SafeGuards

LGBT Families of Color Brief

admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:40:23 +0000

This fact sheet explicitly examines LGBT families of color, though many of the findings apply more broadly to any family of color—or even any family—where children are not being raised by two married, biological parents. LGBT families of color—like all families—simply want an equal opportunity to provide stable, loving homes to their children, to ensure economic stability, and to raise healthy children who become integral parts of their communities. Yet for LGBT families of color, the intersection of laws, stigma, and race-based discrimination collide in ways that create significant challenges.This brief is based on content from All Children Matter: How Legal and Social Inequalities Hurt LGBT Families, a report which provides one of the most comprehensive portraits to date of the wide range of obstacles facing LGBT families in America. It also offers detailed recommendations for eliminating or reducing inequities and improving the lives of children with LGBT parents. For more information, visit www.lgbtmap.org/lgbt-families, www.familyequality.org or www.americanprogress.org. Click for PDF Copy of Report

Join Us Feb. 7 for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:52:13 +0000

On Saturday, Feb. 7, Safe Guards LGBT Resource Center, Circle of Care and University of Pennsylvania have teamed up to host an event for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). In Philadelphia, there are epidemic numbers of new HIV infections among African American youth and adults. The theme for 2012, “I’m My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS,” is a recognition of the need for our communities to educate ourselves, and to build community support to advocate for renewed prevention and treatment efforts. In addition to guest speakers and entertainment, FREE HIV testing will be provided during the event.Read more: http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/insideout/138416274.html#ixzz1lWi8qwGJ Sat/7, 6-9 pm. University of Pennsylvania, 120 Claudia Cohen Hall, 249 S. 36th St. facebook.com/events/230690000339942

National HIV Testing Day June 27, 2011

admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:07:07 +0000

Just in time for National HIV Testing Day, SafeGuards wants to let you know about some new resources: For those engaged in HIV prevention work, providers, and community advocates that promote HIV Testing, we have just posted "Thoughts About HIV Testing: Things to Consider When Encouraging People to Get Tested." Also, check out this great video by AIDS Fund Philly, featuring the faces and voices of many of our community's leaders in the fight against HIV. The video "AIDS in Philly: Know Your Status" presents some of the latest statistics about impact of the HIV epidemic in Philadelphia and the need, greater than ever, for people to know their status and get tested! Finally, there will be HIV testing events all over Philadelphia (check out the HIV Testing Day guide in the PGN); SafeGuards will be providing FREE Rapid HIV Testing at ENON Tabernacle Baptist Church (2800 West Cheltenham Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150) from 6 to 9pm on SATURDAY, June 25th. (you do not have to be a member of Enon to get tested!- this event is open to the general public)

Thoughts About HIV Testing: Things to Consider When Encouraging People to Get Tested

admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:44:27 +0000

I encourage everyone to get tested

I don’t simply ask people who are super sexually active or people who tell me they had sex without a condom
I also encourage virgins and say; “just because you haven’t had sex yet at some point you will and at some point you might worry about your status. It’s better to get tested now while you are not so concerned then trying to muster the courage to get tested for the first time when you are more likely to be about your status.” Like after the first time you have sex.
I encourage folks in long-term relationships to get tested because they can support each other. Generally couples who test together come out stronger and more hopeful which often results in them engaging with their friends about their testing experience and HIV status. This often results in their friends getting tested.

Myth: everyone likes and uses condoms because we “know” we are supposed to

Reality: Very, very, very few people have used a condom every time they have ever had sex, though they might not admit it.
This means everyone is at risk for HIV!
Everyone is terrified of HIV: this refers to our internalized feelings about HIV
Our feelings/emotions affect our ability to think about HIV
People don’t generally talk seriously about their own risk for HIV
Many have never been tested because, “I don’t think I need to”
We forget to get tested regularly
We don’t ask our friends when they got tested last

Things I consider when encouraging people to get tested:

There is no rush to get people tested. Because people are not ordinarily talking about HIV just the fact that I bring up HIV and they are willing to listen is huge. Even if the person I speak with doesn’t get tested today I planted a seed.
Things I do when talking with people about getting tested:
Be nice to them, and smile!
I usually start by asking people on the street: “Hey there! How’s it going?”
I ask them about who they are and get to know them before bringing up HIV and the usefulness of being tested.
I have much more success when I chat people up first and then ask if they want to get tested vs. immediately asking if he/she wants to get tested.
I encourage friends to get tested together (they will get their results separately). This often decreases their apprehension about getting tested.

LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!!!

The number one most helpful thing I have done to get people to be tested is to listen to them think out loud. I listen to their fears; I listen to their concerns about the process; and their thoughts in general. When I am listening I encourage them to talk more about the things they mention instead of simply trying to ‘inform’ them. They are the one who is considering getting tested and ultimately it needs to be their decision.

People have feelings of guilt, embarrassment, or shame surrounding sex. I have found it counterproductive to guilt people into taking condoms or guilting people for not taking condoms.

Things I consider when encouraging my friends/lovers to get tested:

When I chat with friends I recognize that I know intimate details of their lives. I remember to remain just as non-judgmental as I am with strangers.

Since most people have had sex without a condom at some point in their life, I have to remember that saying things like, “you should know better” is harmful because it can reinforce existing feelings of guilt.

I have to be conscious of the words I use. I try to reflect compassion and caring for the individual with whom I’m communicating.

by Tommy Atz, HIV/STD Test Counselor for SafeGuards LGBT Health Resource Center © 2011. SafeGuards LGBT Health Resource Center/ Family Planning Council

Get your FREE Rapid HIV Test today (free STD testing too!)

admin — Sat, 21 May 2011 16:11:48 +0000
SafeGuards provides FREE Rapid HIV Test (results in 20 minutes). You can email us for an appointment: saferthebetter@yahoo.com or call (215) 985-6828. We can schedule your appointment when it is conveinent for YOU: day, evening, weekend. All you have to do is call or email!

Sign up for SafeGuards mailing list

admin — Sat, 21 May 2011 15:38:11 +0000

Click on this link for a secure site registration form

Register for SafeGuards LGBT Health Resource Center email updates.  When you click on the above link, you will be taken to a secure registration website. Please enter in your contact information. You will receive a verification email sent to the email you register with SafeGuards. Please follow the instructions on the email to confirm you really wish to register for email updates. Thanks, SafeGuards team






Transgender HIV Prevention

admin — Sat, 21 May 2011 15:27:58 +0000

Transgender persons face discrimination in a wide range of public and private settings including employment, housing, health care, and access to social services. Stigma and discrimination against transgender persons exacerbates their HIV risk, increasing the likelihood for substance abuse and survival sex and decreasing the likelihood of safer sex practices." ...an excerpt...get the full report here: UCHAPS HIV Prevention-Best Practices

SafeGuards 21st Anniversary Celebration!

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:20:52 +0000
Purchase your tickets online today! (secure site) University of the Arts-Hamilton Hall 6 pm—10 pm Heavy Hors D’oeuvres * Silent Auction * Portrait Gallery *   Blackjack/21 Club * LGBTQ Youth Talent Showcase call for more info: (215) 985-6873

SafeGuards is Moving!

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:34:07 +0000

After July 1, 2010, SafeGuards will be at:

1700 Market Street, 18th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

(215) 985-6873 (phone). (215) 732-1252 (fax)