a card (19%) while an additional 12% are saying “what gifts?, I’m saving money this year.” The floral industry may be impacted with only 4% opting for expensive flowers.
 
The Daily Beast Valentine’s Day Poll was conducted by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB.) The poll covered 1,000 internet interviews from January 30- February 2, 2009. Overall, the margin of error is +/- 3.1%. The sample included 900 interviews with the U.S. population ages 18 and over and an additional 100 interviews with gay men and women aged 18 and over.
 
About The Daily Beast
The Daily Beast is a website dedicated to news and commentary, culture and entertainment. Created by Tina Brown and IAC, The Daily Beast curates the web’s best content and offers fresh works from its own talent roster of contributors. The Daily Beast is an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ:IACI). For more information, visit www.thedailybeast.com.

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Original source : http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2009/02/exclusive-dai…

Out Houston controller announces run for mayor

Out three-term Houston Controller Annise Parker, emphasizing her financial management skills, on Monday launched her bid for mayor. “We need a mayor who can manage our city through tough economic times and still keep Houston moving ahead,” Parker said. KHOU-TV (Houston) (2/2) , Houston Chronicle (2/1)

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In Tough Economic Times Scholarships Help LGBT Youth

(Los Angeles, California) The nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBT students began receiving applications Friday for the 2009-10 school year.
The Point Foundation awards on average $13,200 in direct financial support.
Since its inception in 2001, Point has invested over $3 million in the education of outstanding LGBT students.
The organization’s growth over …

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