PRIDE AROUND THE WORLD

PRIDE AROUND THE WORLD THE WORLD COMES TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST EVER VIRTUAL

GLOBAL PRIDE

BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

THIS PRIDE SEASON THE WORLD COMES TOGETHER for the first ever ‘Global Pride’ virtual event on Saturday, June 27, 2020. InterPride and the European Pride Organizers Association have joined forces along with many other national and regional organizations to celebrate pride month in response to the global crisis. Details are still emerging, so visit interpride.org for all the updates.

“Annual Pride events in the United States engage and unite 20 million people who gather to celebrate the strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community and to raise awareness for social justice and equal rights of all individuals,” said Ron deHarte, Co-President of the United States Association of Prides. “Through the pain and disruption caused by the novel coronavirus, we will deliver a virtual message of hope, comfort, love and we will have an opportunity to show our appreciation to first responders everywhere.”

“We need community and connection more than ever,” said J. Andrew Baker, Co-President of InterPride. “This gives us an opportunity to both connect and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community’s resilience in the face of this pandemic and the true spirit of Pride,” continued Baker. “Pride 2020 represents a milestone for Pride events, with many honoring the 50th anniversary of their first gatherings and marches, such as New York to the first Gandhinagar Pride this year and we would not let that pass without recognition and celebration.”

Kristine Garina, President of the European Pride Organizers Association and Chair of Baltic

Pride in Riga, Latvia, said: “The unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 mean that most Prides will not take place as planned in 2020, but we’re determined that this won’t stop us from coming together as a united, strong community to celebrate who we are and what we stand for. Global Pride will show the LGBTQIA+ movement for the absolute best it can be, showing solidarity at a time when so many of us are mourning and strength when so

many of us are feeling isolated and lonely. Above all, we will show our resilience and determination that Pride will be back bigger and stronger than ever before. For millions of people around the globe, Pride is their one opportunity each year to come together and feel a part of a community, to feel loved, connected and to know they aren’t alone. It’s essential this year that as Pride organiz- ers, we ensure there is still the opportunity to connect, even if we are connecting from home.”

Uwe Hörner, a board member of CSD Deutsch-

land [German Pride network], said: “Especially in these difficult times full of uncertainty and insecurity, we need to show visibility. Social distancing must not lead to the disappearance of diversity. We are happy to demonstrate with “Global Pride” to be part of a large community, and we want to send out a strong sign of solidarity and human rights.”

Jenny Dewsnap, Co-Chair of the UK Pride

Organizers Network, said: “We are enormously proud that UK Prides will be a part of this global event. Our communities and our pride organizers now have some- thing to look forward to this summer and a chance to be a part of this unique demonstration of worldwide solidarity and unity.”

Maria Jern, Vice-Chair of Svenska Pride [Swed- ish Pride network], said: “In these times, it is even more important that we can demonstrate the power and strength of a joint Pride celebration around the world. Let the rainbow flag light up the world.”

Dana Marsh, President of Fierté Canada

Pride, said: “It’s easy to feel isolated right now, espe- cially with so many of our local Pride celebrations announcing cancellations or new dates. Pride celebra- tions bring our communities together in a show of solidarity and unity. Now, more than ever, we need to be loud and proud! Pride is not just a celebration, but a homage to our origins, the defiance and resistance against all systems of oppression. We acknowledge the intersections that join us in the global fight against homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, gender discrimination, racism, sexism, classism, and colonial- ism. We must show that our global movement will persist, even when faced with new and unexpected challenges. Prides across Canada look forward to connecting with Two-Spirit/Indigenous, LGBTQIA+ communities from around the globe. Pride lives in us all.”

“For OLA (Orgullo Latinoamericano), the Regional Network of Latin American Pride organiz- ers, this project, in particular, has encouraged us to work closer and join efforts from all over the Latino diaspora with the Global Pride Movement to deliver hope and solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Emmanuel Temores, Co-Chair of OLA.

Indeed, the world has come together to celebrate Pride month. Stay loud, stay proud! For more informa- tion and updates, visit www.interpride.org.

TIPS FOR CHARITABLE GIVING GAIN POSITIVITY THROUGH GIVING TO OTHERS BY JENNIFER DAY

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, PRIDE EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELED all over the world. The past few months have, at times, left us feeling hopeless and isolated. Perhaps by giving to others in need, we can gain some positivity. So, here is some advice on charitable giving, and to spark some ideas, I’ve also included several Community Sponsors of the New York WorldPride parade that are in need of donations.

Beyond the sometimes-vague concept of giving back, figuring out the details of charitable donations can be a challenge. How should you choose a charity? How much should you donate? There’s no hard-andfast rule, but there are some tips that can help you figure out the right answers for you and your family.

• ARE CHARITABLE DONATIONS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes, charitable giving is tax-deductible, but you’ll need some records. Ask for an itemized receipt for any donation of money or goods, even if it amounts to less than the IRS’s $250 threshold. If your noncash donation is worth more than $500, you must complete IRS Form 8283; worth more than $5,000 requires an appraisal.

• CHOOSING A CHARITY.

Choosing a charity should be something close to your heart and beliefs. Think of people or organizations that you most want to help and I’m sure you will find a charity to suit your needs. Also, think of local charities to help closer to home. The list at the end of this article has suggestions of several LGBTQ charities that would love your time and/or money.

• BE SURE YOU’RE GIVING TO A REPUTABLE ORGANIZATION.

We’ve all heard the scam stories—the phony appeals for homeless vets, the woman who faked cancer. The best way to avoid being had is to know: (a) the person who started the campaign, and (b) exactly what the donation will pay for. As a rule, never give money via phone or email, even if the cause sounds legit. And keep in mind that contributions are not tax-deductible unless a qualified nonprofit has organized the fundraising. Use the IRS’s Tax-Exempt Organization Search to confirm that a charity is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. factored into your budget. If you can afford it, make charitable giving about 10 percent of your budget. And get in the habit of donating once a month rather than at the end of the year.

If a cash donation is a stretch, ask the organization if you can donate time or skills instead; you might do IT work for the website or organize a food drive. Remember, too, that you can give goods instead of money - bring tools to Habitat for Humanity, or personal-care products to a shelter.

• SHOULD YOU DONATE TO A BIG CHARITY OR A SMALL ONE?

Go with what you think will have the most impact. Some people might give to their local food pantry to directly benefit the people in their area. For other folks, it might make more sense to donate to a national charity working to improve public policies surrounding LGBTQ issues.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how charitable contributions work and you have sorted out a budget. Below is a list of Community Partners for the 2020 New York WorldPride parade. If you don’t have your list of charities ready maybe these will give you some ideas:

Ali Forney Center - Protects LGBTQ youth from homelessness. GLAAD - Protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where

everyone can live the life they love. GMHC - Provides HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and advocacy. Human Rights Campaign - the largest national LGBTQ civil rights

organization. Family Equality - Advances legal and equality issues for LGBTQ families.

It Gets Better - Uplifts, empowers, and connects LGBTQ youth around

the globe. LGBTQ Victory Fund - Works to change the face and voice of American

politics and achieve equality. The Center - Offers the LGBTQ communities of NYC, advocacy, health,

and wellness programs; arts, entertainment, and cultural events; recovery,

POSITIVE THOUGHTS: YES, YOU CAN BE AN HIV ALLY

We all need to do our part to end HIV stigma BY DESIREE GUERRERO

WHEN BELOVED QUEER EYE STAR JONATHAN VAN NESS REVEALED (in their bestselling memoir Over the Top: A Raw Journey to SelfLove) that they were living with HIV, they became one of the most famous HIV-positive people in the world. And they joined the legions of others who bravely share their statuses with the world in order to bring awareness and combat stigma around the virus – but is this something that we should only rely on HIV-positive people to do?

The answer is no. The fact that some courageous folks living with HIV who feel safe and secure enough in their lives to come out with their status does not relinquish the rest of us from responsibility. If we want a truly HIV-free world, we all must roll-up our sleeves and get involved.

My journey to become an ally and advocate to people living with HIV didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it has been a lifelong learning process that continues to evolve. As a child growing up in the 1980s, I first learned about HIV like we all did — through tragedy. First, we lost my best friend’s uncle, a young, handsome artist who I harbored a secret crush for. I was devastated. Then, a few years later, more bad news. A beloved uncle also became ill and soon after died from the then-deadly affliction. That era also birthed some of the epidemic’s early allies, like Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John, and Princess Diana, whom I greatly admired. When the media went crazy after the princess was photographed shaking the hand of a young man in the advanced stages of the virus, I admired her even more.

But somewhere over the next couple of decades things changed. Once antiretrovirals were developed, HIV was no longer a death sentence. As we saw people like Magic Johnson continue to live happy, healthy lives, HIV and AIDS seemed to slowly disappear from the national conversation. Then around 2005, a close friend chose to share his status with me. Recalling the tragedies, I witnessed in my youth, I started to become emotional. As my friend saw the tears welling up in my eyes, he embraced me and said, “It’s OK. I take two pills every morning and I’m going to be fine.”

It was a powerful moment for me. I realized that my ignorance on

the facts had put my friend in a position to comfort me in this delicate moment of his vulnerability. I realized that to be a true ally I just needed to treat my friend as I always had, and not like an unfortunate victim. And above all, I realized it was my responsibility to educate myself on HIV — not the responsibility of those living with it. Today I am proud to say I am an educated advocate and ally for people living with HIV, and happily accept my role as an educator to those around me, in my own community. And you can be one too — it is easier than you think!

Start by learning the basics. Think about it. How can we end this epidemic unless both HIV-negative and HIV-positive know how the virus is transmitted and treated? Here’s a few facts to get you started: HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condoms are still a good prevention method (about 90 to 95 percent effective when used properly) but there are newer even more effective methods like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which is up to 99 percent effective in preventing HIV transmission.

Another important scientific fact to know is that — and this is a biggie, so pay attention — when a person living with HIV gets on treatment and achieves a suppressed viral load (also called being “undetectable”), they are no longer able to transmit the virus to others. Not only has this information been life-changing for those living with the virus, it is key in preventing new transmissions.

So, besides learning the facts, how else can you be a better ally? Well, there are lots of ways. Open your heart to those living with HIV and treat them like you would anyone else — and treat HIV like any other treatable chronic condition, such as diabetes. Get involved. Participate in an AIDSWalk or other HIV-related event and share it on your social media. Support friends and loved ones, or anyone in your community living with HIV. Show others by your example that living with HIV — and loving and dating and supporting them — is nothing to be ashamed of. We must remove these lingering bits of stigma, and we must do it together. You can be someone who contributes to a happier, healthier future for all. You can be an ally. ■ Desiree Guerrero