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Stay in the Loop
LGBT News for October 2017
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Links and videos of interest to the mature LGBT adult are just a click away.
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Boston, a Fast-Track City,
Pledges to Stop HIV
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“In signing the Paris Declaration on Fast-Track Cities, Mayor Marty Walsh committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure that by 2020, 90 percent of Boston residents living with HIV are aware of their status, 90 percent of those diagnosed with HIV receive treatment with antiretroviral therapy, and 90 percent of those in treatment achieve ‘viral suppression’—a state of health from which it is nearly impossible to transmit HIV to another person.” (Fenway Health, 8/31/17)
AIDS Vaccine Going to Large-Scale Trials
“HIV/AIDS has terrorized the world for decades — now it may finally be defeated. Global Citizen partner Johnson & Johnson announced on stage at the Global Citizen Festival … that they will soon be bringing an HIV vaccine to large scale efficacy testing in humans. It will be the first global vaccine, able to treat all strains of HIV, to reach this stage of testing.” (Joe McCarthy, Global Citizen, 9/24/17)
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Massachusetts Transgender Anti-Discrimination Veto Referendum (2018)
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A question will be on the ballot in Massachusetts as a veto referendum on November 6, 2018
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A "yes" vote supports including gender identity in the list of characteristics for which discrimination is prohibited by state law by upholding Senate Bill 2407.
A "no" vote supports removing gender identity from the list of characteristics for which discrimination is prohibited by state law by repealing SB 2407.
Leading the opposition is Freedom for all Massachusetts.
“[An] an overwhelming, bipartisan coalition—including businesses, municipal leaders, and grassroots advocates—worked to pass transgender protections through the legislature. Knowing this, we’re confident that fair-minded Bay Staters will vote to affirm the right of everyone to live free from discrimination. Once voters go to the polls in 2018, these protections will have been law for two years, and it will be more obvious than ever that opponents arguments against transgender equality have no basis in reality.”
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Health Insurance for Unmarried Partners
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“Ever since same-sex marriage became legal across the country in 2015, growing numbers of employers have eliminated domestic partner health coverage and been requiring same-sex couples to be married before an employee’s partner can receive health care benefits, according to a recent report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP), an educational organization.” (Kerry Hannon, Next Avenue, 9/17/17)
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Photo credit: Adobe Stock
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Rainbow Supper & Lunch Clubs
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There is no Supper on November 7th
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The Rainbow Lunch Club meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at noon
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This month lunch is served on
October 11th a
nd October 25th.
The Rainbow Supper Club meets this month on
Tuesday October 3rd
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supper is served at 6:00pm.
Both the Rainbow Lunch and Supper Clubs are held at the
Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden Street, Worcester, MA.
The suggested meal donation for people 60+ is $2.50. Guests under 60 pay $5.50.
Reservations are due a week before the meal.
Exciting Entertainment October:
October 3rd Supper - Niki Luparelli
November 8th Lunch - Clyde Wheatley
December 5th Supper - Dale Le Page
All performances are free of charge - reservations required in advance.
Entertainment/program supported in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
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PFLAG has named Jaime M. Grant, who hails from Boston originally, to head its national organization. Founded originally to help parents when their children come out as LGBT, PFLAG has grown into an organization that helps everyone in the LGBT community achieve acceptance at every level, including their families. Many parents who come out to their children have found its support life-saving.
The Worcester area has
an active PFLAG chapter
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“If a loved one has come out, if you are coming out, if you want to help others on their journey, PFLAG of Greater Worcester is for you!!!”
Read more on their website:
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Going Deeper:
For readers who want to know more about complex issues
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Invention of Heterosexuality
The notion of sexuality independent of sexual behavior is a modern invention
“It wasn’t until 1934 that heterosexuality was graced with the meaning we’re familiar with today: ‘manifestation of sexual passion for one of the opposite sex; normal sexuality.’ ” (Brandon Ambrosino, BBC Future, 3/16/17)
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Does it Get Better for LGBT Seniors?
How history has an impact on housing options for older LGBT adults
“There is a great need for LGBT senior services and housing options, which have gained steam in the last decade, led by the rise of older LGBT baby boomers. But there’s still work to do. Is it getting better for LGBT seniors who need help and a place to live? How can we make sure none of them takes a backward step into a senior living closet?” (Dave Singleton, HuffPost, 6/23/17)
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Elder Care Q&A, October 2017, Lung Health
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Q:What are the major lung conditions elders should know about?
A: Diseases of the lung are almost as common as breathing air. Lung problems that are common among older people include: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, lung cancer, and asthma.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 18.4 million American adults currently have asthma. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and the second most common cancer among both men and women. Almost 15.7 million people have been diagnosed with…
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Pride Across Generations: LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Banquet on National Coming Out Day
October 11, 2017, 5-8 p.m.
Framingham State University
McCarthy Center Forum
Sponsors: Bay Path Elder Services, MetroWest Health Foundation, Center for Inclusive Excellence
Rainbow Readers
A monthly book club dedicated to reading all things Queer and LGBTQA. August's book is:
Far From Home by Lorelie Brown
October 14th; 6:00 - 8:00pm
at Annie's Book Stop
65 James Street, Worcester MA
508-796-5613
LGBTQI Meetup for Central Mass
The purpose of this Meetup group is to help create a vibrant LGBTQI+ community throughout Central Massachusetts. Check this page out for LBGTQI+ friendly events in our area!
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WLEN– Worcester LGBT Elder Network, is a joint effort of Elder Services of Worcester Area Inc.,
Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging and the Worcester Senior Center.
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