The ban on using federal funds for syringe exchange programs was just reinstated. These programs have been shown to reduce rates of HIV and offer opportunities for injection drug users to connect with valuable resources. The following is from the HIV Prevention Justice Alliance:


"It took AIDS activists 21 years to get Congress to restore federal funding for local programs that supply clean needles to drug users. It's taken Republicans a couple of months of hardball negotiations to get the ban reinstated."
- Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, Dec 25, 2011

It was sticks and ashes in our stockings this year from the GOP, but we're not going to wait another five years to get the federal ban on syringe access funding lifted again! Our GOP opponents, the White House, and our too-soft supporters in Congress are all going to be hearing from us loud and clear over the coming months. Our first step is to let those who led the chargeknow we are watching, and holding them responsible.

Speaker John Boehner (OH- R) and Chairman Hal Rogers (KY- R) are the two Members of Congress most responsible for reinstating the ban on the use of federal funds for syringe exchange. Please join us in letting them know we strongly object to their actions by signing this petition today, and please spread this alert far and wide.

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1627/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9373

We will deliver them in person with as many signatures as possible by February 15!

World AIDS Day is December 1st, this Thursday. Join other GLAM folks and many others for Vermont CARES' candlelight vigil in front of the City Hall at 6p. Afterwards, there will be a reception, reflection and a debut of the "Protraits Project" at 6:30p at Vermont CARES, located at 187 St. Paul Street in Burlington.

What is World AIDS Day and Why Is It Important?

From WorldAIDSDay.org: [World AIDS Day] is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died... Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

In just TWO DAYS we'll be out at First Friday, the largest recurring gay night in VT. This month's FF celebrates the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Be sure to bedazzle some BDUs, roll out the camo, and strap into those sassy combat boots! There'll be lots of service members there to celebrate being able to serve openly. So come out and help us salute our members!

Also, we have a new volunteer named Corrine who will be available for drop-in testing on Wednesdays from 10a-1p. This means our drop-in testing times are:
Tues 11a-6p
Wed 10a-1p
Thurs 11a-6p
You can also make an appointment Monday through Friday- we can even often accommodate appointments before or after our regular hours!

Speaking of rapid, we'll be re-certified and set to do rapid HIV testing starting this Thursday! You get your results in just 20 minutes! In the meantime, we still have OraSure testing- yeah, you have to wait two weeks to get your results, but there's less of a chance of getting a false positive (yay!) 
Come in Tuesday or Thursday 11a-6p for a FREE, anonymous, and needle-less HIV test or make an appointment by calling Jean-Denis or Mike at 802.860.7812 or email glam@ru12.org. Knowing your status is a fantastic way to be proactive in your help and to protect yourself and your partner (or partners for you busy boys).

All people are welcome to get tested, pick up some condoms, or just stop in and chat about whatever's on your mind or any sexy inquiries you may have. Me-ow!

This Monday, the 27th, is National HIV Testing Day. This day promotes HIV testing and creates awareness around HIV. In observance of this, RU12? will be having extended hours and is offering small gift certificates to those getting tested from generous local business, like City Market, Pure Pop, and Apple Mountain.

For more information on National HIV Testing Day and HIV information, click the 'Take the Test' picture.

National HIV Testing Day Hours:
10am - 6pm Testing with Jean-Denis or Mike
4pm - 5:30pm Rapid Testing with Ella

Regular Hours:
Tuesday and Thursday 11am - 6pm with Mike or Jean-Denis
Thursday 4pm - 5:30pm Rapid Testing with Ella

Tonight is movie night! Join us for a GLAM Flix presentation of "Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom".
Description:"Over one fateful weekend at Martha's Vineyard, a fun wedding getaway quickly transforms into a literal hotbed of relationship drama for Noah (Darryl Stephens), Alex (Rodney Chester), Ricky (Christian Vincent) and Chance (Douglas Spearman) in this feature spinoff of the hit Logo TV series. A seven-year itch, a surprise fling with a college hottie, a closeted rap star and much more all factor into this wild and unforgettable vacation."
Gather at 7:30pm. Movie starts at 8pm. Snacks and beverages provided!

HIV testing tomorrow will be cancelled. But you can make an appointment with us for Monday or come in next Thursday. Testing is also available at many other locations for your convenience. Visit our 'Get Tested' page for more information!

Congratulations to GLAM guy Brian Loring for winning the HIV testing campaign contest. His image (below) will be seen plastered on buses, in publications, and around town, encouraging folks to know their status by getting tested! Great job!

Vermont CARES, the RU12? Community Center, and Outright Vermont are looking for your help in increasing HIV testing among young gay men in our state. Here’s how you can get involved! With funding from the Samara Foundation of Vermont, we are launching a marketing campaign to encourage testing and safer sex among guys 35 and under. We are launching a contest this month to all artists, graphic designers, creative sorts, and more to see who can come up with a logo & slogan to get this campaign started!

Here are the details:

We are looking for entries that include:

• A catchy slogan that encourages guys to get tested and reduce their risk of HIV andother sexually transmitted infections. Language can be PG-13: sexy and fun with an underlying factual basis to encourage testing.
• A visually effective & recognizable logo that we can use for flyers, posters, bus ads,skywriting; whatever we can think of to get the message out.
  • Full color is preferred, but black & white is also acceptable. Max image size will be 8.5x11, with most reproductions in palm card size, so please plan resolution accordingly

- Goal is to have the campaign materials finalized in time for Pride 2011 – mid-July in downtown Burlington.

- Winner will be selected by a panel of staff and volunteers from sponsoring organizations: winner will get a new iPad donated by Physicians Computer Company!

- Electronic entries can be emailed to peter@vtcares.org – hard copy can be mailed or hand-delivered to Vermont CARES, 187 St. Paul Street, Burlington VT 05402. Either delivery method is fine, just be sure to include your name, email, phone, address, and the title for your entry. You can enter multiple times if you have multiple ideas.

- Contest starts right now. Deadline is March 30th for entries.Staff and Board Members of sponsoring organizations are not eligible to win the iPad: sorry!

Email Peter Jacobsen at peter@vtcares.org with any questions.

Our big thanks to the Samara Foundation of Vermont and Physicians Computer Company!