Metra Issue 963 - MAR 2023

National Advertising: Rivendell Media 212-242-6863

Social Media: Bright Torch Media

Distributors: Eddie Desormeau Peter Rene Wade Mercury UPS

How are we protecting our trans children?

Over the past year, lawmakers in several states have introduced bills to ban transgender women and girls from participating in school sports. Nine states already have passed legislation, including Arkansas that also was the first state to ban gender-affirming medical treatment for trans youth. In Florida, South Dakota and Tennessee, laws were passed mandating athletes to participate in sports based on their assigned gender at birth. A total of 36 states – including Michigan – have considered legislation that would ban or seriously restrict opportunities for transgender youth to participate in school sports.

These government actions are causing a national culture war over transgender rights.

According to The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), “providing gender-affirming care is neither child maltreatment nor malpractice. The child welfare system in the US, charged with improving the overall health and well-being of our nation’s children and families, should not be used to deny care or separate families working to make the best decisions for their children’s well-being. There is no scientifically sound research showing negative impacts from providing gender-affirming care. Affirming your child’s identity is one of the most powerful things you can do to keep them safe,” the NCTSN concludes.

Gender-affirming care is endorsed by all the major medical associations as the proper treatment for gender dysphoria (the distress individuals can feel when their assigned sex doesn’t align with their gender identity). Doctors proceed with extreme precaution when prescribing treatments for gender dysphoria.

In addition, multiple studies have shown that mental health professionals also endorse and support genderaffirming medical practices for youth, reporting that trans youth demonstrate lower rates of mental health problems and higher rates of confidence and self-esteem because they finally can be who they are meant to be.

Many argue that kids go through phases in life and gender identity exploration is one. However, I argue that, as many therapists do, if your child’s gender nonconformity is consistent, persistent and insistent, this is not a phase.

Unfortunately, society conditions boys to be boys and girls to be girls. At birth, girls are dressed in pink and boys wear blue to distinguish their birth sex. Kids learn this pattern very early on in life and they repeat what their parents model.

Kids explore, that is what they do, and they begin exploring at an early age. Every kid is trying to figure out who they are, and it is important to give them a safe space to do this.

I urge parents to be mindful of what we say and think about their kids. This is not a time to say, “I don’t care;” it is a time to listen, learn and pay attention to what our kids are trying to tell us through their actions. Trans kids need love and support, especially now with the pressure of government lurking over them.

But mostly remember to be true to yourself. People need to live their lives the way they want to without fear of how they will be treated, and trans people of all ages want and need to feel like human beings, just like everybody else.

by Sarah Scales, MSW

Getting lucky around St. Patrick’s Day may seem different this year with a new House In Virginia. When I first found out about my new House, I thought that there could be nothing more unlucky about the situation. I was young, good looking, had a decent job, but this House In Virginia was going to be the death of me, I thought.

In reality, having this House

In Virginia has been, well, lucky for me. I now see my doctor at least twice a year, whereas before, I think I met my doctor maybe once? I watch what I put in my body now, and am more aware of my limits.

Living with a House In Virginia isn’t the unlucky omen like it once was, it can actually make you aware of what you really have, and how lucky is that?!

Mental health professionals (3 full time therapists, 1 care coordinator, and 14 graduate interns) have expanded our Behavioral Health department, tripling our program's capacity in the past 12 months.

35,000

people have used our center in 2022.

Affirmations’ COVID Vaccine Project has partnered with 29 organizations across the state including 14 LGBTQ+ centers, 4 health departments, and 3 medical/hospital services. This was made possible through the largest grant received in Affirmations' history.

of youth graduates (ages 13-22) from the Youth Leadership and Workforce Development Program selfreported having improved social confidence in workforce navigation, increased knowledge of problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Around Town

Bars, Clubs, Tavern, Food, Clothing & More!

Camp Grounds

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment. (bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:

 dofetilide

 rifampin

 any other medicines to treat HIV-1

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

 Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

 Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.

 Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

 Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

 The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

Continued on next page.

Please see Important Facts, including important warnings, continued on the next page and at BIKTARVY.com

Meet a few of the extraordinary people who take BIKTARVY. Watch their stories at BIKTARVY.com

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® (cont’d)

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

 Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

 Have any other health problems.

 Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5

 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

Featured patients compensated by Gilead.

DIMITRI

ZACH NIKKI CHAD HUGO D’EVA

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, KEEP BEING YOU, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version

©

Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0088

GENDER GENDER GENDER PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES

St Patty's Day Dance St Patty's Day Dance St Patty's Day Dance March 11th March 11th March 11th DJ

3D DJ 3D DJ 3D

Hook-up from hell Hook-up from hell Hook-up from hell

A few years ago, back in single days, I was at the bar on a Friday night by myself in search of something, or someone, to do. I ended up meeting another single guy. He was gorgeous; dark hair, olive skin, chocolate eyes, tall, and very fit. The only down side was that he didn’t speak much English. I used my high school level Spanish to communicate with him, and we hit it off. We ended up going back to my place for a night of passion and lust.

A couple of days later I get a call from him. Again, my Spanish isn’t great, but it sounded like he was telling me he might have an STD! Even better, I found out he was visiting from out of town and had no one to take him to a doctor and asked if I could drive him to a clinic. Of course, it was late at night, so most of the clinics were closed, but I managed to find us one. The only problem was that no one in the office spoke Spanish either.

My new friend asked if I could come into the exam room with him to help translate.

The doctor came in and asked some questions. How many sexual partners? When was the last sexual encounter? The doctor, oblivious to our sexual orientation, kept referring to my friend’s partners as “she.” Naturally, I translated in the feminine form and my new friend just kept laughing. The doctor wasn’t sure what was so funny; most people don’t laugh when they piss in pain. After a few minutes of letting it go on, I finally told the doctor that my friend has sex with men and that he was laughing at my translation of the conversation.

Ultimately, my friend got a nice big shot of penicillin in the ass and had some tests run. The result: a urinary tract infection.

The moral of the story: learning another language can open the doors to many new opportunities, and it can open your bed to a new adventure!

Affirmations Spotlight

How long have you been with Affirmations? I started volunteering in 2019 and got hired in 2020, so about 4 years.

What is Affirmations to you? Affirmations is a place for people to come be themselves. Everyday as an organization and as individuals, I see us striving to be as inclusive as possible and do better in whatever way we can.

When you’re not working, what do you do for fun? When I'm not networking on Grindr, I go to my friends' drag performances all over the state.

What is your love language? I love giving gifts

What’s something you're proud of at Affirmations? I have grown a lot personally and professionally at Affirmations. This environment has allowed me to live in my truth and be a resource for anyone that comes through our doors that may be looking for support in their own journey.

Real Estate Talk with Realtor Kory

Hey Cuties!

Do you own your home and have been thinking of selling but are afraid of paying income taxes on your capital gains? If you’ve registered your home as your principal residence and have lived there for 2 of the past 5 years, you qualify for a capital gains tax deferral of up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly). To take advantage of this benefit, there are some requirements. Before selling your house, you’ll need to have identified a qualified individual who can hold the funds from the proceeds of the sale of your current house. After the sale, you have 45 days to identify your new house, and 180 days to finish the purchase. The purchase price of the new house must be equal to or greater to the value of the house you sold. Best of all, you can do this once every two years! I would be happy to get into more detail to explain the process during a free seller’s consultation. Give me a call today!

Also, if you are a first-time home buyer, always remember, homeownership can be the first step to financial freedom and is more accessible than you think. I am more than happy to help get you started on buying your first home! Check out my TikTok for more Real Estate tips, @realtorkory or contact me today for all your real estate needs!

Email, DM, Text, or Call because I do it all!

-Kory Lambarth

Aries: Is the cold weather still lingering and giving you blue balls? You need a boy toy to keep you warm at night and a houseboy to keep everything hard and in working order. These winter days are no joke. This is a good time to explore things you never done.

Taurus: Time to taste the rainbow with the luck of the Irish! There is a reason why we say “I got lucky!” When we had sex. Make your social calendar fully open like your legs. Maybe it’s time to install Grindr again in your phone. It is completely normal.

Gemini: Gingers, Bears and Twinks oh my! Time to get a hair cut and strut your stuff. Keep it real and you attract more than just a few Otters. You could be on fire, just make sure its not Gonorrhea because there is a cream I think for that.

Cancer: Follow your heart over your mind, be more Versatile cause the world has enough bottoms in it. I remember when the term Bearded Betchez meant you were a bottom and you had a beard. Now a days it doesn’t matter. Just like last name basis with people you’re only gonna see once,

unless he is over 8 inches then add them to contacts.

Leo: This month will make you prolly drink more then any other. Make sure you see their face before you start drinking so that it only makes them even more interesting in the long run. You can be one pinching people for not wearing green at parties.

Virgo: Try mixing work with pleasure to make a new trick this month by keep things tight. When all hell breaks loose keep things even more tight. Nobody likes something that is loose cause its not delicious and we forget about it after time.

Libra: You might have to be that friend that needs you to be that Brah.. wink wink. Brojobs exist in the world just gota find the right guy. You know how to make eye contact and gaze into them eyes to know how to manipulate this one.

Scorpio: Try to watch what you drink in social public settings, You never can fully trust a stranger these days, but some of you will lift your legs for a stranger after 2 long islands? There is a time to be serious and there

is the heat of the moment to be safe.

Sagittarius: Roadtrips with a special some one can be the heat you need to keep warm at night these days. Spoon it, Fork it, Spank it, lick it, and rub one down, this month is about that recreational sex energy use it to get that busy started.

Capricorn: You will feel like your last one to cum at a party but it is all good. Even the little guys still know how to work it if they use it. It is about keeping the Journey of life going. No rules, you make them up as you go. Do you.

Aquarius: Being around your friends is the best remedy for being alone. It is a Gay Fact that we meet our future husbands by introducing our exes to help our single friends. It is like Community Service or something. Pisces: Do you have a dirty little secret? This might be that time to do that 3 way or the leap of faith you need to go to the next level. Trust yourself when you’re ready the signs will be around you if you pay attention to it.

SATURDAY'S: BOYZ NIGHT OUT

UNDERWEAR CONTEST