MEXICO CITY – Mexico City lawmakers on Monday made the city the first in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, a change that will give homosexual couples more rights, including allowing them to adopt children.

The bill passed the capital’s local assembly 39-20 to the cheers of supporters who yelled: “Yes, we could! Yes, we could!”

Leftist Mayor Marcelo Ebrard of the Democratic Revolution Party was widely expected to sign the measure into law.

Mexico City’s left-led assembly has made several decisions unpopular elsewhere in this deeply Roman Catholic country, including legalizing abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. That decision sparked a backlash, with the majority of Mexico’s other 32 states enacting legislation declaring life begins at conception.

The conservative Nation Action Party of President Felipe Calderon has vowed to challenge the gay marriage law in the courts. However, homosexuality is increasingly accepted in Mexico, with gay couples openly holding hands in parts of the capital and the annual gay pride parade drawing tens of thousands.

The bill calls for changing the definition of marriage in the city’s civil code. Marriage is currently defined as the union of a man and a woman. The new definition will be “the free uniting of two people.”

The change would allow same-sex couples to adopt children, apply for bank loans together, inherit wealth and be included in the insurance policies of their spouse, rights they were denied under civil unions allowed in the city.

“We are so happy,” said Temistocles Villanueva, a 23-year-old film student who celebrated by passionately kissing his boyfriend outside the city’s assembly.

Only seven countries allow gay marriages: Canada, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium. U.S. states that permit same-sex marriage are Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

Argentina’s capital became the first Latin American city to legalize same-sex civil unions in 2002 for gay and lesbian couples. Four other Argentine cities later did the same, and as did Mexico City in 2007 and some Mexican and Brazilian states. Uruguay alone has legalized civil unions nationwide.

Buenos Aires lawmakers introduced a bill for legalizing gay marriage in the national Congress in October but it has stalled without a vote, and officials in the South American city have blocked same-sex wedding because of conflicting judicial rulings.

Many people in Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America remain opposed to gay marriage, and the dominant Roman Catholic Church has announced its opposition.

“They have given Mexicans the most bitter Christmas,” said Armando Martinez, the president of the College of Catholic Attorneys. “They are permitting adoption (by gay couples) and in one stroke of the pen have erased the term ‘mother’ and ‘father.’”

City lawmaker Victor Romo, a member of the mayor’s leftist party, called it a historic day.

“For centuries unjust laws banned marriage between blacks and whites or Indians and Europeans,” he said. “Today all barriers have disappeared.”

MEXICO (AP) – La Asamblea Legislativa aprobó el lunes reformas que permite el matrimonio entre homosexuales en la ciudad de México, la primera localidad de América Latina que lo hace.

Con 39 votos a favor, 20 en contra y cinco abstenciones, el órgano legislativo avaló reformas al Código Civil local con las que se pone a la Ciudad de México a la vanguardia regional sobre el matrimonio homosexual, que sólo se permite en siete países y algunas partes de Estados Unidos.

La reforma, que aún debe ser promulgada por el gobierno capitalino para entrar en vigor, permite la adopción de hijos a las parejas del mismo sexo, gracias a que una legisladora promovió una reserva para quitar un candado que lo impedía.

“Estamos contentísimos. Se quitó el candado que tanto nos afectaba. Por fin se lograron los derechos plenos”, dijo Temístocles Villanueva, un estudiante de cine de 23 años que celebró la aprobación con un largo beso a su compañero.

Las modificaciones legales eliminan del Código Civil de la capital que el matrimonio es una unión entre “un hombre y una mujer” y se establece que en adelante será “una unión libre entre dos personas”.

La propuesta permitirá que las parejas homosexuales tengan el derecho del registro en el seguro social y la posibilidad de heredar y la unión del patrimonio para solicitar créditos bancarios, como ocurre con los matrimonios heterosexuales.

Segundos después de la votación, diputados y asistentes festejaron la aprobación entre aplausos y gritos de “¡Sí se pudo, sí se pudo, sí se pudo!”. En la ciudad de México ya se permitía desde 2007 las uniones civiles de parejas del mismo sexo.

En el mundo, se permiten los matrimonios homosexuales sólo en Bélgica, Canadá, España, Holanda, Noruega, Sudáfrica y Suecia. También han sido aprobados en algunos estados de Estados Unidos como Connecticut, Iowa, Massachussetts y Vermont.

La Iglesia católica ya se ha manifestado en contra de la iniciativa para permitir el matrimonio homosexual.

El presidente del Colegio de Abogados Católicos, Armando Martínez, llamó al alcalde capitalino Marcelo Ebrard a vetar la reforma.

“Nos han regalado la más amarga Navidad a los mexicanos, porque esta banalidad política de los legisladores ha ido mucho más allá de lo que se esperaba”, dijo Martínez a la AP.

“Han permitido la adopción y de un plumazo borrado el término ‘padre’ y ‘madre’ de la legislación mexicana”, añadió el abogado.

El diputado David Razú, adherido al partido izquierdista de la Revolución Democrática (PRD) y principal promotor de la propuesta, señaló que la modificación de la definición busca “garantizar que en efecto todo hombre y toda mujer… tengan derecho a casarse de manera libre… y no sea restringido como resultado de su orientación sexual”.

Para el diputado Víctor Romo, también del PRD, “durante siglos leyes injustas prohibieron los matrimonios entre blancos y negros o indios y europeos, se prohibió el amor extranjero… hoy todas esas barreras han desaparecido”.

El diputado local del Partido de Acción Nacional (PAN) Fernando Rodríguez consideró que el matrimonio históricamente regula la relación entre un hombre y una mujer, por lo que sugería crear una institución distinta para las parejas homosexuales.

Subject: Fw:  World AIDS Day Observances in  Manhattan –  2009 – Universal Access & Human Rights – Updated

December 1st is a major observance of World AIDS Day when we remember those who have died from AIDS. It is an opportunity for individuals and group from across the world to come together to remember,and demonstrate worldwide support to, people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. It is the one day in the year where issues surrounding HIV and AIDS can take center stage.

The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) strongly encourages faith-based communities to make the most of World AIDS Day 2009 by engaging in some form of workshop, event, or advocacy focused on HIV and AIDS.

The global theme for 2009 and 2010 World AIDS Day is “Universal Access and Human rights” chosen by the World AIDS Campaign, a network of civil society groups active in the response to HIV and AIDS, including EAA.

The theme encourages us to deepen understanding, develop partnerships and challenge discriminatory laws, and practices that stand in the way of access for all to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. When human rights are not respected, people living with HIV and AIDS are vulnerable to stigma and discrimination, illness, economic insecurity, and reduced access to treatment.

Over the past years there have been some encouraging advances in the global response to HIV and AIDS We have seen increased commitment around the world to respond to HIV and AIDS in national and local initiatives, in churches and religious organizations and in civil society.


Below is a listing of World AIDS Day Observances throughout NYC. I encourage you to join with the community in leadership and solidarity and help promote universal access, human dignity and respect and protect the human rights of people living with or affected by HIV

Let’s remember our brothers and sisters throughout the world who are affected by HIV and AIDS. Please contact the programs directly, if you have any questions about the events. The list will be updated and distributed weekly. Have a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving!

WORLD AIDS DAY OBSERVANCES 2009

Manhattan

Saturday, November 28th

“National Action Network’s Commemoration of World AIDS Day 2009” at House of Justice Auditorium, 106 W. 145th Street. Saturday, November 28th, 9:00 am – 11 am. Join N.A.N. Members, public officials, faith-based and community based organizations, and advocates from the HIV/AIDS community. . Tune in live on WLIB 1190 AM
or the internet @ www.nationalactionnetwork.net. For more information contact Joe Sellman at 646-302-8959

Sunday, November 29th

• “Remembrance Advent 2009 and Pre-World AIDS Days 2009 Service”, Sunday, November 29th, 12 Noon – 2:00 p.m., Riverside Church in the City of New York,
  490 Riverside Drive, New York.  Sponsored by AIDS Service Center New York City, For more information contact Oliver Martin at 212-561-1787. ##
  

Monday, November 30th

• “Here I Am” – A portrait of one East Harlem resident living with AIDS: Short documentary screening and discussion at Mount Sinai School of Medicine,
  Annenberg 12th floor, Auditorium 12-01, 1468 Madison Ave at E. 100th Street. Monday, November 30th, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.,
  For more information contact Jessica Acuna @Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu <mailto:Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu> ##
  
  Tuesday, December 1st
  
  “Iris House’s World AIDS Day Celebration”, at Iris House, 2348 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. Between 137th & 138th Street. Tuesday, December 1st
  10 a.m. – 3:00 pm. Come in for a short memorial program, learn more about the theme and get tested. For more information, call 646-548-0100
  “Do You Know What Today Is?”IF NOT .. Find Out at These Locations. At multiple locations:  1) 125th Street in front of the State Office Building
  on Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., 2)  116th Street and 3rd Avenue; 3) 42nd Street – 7th Avenue at Times Square; 4) 14th Street at Union Square Park, and
  5) City Hall Park.  Tuesday, December 1st, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. It’s Time to Remember Sponsored by over 50 different agencies.
  For more information call 212-828-6141 ##
  “Take The Lead….Stop AIDS – Keep The Promise”, WAD MEMORIAL at The New York Public Library – Harlem Branch, 9 West 124th Street between 5th and Lenox Avenues, Tuesday, December 1st, 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. For more information call 212-749-3656 ext 3106 ##
  “Candlelight Vigil”, at The New York Restoration Project Community Garden, 103rd Street and Park Avenue. Tuesday, December 1st, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., , Sponsored by Mount Sinai Center for Multicultural and Community Affairs For more information please contact Jessica Acuna (Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu <mailto:Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu> ) ##
  World AIDS Day 2009 Bienestar Center Event, Union Settlement Association, 237 E 104th Street between 2nd and 3rd Ave. Tuesday, Dec 1st , 5 p.m.-9 p.m,. For more information contact Rebecca Torres, 212-828-6151    ##
  “Interfaith service in commemoration of World AIDS Day (in Spanish)” at United Methodist Church of the Village, 7th Ave, corner of 13th Street in Manhattan, Tuesday, December 1st 5:30 pm. Sponsored by Latino Commission on AIDS. Para información llame al 212-675-3288
  Servicio Memorial Latino Del SIDA: Comunidades de Fe Latinas Responden. La Iglesia del Village, Una Iglesia Metodista Unida Progresista,
  201 W de la Calle 13 (Esquina con la 7a Ave.) 1 de Diciembre 5:30 PM Vigilia, 6:00 PM Servicio Interreligioso.
  Tren 1,2,3 hasta la estación 14th Street. Linea informativa sobre el SIDA en el Estado de Nueva York 1-800-233-7432 ##
  “Viva el Barrio!” Community Party. At Julia de Burgos Cultural Center, Lexington Avenue and 106th Street, Tuesday, December 1st, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. A night of live music, speakers, and free food. For more information please contact Jessica Acuna (Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu <mailto:Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu> ) ##
  “Out of the Darkness”, Candlelight Vigil, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan, 164 West 100th Street (at Amsterdam Avenue, Tuesday, December 1st , 6 p.m., Candlelight Vigil  begins, followed by procession to Broadway UCC Church 2504 Broadway at 93rd Street; 6:30 pm reading of the names; 7:00 pm WAD Gathering. For more information call 212-367-1016 or e-mail krishnas@gmhc.org <mailto:krishnas@gmhc.org> ##
  

• Memorial Services & Celebration of Life, at Rivers of Living Waters Family Worship Center, 1854 Amsterdam Ave (Corner of 152nd  Street – St. Luke A.M.E. Church). Tuesday, December 1st, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Refreshments will be served from 6-7 and Service begins at 7 p.m. For more information contact Margaret Reneau at 212-961-4283 ##
  

• “Stand With Us – Walk With Us -World AIDS Day 2009”, Episcopal Response to AIDS at Christ & Saint Stephen’s Church, 120 West 69th Street, Tuesday,  December 1st, 6:30 p.m. . Special Holy Eucharist and reception. ERA’s grants for 2010 will be announced.  Everyone is invited to submit the names of those they would especially like us to pray for at the website: www.erany.org <http://www.erany.org> ##
  

Wedensday, December 2nd

• “Cafecito Discussion with Leaders in HIV/AIDS Advocacy Education, and Care in NYC” at East Harlem Café on Lexington Avenue and 104th Street. Wednesday, December 2nd, 6:00 p.m., For more information please contact Jessica Acuna (Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu <mailto:Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu> ) ##
  

Thursday, December 3rd

• “HIV and the City, the Current Challenges of Practice, Prevention and Policy in NYC”, A panel discussion for students at Mount Sinai School of Medicine Annenberg Building,, 1468 Madison Avenue at E.100th St. Thursday, December 3rd 7:00 p.m. For more information please contact Jessica Acuna (Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu <mailto:Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu> ) ##
  

Friday, December 4th

• “Universal Access and Human Rights: Focus on Adolescents and Their Access to HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support as a Critical Part of Human Rights – World AIDS Day event”, at Jacob Javits Federal Building, 26 Federal Plaza, 6th Floor Conference Center, Friday, December 4th, 9:00 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sponsored by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region II. RSVP by Friday, November 27th.  For more information or to RSVP  call 212-264-2560 ##
  “A Celebration of Life” – A special Tribute to Honor All our Client on World AIDS Day, at Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, 281 Park Avenue South, Manhattan, Between 22nd and 21st Street, Friday, December 4th, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. #6 Train to 23rd Street. For more details call Michelle 347-203-3476 or Steve 718-751-5878 ##
  “Unfinished Business” Grand Street Settlement, 80 Pitt Street, New York, NY, Friday, December 4th, $3 entry fee, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.. For more information call 212-674-1740 ##
  
  “When My Reality Conflicts with My Theology!, A Continuing Open Discussion”, at Second Providence Baptist Church, 11-16 West 116th Street, (Community Health and Awareness Ministry). Saturday, December 5th, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm.  HIV, AIDS, Domestic Violence, Men, Women, Stigma, Fault, Blame, Race, He Loves Me!, Those People! For more information contact Rev. Londro B. Wilson at 718-434-9350 or Rev. Lidia Leudo at 917 553-8686. ##
  

Saturday, December 5th

Wednesday, December 9th

• “World AIDS Day 2009 Festivities – Removing Barriers, Addressing Stigma”, at the historic National Black Theatre, 2031-33 Fifth Ave between 125th and 126th. Wednesday, December 9th, 5:00 pm – 9 pm. Featuring special musical performances by ARC Choir and Rapper Doug E. Fresh. For more information or to RSVP (by November 27th) contact Mr. Escott Solomon at 212-423-2741 or via e-mail at Escott.Solomon@ngsc.org <mailto:Escott.Solomon@ngsc.org> ##
  

• ## = not previously listed

November 23, 2009— An international campaign to spotlight World AIDS Day, December 1, has been organized by a partnership among amfAR, UNAIDS, the World AIDS Campaign, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The Light for Rights campaign urges all of us to “keep the light on HIV and human rights,” and involves the dimming of public lights, followed by their return to full brightness.

In New York City’s Washington Square Park, dignitaries and speakers including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, actress and UNAIDS goodwill ambassador Naomi Watts, and other special guests will watch as the floodlights illuminating the Washington Square Arch are extinguished and then restored. As part of the event, the marquee lights of major Broadway theaters will also be dimmed.

amfAR and its partner organizations have created a special World AIDS Day website (www.lightforrights.org) that provides facts about HIV/AIDS, descriptions of Light for Rights activities can be organized in other locations, social networking ideas, and templates for op-eds and letters to the editor.

Since HIV/AIDS was first reported almost three decades ago, the virus has decimated populations around the globe and results in approximately 2 million deaths each year.

In 2008, the last year for which figures are available, 2.7 million people were newly infected with HIV, 40 percent of whom were young people between the ages of 15 and 24. The number of new infections continues to outpace the number of people receiving treatment.

Bronx, NY

Remembrance, Honor and Hope Ceremony
11AM to 3PM
Monsignor Del Valle Square at So. Blvd.  163rd St.
(alternate rain space: 953 Southern Blvd., Suite 201)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Brooklyn, NY

World AIDS Day Interfaith service
(St Augustine Church, 116 6th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn) (7pm)
Join others who are taking a spiritual and physical journey through AIDS.
There will be music by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Manhattan,
and on display will be a collection of paintings titled, “Preparation Series”.

World AIDS Day Event
Coney Island Cathedral, 2816 Mermaid Ave, in Brooklyn. Dec. 1st, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.,
Sponsored by Amethyst Women’s Project and
National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS of NYC.
For more information contact Nicole or Eric at 718-333-2067

___________________________________________________________________

Watchful Eye Testing, Outreach and Prevention Initiative

In collaboration with Caribbean Women’s Health Association

Commemorates World AIDS Day 2009

“Universal Access and Human Rights”
Honoring
Tracy Mack
Natashua Rice
Pastor Christina Walker
NYC Councilman Al Vann
OnTuesday, December 1, 2009
At Brooklyn Borough Hall 209 Joralemon Street 12 noon
Performances by

The Housing Works Choir & “The Queen of Gospel Pop” Kristina Halloway
For further info please call—347-533-4300 www.ourwatchfuleye.org

_______________________________________________________________

Join Gay Men of African Descent for a tasty and informative breakfast on World AIDS Day Tuesday, December 1st where representatives from Project ACHIEVE and ACRIA will present updates on the state of HIV vaccine research.

10AM to 12PM

Columbus Gaskins
Testing Coordinator
Gay Men of African Descent, Inc
44 Court Street, Suite 10
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Please RSVP at 718-222-6300 Ext 117

__________________________________________________________________________
Manhattan, NY

December 1, 2009Do You Know What Today Is? If Not………..
Find Out At These Locations!!

125th Street in front of the State OfficeBuilding on Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.
116th Street and 3rd Avenue 42nd Street 7th Avenue at TimesSquare
14th Street at Union Square Park
City Hall Park Tuesday December 1, 2009 12:00pm to 4:00pmItx02bc;s
Time To Remember….. For More Information Call(212) 828-6141
____________________________________________________________________________

OUT OF THE DARKNESS
Candlelight Vigil Begins at 6:00 pmTrinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan

164 West 100th Street – (at Amsterdam Avenue)
Candlelight Procession to Broadway UCC Church2504 Broadway (at 93rd Street)
Time of Reflection and Reading of Names of Those We Have Lost to AIDS Begins at 6:30 pm

World AIDS Day Gathering Begins at 7:00 pm
Wheelchair accessible and ASL interpreted.Refreshments served following the gathering.
For more information, call (212) 367-1016 or write to krishnas@gmhc.org

Co-Sponsors:  American Run for the End of AIDS,
Broadway United Church of Christ, Gay Men’s Health Crisis,
International AIDS Prevention Initiative, Keith Haring Foundation,
LIFEbeat:  Music Industry Fights AIDS,
Trinity Lutheran Church

To download event flyers go to
www.haevents.org

______________________________________________________________________________

City Hall Park — 24 Hour Reading of Names of those we have lost in the Struggle
For a 24-hour period beginning on December 1, 2009, activists, volunteers
and those living with HIV and AIDS will read names continually at City Hall
in lower Manhattan to memorialize loved ones, to raise awareness about the twin crises
of HIV/AIDS and homelessness, and remind the world that AIDS is not over.

Come by City Hall Park on December 1, any time day or night, to join in reading the names
of those you have lost to HIV/AIDS.
Go to www.Housingworks.org/worldaidsday for more information
and to submit a name of a loved one to memorialize.
______________________________________________________________________________

TAKE THE LEAD…. STOP AIDS – KEEP THE PROMISE
4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

National WORLD AIDS DAY event at the New York Public Library – Harlem Branch.
New York Public Library – Harlem Branch
9 West 24th Street
New York, New York 10027
To download event flyers go to
www.haevents.org

______________________________________________________________________________

“Interfaith service in commemoration of World AIDS Day (in Spanish)”
United Methodist Church of the Village, 7th Ave, corner of 13th Street in Manhattan,
5:30 pm. Sponsored by the Latino Commission on AIDS.Para información llame al 212-675-3288

______________________________________________________________________________

1 de Diciembre Dia Mundial del SIDA
La Iglesia del Village,Una Iglesia Metodista Unida Progresistal
201 W de la Calle 13 (Esquina con la 7a Ave.), New York, NY
5:30 PM Vigilia, 6:00 PM Servicio Interreligioso

______________________________________________________________________________
“LIVE POSTIVE!” organized by Mount Sinai
HERE I AM
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
World AIDS Week Presents
Short documentary screening & discussion
Sponsored by: The Department of Medicine, the Center for Multicultural Affairs, the Gold Foundation for Humanism in Medicine, Student
Council, Mount Sinai Alumni Association & AMSA
Monday November 30 2009
6:30-8 PM
Annenberg 12th floor, Auditorium 12-01
FREE FOOD & DRINK FROM PIOPIO!
Watch out for more World AIDS week events beginning November 30
A portrait of one East Harlem resident living with AIDS

On World AIDS Day, December 1st, there will be a Candlelight Vigil in the Community Garden on E. 103rd and Park Avenue where there will be music, spoken word, and acknowledgements of those impacted by HIV/AIDS in East Harlem. Immediately after the vigil is the annual Viva El Barrio community celebration at Julia de Burgos Cultural Center where there be music, dance performances, food, and good times!

On December 2 in the East Harlem Café (E.104th and Lex) there will be a provocative dialogue on HIV/AIDS education in NYC Public Schools, so please come by for a good cup of café and good conversation!

The last event is on December 3 where the medical students have organized a panel discussion to expose and build the capacity of their medical student peers about the state of HIV/AIDS in NYC.

SPONSORED BY: New York Restoration Project, American Medical Student Association,
and the Mount Sinai Center for Multicultural and Community Affairs

For more information please contact: Jessica Acuna (Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu)

______________________________________________________________________________

The Riverside Church invites you to be with us on
Sunday, November 29, 2009

The Riverside Church in the City of New York
490 Riverside Drive, New York City

Sunday Morning Worship
Every Sunday at 10:45 am in the Nave

We gather each week to sing and pray, and hear the Word proclaimed

Pre-World AIDS DAY Community Service Tables
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm

Community Service Tables with:

AIDS Service Center New York City
Casa Esperanza House of Hope
Global Ministry
NYC Faith in Action for HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Education Coalition
The Riverside Church Global HIV/AIDS Ministry
S.M.A.R.T. University
United Church of Christ HIV/AIDS Network
World Vision

__________________________________________________________________

Convent Avenue Baptist Church

Invite you

Tangy’s Song! Is a compelling 20-minute documentary film that moves from fear to faith as one young HIV positive African-American woman shares more than just her amazing story but her song!

December 4, 2009

Convent Avenue Baptist Church

420 Convent Ave and 145^th Street

New York, New York 10031

Rev. Dr. Jesse T. William, Jr., Senior Pastor

Lower Sanctuary

6:00-8:00 PM

A discussion of the film will follow with Tangy Major

Light Dinner will be provided.

Confidential HIV Testing will be provided onsite from 6:00-7:30 PM

(Take the A, B, C, D trains to 145^th Station walk up the hill one block)

RSVP to HHaidsministry@aol.com by Nov 30, 2009

______________________________________________________________________________

QUEENS, NY

“STOP AIDS, KEEP THE PROMISE:  UNIVERSAL ACCESS  HUMAN RIGHTS”
9:30 am – 5:00 pm

94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.
Jamaica, NY 11451
*** Free and Confidential HIV/AIDS Testing  STD/STI will be provided by ACQC’s Education
Co-Factors Departments in Health Services Center in RM 1F01, 1st Floor ***
For directions and all information contact Robert Steptoe or Melissa Robertson
@ Queens HIV CARE Network, 718.739.2525
Or, contact Sharon Hawkins, Manager of Health Services Center,
Room 1F01, at York College – 718-262-2050

To download event flyers go to
http://nycfia.org/id34.html

November 19, 2009 – New York City, NY – The Latino Commission on AIDS, a leader on HIV/AIDS and health related issues across the United States and its territories denounces the horrific murder of gay and trans Puerto Rican teenager, Jorge Steven López Mercado.

“We strongly condemn this brutal crime and urge the federal government to provide Puerto Rican authorities with assistance in this investigation. We cannot stand by and allow any more violence that targets any individual because of their race, ethnicity or sexual orientation or gender identity. The individuals responsible for killing Jorge must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of our new federal hate crimes laws,” stated Guillermo Chacon, President, Latino Commission on AIDS. “We call on the Governor of Puerto Rico, Honorable Luis Fortuño to make a public statement condemning this horrible crime”

“Homophobia and transphobia increases the isolation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and represents a real threat to public heath. Homophobia and transphobia should never be tolerated and the Latino Commission on AIDS condemns any and all violence against any sexual minority group,” stated Oscar Lopez, Director of Health Policy at the Latino Commission on AIDS. “This hatred and fear based on sexual orientation does not just affect the mental and physical health of the LGBT community, but also affect the health and well being of all Americans and it needs to be stopped.”

Your help is urgently needed to stem the wave of domestic and international violence against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people.

By taking just one or two of the actions listed below, you can take a stand for justice and help to protect the safety and lives of LGBT people.

Action #1
Join the Latino Commission on AIDS and its partners in supporting the Vigil, Memorial Service & Community Mobilization in memory of Jorge Steven López Mercado on Sunday, November 22nd at 5:00 pm at Pier 45 (corner of Christopher St. & West Side Highway) followed by a memorial service at the Church of Saint Luke in the Fields (487 Hudson St., By Christopher St). For more information contact: (212) 675-3288

Action #2
Write or call the Governor of Puerto Rico, Honorable Luis G. Fortuño and encourage him to make a public statement condemning this violence and ensure that local law enforcement fully investigate the possibility that the individual(s) responsible for this crime be charged with committing a hate-crime.
E-Mail: ecruz@fortaleza.gobierno.pr – Phone: (787)721-7000

Action #3
Join our faith based communities and make a commitment to pray for members of the LGBT community around the world who continue to face ongoing threats to their freedom, safety, health and well-being for no other reason than their real or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Pray for blessing and protection upon their lives, that they may find strength and hope in the midst of adversity, and that governments everywhere will treat their citizens with fairness, justice and compassion.

Action #4
If you are responsible for raising or mentoring children, be sure to lead by example. Telling is good, but showing is better. In order for your child to be comfortable around members of the LGBT community, you have to be comfortable around them as well. It is important that we to accept one another.

Action #5
The sexual and gender identity of Jorge and many LGBTQ teens is complex and should be celebrated and supported. Jorge needed, and other teens in Puerto Rico still need, support and guidance as they grow to adulthood. Please support the healthy development of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning young people.

Action#6
If you are Latino, please be aware that many members of our community struggle with homophobia along with machismo and sexism. We must stop homophobic, transphobic and sexist comments, jokes and behaviors at all times. A joke may seem harmless but it may impact a person’s self esteem and create a community of intolerance, which may lead to violence.

ABOUT THE LATINO COMMISSION ON AIDS
The Latino Commission on AIDS (LCOA) is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1990 dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino/Hispanic communities. The Commission is the leading national Latino AIDS organization coordinating National Latino AIDS Awareness Day and other prevention and advocacy programs in more than 40 States and Puerto Rico. The Commission raises funds through its Cielo Latino annual fundraiser. For more information visit: www.latinoaids.org or www.nlaad.org.
UNIDOS PODEMOS / UNITED WE CAN

Comisión Latina sobre el SIDA Condena Brutal Asesinato de Joven Gay/Transgénero en Puerto Rico

Noviembre 19, 2009 – Ciudad de Nueva York, NY – La Comisión Latina sobre el SIDA, líder en la lucha contra el VIH/SIDA y otros temas de salud en los Estados Unidos y sus Territorios, denuncia el horrible asesinato del Joven Gay/trans Puertorriqueño, Jorge Steven López Mercado.”Nosotros condenamos enérgicamente este brutal crimen y urgimos al Gobierno Federal a que asista a las autoridades en Puerto Rico en esta investigación. Nosotros no nos quedaremos quietos, ni permitiremos mas violencia que sea dirigida contra cualquier individuo por su raza, religión, etnicidad, orientación sexual o identidad de genero. Los individuos responsables por el asesinato de Jorge, deben ser perseguidos con toda la extensión posible bajo las nuevas leyes federales contra el odio,” declaro Guillermo Chacon, Presidente, de la Comisión Latina sobre el SIDA. “Nosotros le hacemos un llamado al Honorable Gobernador de Puerto Rico Luis Fortuño a que condene públicamente este horrible crimen”

“La Homofobia y la transphobia incrementan el aislamiento de gays, lesbianas, bisexuales, personas transgénero y representa una amenaza para la salud publica. Homofobia/transfobia no deben ser toleradas y la Comisión Latina condena cualquier tipo de violencia en contra de cualquier minoría sexual,” señalo, Oscar López, Director de Políticas Publicas sobre la Salud, para la Comisión Latina sobre el SIDA. “Este odio y temor basado en la orientación sexual, no solo afecta la salud mental y física de la comunidad LGTB, pero también afecta la salud y el bienestar de todos las personas en Estados Unidos, por esa razón no debe ser tolerado.”

Necesitamos ayuda urgente para detener la ola de ataques domésticos e internacionales en contra de personas lesbianas, gays, bisexuales, y transgéneros (LGTB).

Al tomar una o dos acciones de la siguiente lista, tú puedes dar un paso firme por la justicia y así ayudar a proteger la seguridad y las vidas de la comunidad LGTB.

Acción #1
Únete la Comisión Latina que junto con socios en la comunidad invitamos a una Vigilia, Servicio Memorial & Movilización Comunitaria en Memoria de Jorge Steven López Mercado, Este Domingo, 22 de Noviembre a las 5:00 PM en el “Pier 45″ (esquina de Christopher St. & West Side Highway) seguido por un Servicio Memorial en la Iglesia Episcopal de Saint Luke in the Fields. Para más información contactar al: (212) 675-3288

Acción #2
Escribir o llamar al Gobernador de Puerto Rico, Honorable Luis G. Fortuño y animarlo a que haga una declaración pública condenando este acto de violencia y que las autoridades hagan una investigación para dar con los responsables de este hecho para presentarles cargos por ser un crimen motivado por odio.
E-Mail: ecruz@fortaleza.gobierno.pr – Teléfono: (787)721-7000

Acción #3
Únase a nuestra comunidades de Fe y hagan un compromiso de orar por los miembros de la comunidad LGBT al rededor del mundo, ya que continúan enfrentando amenazas a sus libertades, seguridad, salud y bienestar por la única razón real o por ser percibidos por su orientación sexual o identidad de genero. Orar por la bendición y protección por sus vidas, para que ellos puedan encontrar la fuerza y la esperanza en medio de la adversidad, y que los gobiernos donde sea, traten a sus ciudadanos con equidad, justicia y compasión.

Acción #4
Si tú eres responsable de menores o de ser mentor, asegúrate de enseñar en base al ejemplo. Hablar es bueno, enseñar con acciones es mejor. Para que tu hijo, hija se sientan cómodos con personas de la comunidad LGTB, tu tienes que sentirte cómodo también. Es importantísimo que nos aceptemos cada uno de nosotros.

Acción#5
La identidad sexual y de género de Jorge y de muchos adolescentes que se identifican como lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Transgénero o que aun están en proceso de encontrar su identidad es un tema complejo y como tal, debe ser celebrada y apoyada. Jorge necesitaba, y otros adolescentes en Puerto Rico necesitan apoyo y guías en la medida de que se encuentran creciendo hacia la edad adulta. Por favor apoye el desarrollo saludable de las personas jóvenes que se identifican como Gay, Lesbianas, Bisexuales, Transgénero o que aun se encuentran descubriendo su identidad sexual y de género.

Acción #6
Si tú eres Latino/a, Por favor toma conciencia que muchos miembros de nuestras comunidades luchan con la realidad de la homofobia y la transfobia junto al machismo y el sexismo. Todos tenemos la responsabilidad para poner un alto a comentarios sexistas, homofóbicos y transfobicos, como bromas y comportamientos ofensivos a cualquier hora del día. Una broma, podría ser percibida que no haga daño, pero podría impactar el auto-estima de un individuo y crear intolerancia a nivel comunitario, la cual podría conllevar a promover actos violentos.

SOBRE LA COMISION LATINA SOBRE EL SIDA
La Comisión Latina Sobre el SIDA es una organización sin fines de lucro fundada en 1990, dedicada a la lucha contra el VIH/SIDA en las comunidades Latinas. La Comisión honra su misión encabezando la defensa por la salud para las comunidades Latinas, promoviendo educación y prevención, implementando programas modelo para comunidades en alto riesgo, desarrollando investigación y evaluación comunitaria, fortaleciendo capacidades a través de adiestramientos y asesoría a Organizaciones Comunitarias. La Comisión es líder nacional en el tema del SIDA y coordina el Día Nacional de Concientización Latino sobre el SIDA, Día Nacional de Concientización Sobre el SIDA en las Comunidades Latinas en más de 40 Estados y Puerto Rico. La Comisión colecta fondos anualmente a través del evento Cielo Latino. Para más información visite: www.latinoaids.org or www.nlaad.org.
UNIDOS PODEMOS / UNITED WE CAN

Casa Puebla New York

Invita

El viernes 13 De noviembre de 2009  a las 7:00 pm a la presentación de final del taller de teatro Movimiento Escénico

Con las obras “Los Perros” y “La Mudanza” de Elena Garro

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2710 Broadway 2º piso (entre 103 y 104)

Tren No. 1  hasta la parada 103

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“Buongiorno Fantasia” ! Maroguzcaju ! …Donde la imaginacion es lo mas importante.. Juan Guzman

President Obama on Friday announced the end of a 22-year ban on travel to the United States by people who had tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS, fulfilling a promise he made to gay advocates and acting to eliminate a restriction he said was “rooted in fear rather than fact.”

At a White House ceremony, Mr. Obama announced that a rule canceling the ban would be published on Monday and would take effect after a routine 60-day waiting period. The president had promised to end the ban before the end of the year.

“If we want to be a global leader in combating H.I.V./AIDS, we need to act like it,” Mr. Obama said. “Now, we talk about reducing the stigma of this disease, yet we’ve treated a visitor living with it as a threat.”

The United States is one of only about a dozen countries that bar people who have H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS.

President George W. Bush started the process last year when he signed legislation, passed by Congress in July 2008, that repealed the statute on which the ban was based. But the ban remained in effect.

It was enacted in 1987 at a time of widespread fear that H.I.V. could be transmitted by physical or respiratory contact. The ban was further strengthened by Congress in 1993 as an amendment offered by Senator Jesse Helms, Republican of North Carolina.

Because of the restriction, no major international conference on the AIDS epidemic has been held in the United States since 1990. Public health officials here have long said there was no scientific or medical basis for the ban.

Under the ban, United States health authorities have been required to list H.I.V. infection as a “communicable disease of public health significance.” Under immigration law, most foreigners with such a disease cannot travel to the United States. The ban covered both visiting tourists and foreigners seeking to live in this country.

Once the ban is lifted, foreigners applying to become residents in the United States will no longer be required to take a test for AIDS.

In practice, the ban particularly affected tourists and gay men. Waivers were available, but the procedure for tourists and other short-term visitors who were H.I.V. positive was so complicated that many concluded it was not worth it.

For foreigners hoping to immigrate, waivers were available for people who were in a heterosexual marriage, but not for gay couples. Gay advocates said the ban had led to painful separations in families with H.I.V.-positive members that came to live in this country, and had discouraged adoptions of children with the virus.

Gay advocates said the ban also discouraged travelers and some foreigners already living in the United States from seeking testing and medical care for H.I.V. infection.

“The connection between immigration and H.I.V. has frightened people away from testing and treatment,” said Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality, a group that advocates for gay people in immigration matters. She said lifting the ban would bring “a significant public health improvement.”

“Stigma and exclusion are not a sound basis for immigration policy,” Ms. Tiven said.

Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, who led the effort to repeal the ban, said it had now “gone the way of the dinosaur.”

But, Mr. Kerry added, “it sure took too long to get here.”

International health officials said lifting the ban would end a much-criticized inconsistency in United States health policy, with Washington playing a leading role in AIDS prevention in Africa and other countries with severe epidemics, but preserving restrictions that in practice prevented international AIDS researchers and activists from gathering at conferences here.

In 1989, a Dutch AIDS educator, Hans Verhoef, was detained for several days in St. Paul when he tried to attend a conference. Since then, people involved with AIDS issues have not organized meetings here.

“We think this is going to give a very positive image of where the United States is going in terms of eliminating stigma and discrimination in relation to H.I.V.,” Dr. Socorro Gross, assistant director of the Pan American Health Organization, said Friday.

Read the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/us/politics/31travel.html?th&emc=th