2021-3 by Gay Vegas

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 3

TIM COOK

RYAN & ASHLEY SMITH DAN REYNOLDS & AJA VOLKMAN

STEPHENIE LARSEN

No Sides, Only Love

ONLY LOVE

ENCIRCLE VEGAS

New LGBTQ+ youth & family resource center comes to Vegas thanks to Apple, Qualtrics founder and Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith, and Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds and his wife Aja Volkman. Reynolds’ childhood home, valued at $ 1 million, will be the first Encircle home in Las Vegas.

NO SIDES, ONLY LOVE

Photo Credit: Apple.com

(Clockwise from top left) Parents Packard and Chrisann Toelupe, with their children Khristian, Micah, Kainoa, and Gabe, found community and connection at Encircle, a local nonprofit that serves young LGBTQ+ people and their families.

Influential leaders help LGBTQ+ youth & family resource center ‘Encircle’ come to Las Vegas In the summer of 2017, the Toelupe family heard about a little blue house in Provo, Utah, called Encircle. The nonprofit had a simple message, “No sides, only love” — and in the years to come, Encircle would prove to be part second home, part sanctuary, and the entry point to a community Micah Toelupe credits with saving his life.

As one of only a handful of gay students at his high school in rural Utah, Micah was struggling with depression, anxiety, and social isolation. That’s why stepping through the front doors of Encircle — where he felt like “one of a billion” instead of one of a few — felt so different. “The effect it had here is so insane,” says Micah. “It really

did save my life. You could walk right into the house and be surrounded by people who are going to love and respect who you are. It was always there, and you were always welcome.” Encircle, a Utah-based nonprofit, was founded in 2017 to help young LGBTQ+ people and their families find support and a sense of FabLasVegas.com

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NO SIDES, ONLY LOVE

-----------------------------------------------------------------------Photo Credit: Google.com

The 5,518 sqft Vegas home donated to Encirlce by Reynolds is on a .77 acre lot with 7 bedrooms, 5 baths, a pool, spa, gameroom and a basement perfect for food storage. belonging at community resource houses across the state. This month, the nonprofit launched a new campaign that leaders in business, music, and technology are rallying behind, with new donations from Apple, Qualtrics founder Ryan Smith and his wife, Ashley — who also own the Utah Jazz — and Imagine Dragons’s lead singer Dan Reynolds and his wife, musician Aja Volkman. The donations — valued at $4 million — will help kickstart Encircle’s national expansion, with new community resource houses in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. In addition to a $1 million contribution, Apple will be donating iPads and other products to help expand Encircle’s virtual programming 6 Fab Vegas

and inspire new pathways for digital connection, creativity, and education. Encircle helps young people and their families through a number of services, including free and subsidized therapy sessions, Friendship Circles that create safe spaces and foster community, and an open door policy that helps everyone who walks through their doors feel welcomed and accepted. The pandemic has meant moving many of those services online, but it hasn’t dulled the urgency or importance of support systems that help young people who are cut off from their friends, often feeling more isolated than ever. The technology donations will make a meaningful difference in the

nonprofit’s ability to reach LGBTQ+ youth where they are, helping create community beyond the four walls of an Encircle home. Encircle has already helped countless families across Utah. Chrisann and Packard Toelupe have two LGBTQ-identified children — their son Micah and their daughter, Khristian. When Khristian shared her gender identity with her parents, Encircle helped the Toelupes find supportive resources and connect with other families looking to build community. “Encircle gave me the confidence to be an advocate for my child, because I saw so many other parents being advocates for their children,” says Chrisann. “It was very lonely at first. But here was

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NO SIDES, ONLY LOVE

-----------------------------------------------------------------------Photo Credit: Apple.com

Micah (left) and Khristian Toelupe both credit Encircle with making a profoundly positive impact on their lives and those of other young people across Utah. this whole network of people that I could call. You meet these other families, and you realize you’re not alone.” Encircle is helping to meet an urgent need. More than half of LGBTQ youth are battling symptoms of depression, and four out of 10 LGBTQ+ people report having seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months. Still, nearly half of LGBTQ+ young people say they’ve been unable to access mental health counseling over the last year. Encircle has taken on a supportive role not just for young people, but for their families — making space for love, understanding, and acceptance. The nonprofit prides itself on being a part of the communities it serves, even and especially in areas

where LGBTQ+ youth feel uncomfortable or afraid to share their full selves. By any measure, Encircle’s model has worked — more than 10,000 guests visit each Encircle home every year. With counseling services, music nights, community service projects, and other bonding activities, Encircle has been a crucial lifeline to young people facing isolation or depression. Luckily for the Toelupes, Encircle opened a house in Provo in 2017, just 20 minutes from their home. And while there were some local resources for young LGBTQ+ people, few had such a profound impact on their family and neighbors across Utah County. When the Toelupes first

told their daughter about Encircle, Khristian was on her mission in the Philippines. When she returned home, she found a support system unlike anything she could’ve imagined — and a community that accepted and supported her for who she is. “I was just bawling,” Khristian says. “I thought, ‘Wow, I didn’t think that I could feel all this love at once.’ Every time that I go to Encircle it’s time that I can actually breathe. I can just be — without having to worry about opinions or my own safety.” Encircle’s mission is not only to serve families but also be a great neighbor and community member. The nonprofit has helped foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for a diversity FabLasVegas.com

9 Fab Vegas

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NO SIDES, ONLY LOVE

-----------------------------------------------------------------------Photo Credit: Apple.com

The Toelupe family plays cards at their kitchen table. of experiences and identities. According to Micah, it isn’t uncommon for students to drive hours at a time just to spend a little while at an Encircle house. “Encircle had this snowball effect,” Micah says. “I started going and it saved my life, and then my counselors at my school found out about it. It was saving other kids’ lives. The Friendship Circles grew from two people in the first group to 20 kids in the room.” Not everyone who visits has the support of their family, but Encircle’s focus on welcoming everyone has made it a lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth with a range of experiences. Savannah Harman interned at Encircle’s Salt Lake City house, 10 Fab Vegas

where Friendship Circles and other community-building activities helped her find supportive friends from all walks of life. “I found a lovely chosen family,” Savannah says. “Because Encircle is family oriented, it allows space for you even if you don’t bring your family. You will find your family there.” For Micah, Encircle helped him gain the confidence and skills to grow as an artist, with classes and exhibitions that helped him share his work with the world. One of those pieces — a watercolor painting — is something of a self-portrait. Micah’s mom was an enthusiastic first customer, and the piece, which Micah

never named, now hangs in the Toelupes’ living room. “Every time I walk past it, I just think, ‘Becoming,’” Chrisann says. “Because it’s like Micah becoming himself. And that’s what Encircle, to me, did for him. He blossomed into Micah — his authentic self.” To learn more about Encircle or find out how to contribute, visit encircletogether.org.

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LGBTQ+ VEGAS BOOK REVIEWS

By: Terri Schlichenmeyer

-----------------------------------------------------------------------ELEANOR BY DAVID MICHAELIS c.2020, Simon & Schuster, $35, 698 pages

Life, as they say, is an open book. When you’re born, someone else starts writing it for you, but it doesn’t take long for you to be your own author. Through the years, you’ll scribble ideas, compose thoughtfully, add chapters, and crumple pages. Your life’s book might be a series of quick notes, long essays, one-liners or, as in “Eleanor” by David Michaelis, you could build an epic story. In today’s world, we might call Eleanor Roosevelt’s mother abusive: Anna Hall Roosevelt never had a kind word to say to her daughter, often mockingly calling little Eleanor “Granny.” It’s true that Eleanor wasn’t lithe and beautiful like her mother; she was awkward and stern, a Daddy’s girl for an oftenabsent, alcoholic father.

Orphaned by the time she was 12, Eleanor had been long-told that she was homely and plain but school chums knew her as a caring girl with a sharp mind. That intelligence later caught the eye of the dashing Franklin Roosevelt, a somewhat-distant cousin who courted her with the nose-holding approval of his mother. It was a good match, but only for a short while: too quickly, it was apparent that Eleanor and Franklin were colossally mismatched. She needed him to need her but he couldn’t – not in the way she wanted, so she found love in the arms of another man and a woman. Her compassion for others, a rather acquired sense, helped buoy his ambition; his ambition gave her a reason to dig in and reach out to their fellow Americans in need. Despite that it invited controversy from Washington insiders, Roosevelt changed the office of the First Lady by ignoring what past First Ladies had done, once they reached the White House and beyond...

His portrayal is balanced with compassion: Michaelis lets us see a transformation in the pages of this book and it’s fascinating to watch. Rather than romanticize Roosevelt, Michaelis paints her as someone with flaws that she may not’ve overtly acknowledged but that she learned to work around. This becomes abundantly clear in tales of the warmth Roosevelt craved but was denied by her husband and the relationships she enjoyed in open secret, including a passionate love she shared with reporter Lorena Hickock and a much-debated, possible affair with State Trooper Earl Miller. Such tales are told matter-of-factly and without salaciousness, though you may feel a whoop of delight at a supposedlystaid Depression-era White House that really was a den of dalliance. Don’t let its heft frighten you away: “Eleanor” may be wide but so’s its story. Indeed, you’ll be carried away when you open this book. Author Photo Credit: Nancy Steiner

Readers who are not deep historians are in for many layers of surprise inside “Eleanor,” the first being Roosevelt’s early life, and the racism she exhibited as a young woman. Famously, she was a champion of African Americans during the years of her husband’s time as President and beyond, and she strove for equality, but author David Michaelis shows a sort of axis of attitude that the former First Lady experienced. FabLasVegas.com

FabLasVegas.com

Handwashing

at Home, at Play, and Out and About Germs are everywhere! They can get onto your hands and items you touch throughout the day. Washing hands at key times with soap and water is one of the most important steps you can take to get rid of germs and avoid spreading germs to those around you.

How can washing your hands keep you healthy? Germs can get into the body through our eyes, nose, and mouth and make us sick. Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands and helps prevent sickness. Studies have shown that handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.

Handwashing helps prevent infections for these reasons: People often touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without realizing it, introducing germs into their bodies. Germs from unwashed hands may get into foods and drinks when people prepare or consume them. Germs can grow in some types of foods or drinks and make people sick. Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, such as door knobs, tables, or toys, and then transferred to another person’s hands.

What is the right way to wash your hands? 1. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap. 2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. 3. Scrub all surfaces of your hands, including the palms, backs, fingers, between your fingers, and under your nails. Keep scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice. 4. Rinse your hands under clean, running water. 5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. CS 280522A

When should you wash your hands? Handwashing at any time of the day can help get rid of germs, but there are key times when it’s most important to wash your hands. • Before, during, and after preparing food • Before eating food • Before and after caring for someone who is sick • Before and after treating a cut or wound • After using the bathroom, changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing • After touching an animal, animal food or treats, animal cages, or animal feces (poop) • After touching garbage • If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy

What type of soap should you use? You can use bar soap or liquid soap to wash your hands. Many public places provide liquid soap because it’s easier and cleaner to share with others. Studies have not found any added health benefit from using soaps containing antibacterial ingredients when compared with plain soap. Both are equally effective in getting rid of germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

How does handwashing help fight antibiotic resistance? Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria resist the effects of an antibiotic – that is, germs are not killed and they continue to grow. Sicknesses caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be harder to treat. Simply using antibiotics creates resistance, so avoiding infections in the first place reduces the amount of antibiotics that have to be used and reduces the likelihood that resistance will develop during treatment. Handwashing helps prevent many sicknesses, meaning less use of antibiotics.

Studies have shown that handwashing can prevent

1 in 3 diarrhea-related sicknesses and

1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.

For more information and a video demonstration of how to wash your hands, visit the CDC handwashing website:

www.cdc.gov/handwashing

HOW TO

By: Mikey Rox

THE EX FACTOR

How to Forge a Friendship From a Bad Romance Forging a friendship from the extinguished flames of a formerly romantic relationship is no easy task, but shutting him, her or them out completely isn’t always necessary – especially if you’d both like to separate amicably and remain on good terms. We break up for lots of different reasons, but there’s often plenty in common that can keep us connected to each other in one capacity or another – you were once inseparable for a reason – even when love and sex are no longer part of the equation. Here’s how.

desire to become friends

1. Be honest with your ex about your intention and

2. Give your ex (and possibly yourself) time to grieve

You can say something like, I really value your opinion, friendship, energy, sense of humor, point of view, and I would really like to be friends in some way, or We have too much history to not be friends, or You’re the only one who makes me LOL. Don’t beat around the bush. Let them know what you’d like from them moving forward. If building a friendship is a mutual goal, move forward. If it’s one-sided, however, move on.

the loss of what you had or expected the romantic relationship to be It’s OK to be angry and express that anger as long as you express your anger in a healthy way. Refrain from saying anything hurtful. Keep angry statements to how you feel – “I” statements – and not about your ex being a bad person. “Being angry is part of the process,” says David Strah, a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist and author. “Bad things happen to good people. We don’t always understand why a relationship fizzles. But not understanding FabLasVegas.com

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HOW TO

-----------------------------------------------------------------------can lead to feeling helpless and angry. Sometimes it’s better to accept that we are disappointed and can’t control the outcome. Break plates, punch pillows, scream, take a boxing class – let out your anger in a healthy way.” 3. Take responsibility for your part in the relationship ending Taking ownership and responsibility can be healing for both you and your ex. You don’t have to rehash the past, but you can say things like, I feel badly about how I behaved, what I said, what I didn’t do, how I reacted, how things ended. This will help both of you move forward toward a positive, healthy relationship that leaves the past where it belongs. 4. Ditch the blame game Forgive your ex and forgive yourself for anything that you regret doing or that you believe was done to you. If you’re not completely over that trauma, it’s probably not wise to start a transition to friendship; resentment is not a solid foundation on which to begin. 6. Show appreciation for your ex Tell your ex how appreciative you are of them in both small and big ways. 18 Fab Vegas

According to Strah, “Examples might include ‘I am really appreciative of all the fun vacations we had together,’ or ‘I really appreciate all the support you gave me when I was going through a rough time at work,’ or ‘I really appreciate your willingness to help.’ If you have an on-going relationship with your ex that involves pets, kids, or financial support or investments, it’s important to show your appreciation for the positive ways your ex shows up – as a good parent, responsible pet owner, or provider.” 7. Be there emotionally for your ex Let your ex know that you’re available in case of an emergency, if they ever need to talk, or need someone to walk or feed their pet on a busy day. Even better, don’t wait to get a call from your ex – just be there when you sense they need your support. But, like, not in a stalker-y kind of way. Don’t get all Fatal Attraction about it. 8. Make an effort to do things with your ex In the beginning, shorter visits together are usually better because there is less opportunity to fall into old patterns and start pointing fingers, Strah says. “If you enjoyed going to

the movies or working out together, suggest you workout together or go to the movies,” he continues. “If your ex doesn’t want to get together, try calling or sending a text. Something like, ‘I want you to know that I’m thinking about you and care about you’ or ‘Thinking about you and hope you are having a great day’ can go a long way.” 9. Speak to a therapist Sometimes family and friends just can’t provide the support and clarity that a mental health professional can – especially if a break up necessitates significant and overwhelming changes in our lives. “Consider seeing a therapist to explore and identify negative behavioral patterns and negative, self-limiting beliefs – like trying to convince yourself that you’re not good enough to be in a relationship or that you’re unlovable – that are self-sabotaging and keeping you from being in a healthy, romantic relationship,” Strah concludes. “Don’t think of therapy as something you need to do to change, but rather an investment in yourself that will reward you 100 times over.”

SÍNTOMAS DE LA ENFERMEDAD DEL CORONAVIRUS 2019 Los pacientes con COVID-19 han presentado enfermedad respiratoria de leve a grave. Los síntomas* pueden incluir

TOS

Consulte a un médico si presenta síntomas y ha estado en contacto cercano con una persona que se sepa que tiene el COVID-19, o si usted vive o ha estado recientemente en un área en la que haya propagación en curso del COVID-19.

FIEBRE

*Los síntomas pueden aparecer de 2 a 14 días después de la exposición.

DIFICULTAD *Symptoms may PARA RESPIRAR appear 2-14 days after exposure.

cdc.gov/COVID19-es CS 315252-B March 16, 2020, 1:35PM

FabLasVegas.com

SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 Patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms* can include

COUGH

Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.

FEVER

*Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

cdc.gov/COVID19-symptoms CS 315252-A March 20, 2020, 12:51PM

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Information for Teens: Staying Healthy and Preventing STDs If you choose to have sex, know how to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? STDs are diseases that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and HIV. Many of these STDs do not show symptoms for a long time. Even without symptoms, they can still be harmful and passed on during sex.

consider before having sex. It’s okay to say “no” if you don’t want to have sex. •

If you do decide to have sex, you and your partner should get tested for STDs beforehand. Make sure that you and your partner use a condom from start to finish every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Know where to get condoms and how to use them correctly. It is not safe to stop using condoms unless you’ve both been tested for STDs, know your results, and are in a mutually monogamous relationship.

•

Mutual monogamy means that you and your partner both agree to only have sexual contact with each other. This can help protect against STDs, as long as you’ve both been tested and know you’re STD-free.

•

Before you have sex, talk with your partner about how you will prevent STDs and pregnancy. If you think you’re ready to have sex, you need to be ready to protect your body. You should also talk to your partner ahead of time about what you will and will not do sexually. Your partner should always respect your right to say no to anything that doesn’t feel right.

•

Make sure you get the health care you need. Ask a doctor or nurse about STD testing and about vaccines against HPV and hepatitis B.

•

Girls and young women may have extra needs to protect their reproductive health. Talk to your doctor or nurse about regular cervical cancer screening, and chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. You may also want to discuss unintended pregnancy and birth control.

•

Avoid mixing alcohol and/or recreational drugs with sex. If you use alcohol and drugs, you are more likely to take risks, like not using a condom or having sex with someone you normally wouldn’t have sex with.

How are STDs spread? You can get an STD by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has an STD. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. You don’t even have to “go all the way” (have anal or vaginal sex) to get an STD. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skinto-skin contact. How common are STDs? STDs are common, especially among young people. There are about 20 million new cases of STDs each year in the United States. About half of these infections are in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Young people are at greater risk of getting an STD for several reasons: •

Young women’s bodies are biologically more prone to STDs.

•

Some young people do not get the recommended STD tests.

•

Many young people are hesitant to talk openly and honestly with a doctor or nurse about their sex lives.

•

Not having insurance or transportation can make it more difficult for young people to access STD testing.

•

Some young people have more than one sex partner.

What can I do to protect myself? •

The surest way to protect yourself against STDs is to not have sex. That means not having any vaginal, anal, or oral sex (“abstinence”). There are many things to

24 Fab Vegas

against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

If Iare getsexually an STD, how will Idiseases know? (STDs)? What transmitted STDs are diseases that are passed from one person to another Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms that you through sexual contact. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, would notice. only way(HPV), to know for sure genital herpes, humanThe papillomavirus syphilis, and HIV. if you haveSTDs an STD to get tested.forYou can get an Many of these do notis show symptoms a long time. Even without they can stillwith be harmful and passed STDsymptoms, from having sex someone whoonhas no during sex. symptoms. Just like you, that person might not

even he or she has an STD. How are know STDs spread?

You can get an STD by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with Where can I get tested? someone who has an STD. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD.There You don’t have that to “gooffer all theteen-friendly, way” (have anal or vaginal areeven places sex) to get an STD. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, confidential, and free STD tests. This means that are spread by skin-to-skin contact.

no one has to find out you’ve been tested. Visit

How common to arefind STDs? GetTested an STD testing location near

STDs are common, especially among young people. There are you. about 20 million new cases of STDs each year in the United States. About halfSTDs of thesebe infections are in people between the ages of Can treated? 15 and 24. Young people are at greater risk of getting an STD for Your doctor can prescribe medicine to cure several reasons:

some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea.

• Young women’s bodies are biologically more prone Other STDs, like herpes, can’t be cured, but you to STDs.

can take medicine to help with the symptoms.

• Some young people do not get the recommended If STD youtests. are ever treated for an STD, be sure to

•finish Manyall young peoplemedicine, are hesitanteven to talkifopenly and better of your you feel honestly with a doctor or nurse about their sex before you finish it all. Ask the doctor orlives. nurse

testing and treatment for your partner, •about Not having insurance or transportation can make it more difficult young people to access STD avoid testing.having too. Youfor and your partner should until you’ve both been •sex Some young people have moretreated. than one Otherwise, sex partner you may continue to pass the STD back and forth. It is possible to get an STD again (after

What can I do to protect myself?

• The surest way to protect yourself against STDs is to not you’ve been you have sex with have sex. Thattreated), means notifhaving any vaginal, anal, or someone who has anThere STD. oral sex (“abstinence”). are many things to consider before having sex. It’s okay to say “no” if you don’t want to What happens if I don’t treat an STD? have sex.

Some curable STDs can be dangerous if they aren’t treated. For example, if left untreated, CS287360A chlamydia and gonorrhea can make it difficult— or even impossible—for a woman to get pregnant. You also increase your chances of getting HIV if you have an untreated STD. Some STDs, like HIV, can be fatal if left untreated. What if my partner or I have an incurable STD? Some STDs, like herpes and HIV, aren’t curable, but a doctor can prescribe medicine to treat the symptoms. If you are living with an STD, it’s important to

tell partner before youyouhave sex. partner Although • Ifyour you do decide to have sex, and your should get tested for STDs beforehand. Make sure that you and it may be uncomfortable to talk about your your partner usehonest a condom from start to finish every STD, open and conversation can help time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Know where to your partner make informed decisions to get condoms and how to use them correctly. It is not protect his or her health. safe to stop using condoms unless you’ve both been STDs, knowwho your results, and are them? in a mutually If Itested havefor questions, can answer monogamous relationship.

If• you have questions, talk to a parent or other Mutual monogamy means that you and your partner both trusted be afraid be each openother. andThis agreeadult. to only Don’t have sexual contactto with honest with themagainst aboutSTDs, yourasconcerns. If both you’re can help protect long as you’ve been and know evertested confused or you’re need STD-free. advice, they’re the first place to start. After were young once, • Before you have sex, all, talk they with your partner about how too.you will prevent STDs and pregnancy. If you think you’re ready to have sex, you need to be ready to protect your

Talking about sexalso with parent or another body. You should talkato your partner ahead of time adult doesn’t need bewill a one-time about what you willto and not do sexually. Your partner conversation. bestyour to leave the forthat should alwaysIt’s respect right to saydoor no to open anything doesn’t feel right. conversations in the future. • Make sure you get the health care you need. Ask a doctor It’s also important to talk honestly with a doctor or nurse about STD testing and about vaccines against or nurse. Ask which STD tests and vaccines HPV and hepatitis B. they recommend for you. • Girls and young women may have extra needs to protect

their reproductive health.information? Talk to your doctor or nurse Where can I get more

about regular cervical cancer screening, and chlamydia

CDC and gonorrhea testing. You may also want to discuss

unintended birth control. How You Canpregnancy Preventand Sexually Transmitted • Avoid mixing alcohol and/or recreational drugs with sex. Diseases If you use alcohol and drugs, you are more likely to take www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/

risks, like not using a condom or having sex with someone

Teen youPregnancy normally wouldn’t have sex with. https://www.cdc.gov/ teenpregnancy/teens/ index.htm

CDC-INFO Contact Center 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) Contact wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/ ContactUs/Form HealthFinder.gov STD Testing: Conversation Starters https://healthfinder.gov/ HealthTopics/ Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/ hiv-and-other-stds/std-testing-conversationstarters American Sexual Health Association Sexual Health and You http://www.iwannaknow.org/ teens/ sexualhealth.html FabLasVegas.com

STD (SEXUALLY TRASMITTED DISEASES) INFO SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES INFO, TESTING & RESOURCES WHAT IS A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are commonly spread by sexual activity, especially vaginal intercourse, anal sex and oral sex.

WHAT IS HIV? HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system.It is usually spread by anal or vaginal sex or sharing syringes with a person who has HIV. The only way to know you have HIV is to be tested. Everyone aged 13-64 should be tested at least once, and people at high risk should be tested at least once a year. Ask your doctor, or visit gettested.cdc.gov to find a testing site. Without treatment, HIV can make a person very sick or may even cause death. If you have HIV, start treatment as soon as possible to stay healthy and help protect your partners.

Nevada is the fifth highest state in the United States for rates of new HIV diagnoses and is #1 in Syphillis *According to CDC HIV Surveillance Report, 2017 and the CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report, 2017 released in 2018

26 Fab Vegas

STD TESTING RESOURCE SOUTHERN NEVADA HEALTH DISTRICT ADDRESS: 280 S. Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107 HOURS: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.* *The clinic opens at 9:00 a.m. on the first Thursday of every month. The following services are offered at the Sexual Health Clinic: 1.

Diagnosis and treatment of active or suspected cases of:

•

Chlamydia

•

Gonorrhea

•

Syphilis

•

HIV

•

Trichomonas (females only)

•

Bacterial Vaginosis (females only)

Free condoms and instruction on how to safely use them (both male and female condom)

Follow-up bloodwork

High-risk behavior counseling

HIV Nursing Case Management

Injection series for syphilis medication

Partner notification

Referrals by private physicians

Sexual assault follow-up

10. Test results and couseling Clients seeking treatment at the Sexual Health Clinic should know that the Health District is required to report cases involving assault or abuse to appropriate agencies. HIV Testing: HIV antibody testing is a simple blood test performed by a trained professional. This procedure is strictly confidential. Counseling regarding the meaning of the test and its result take place before the actual testing to ensure you understand HIV infection and the testing procedure. HIV testing procedure: Blood Test – Blood drawn from a vein is tested for HIV antibodies. This test is available at the Sexual Health Clinic (280 S. Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107 ), Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call (702) 759-0702 for more information. If you have questions, contact the clinic by phone at (702) 759-0702 or by email at SexualHealth@snhd.org.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES 32 Fab Vegas

33 Fab Vegas

www.afanlv.org Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) provides support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. AFAN works to reduce HIV infection through prevention and education to eliminate fear, prejudice and the stigma associated with the disease.