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New D.C. health ed. standards adopted

Lessons include sexual orientation, gender identity definitions

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Kathi Wolfe, gay news, Washington Blade

Kathi Wolfe, gay news, Washington Blade

D.C. public school students in grades three-five will be taught how to “identify trusted adults to ask questions about sexual orientation” and how to “define sexual orientation and gender identity and describe the difference between the two.”

Middle school students will be asked to “analyze external influences that have an impact on attitudes about gender, sexual orientation and gender identity.”

And high school students, among other things, will be asked to “compare and contrast attitudes and beliefs about gender identity, sexual orientation and gender equity across cultures.”

These and a wide range of other topics that touch on LGBT people will be taught in health education and sex education classes or lessons in the 2016-2017 school year beginning in September.

They are part of an updated version of the D.C. public school system’s Health Education Standards that school observers consider to be among the most far-reaching and progressive in the nation.

The standards, which are to be used as the basis for curricula and classroom instruction, were developed by the Office of the Superintendent of Education and approved earlier this year by the nine-member elected D.C. State Board of Education.

“These standards provide a clear, skill-based and age-appropriate approach to the essential health topics that currently impact District students,” an introduction to the 106-page document says. “Reflecting a strong consensus among educators, these standards establish high expectations for all of our students. They detail the knowledge and skills that students need to maintain and improve their health and wellness, prevent disease and reduce health-jeopardizing behaviors.”

Donna Anthony, the school system’s assistant superintendent for health and wellness, told the Washington Blade that school officials incorporated into the standards suggestions and recommendations from members of community based organizations that work with young people, including LGBT youth such Metro Teen AIDS, now part of Whitman-Walker Health.

Anthony said the revised version of the standards, among other things, “are much more comprehensive” on bullying targeting LGBT people and ways to teach students to help curtail bullying. She said that similar to most other public school systems throughout the country, D.C. schools give parents the right to have their children “opt out” of attending sex education classes or lessons

“The opt out rate is very low in D.C.,” she said.

Others who played a role in helping to develop the new Health Education Standards were Ward 2 Board of Education member Jack Jacobson, who’s gay, and at-large Board of Education member Mary Lord, school officials said.

The standards include a wide range of health-related topics other than sex education such as ways to avoid obesity and substance abuse, personal self-esteem and suicide prevention.

Other LGBT matters addressed include:

• Explanations that people, regardless of biological sex, gender, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and culture, have sexual feelings and the need for love, affection and physical intimacy. (sixth grade)

• Definitions of sexual orientation, using correct terminology and explanations that as people grow and develop they may begin to feel romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of a different gender and/or to people of the same gender. (eighth grade)

• Definitions of the concepts of prejudice and discrimination and how they can lead to unequal opportunities and negative consequences for the individual and society as a whole. (sixth grade)

• Analysis of behaviors that place one at risk for HIV/AIDS, STIs or unintended pregnancy. Explain why abstinence is the most effective way to prevent STIs/HIV and unintended pregnancy. (sixth-eighth grades)

The full document with the 2016 Health Education Standards is here.

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Health

UNAIDS to commemorate Zero Discrimination Day’s 10th anniversary

UN agency urges global action to protect human rights

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A UNAIDS anti-discrimination exhibit at Tocumen International Airport in Panama in 2018. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

As the world marks the 10th anniversary of Zero Discrimination Day; UNAIDS is sounding the alarm on the increasing threats to human rights, calling for renewed efforts to protect the rights of all individuals as a fundamental step towards ensuring health for everyone.

Established by UNAIDS a decade ago, Zero Discrimination Day aims to promote equality and fairness regardless of gender, age, sexuality, ethnicity or HIV status. The progress achieved over the past years is now in jeopardy, however, due to rising attacks on the rights of women, LGBTQ people and other marginalized communities.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima emphasized the critical link between protecting human rights and safeguarding public health. 

“The attacks on rights are a threat to freedom and democracy and are harmful to health,” she said in a press release. “Stigma and discrimination obstruct HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care and hold back progress towards ending AIDS by 2030. It is only by protecting everyone’s rights that we can protect everyone’s health.”

Despite challenges, there has been notable progress. 

At the onset of the AIDS pandemic more than 40 years ago, two-thirds of countries criminalized consensual same-sex sexual relations. They are now decriminalized in two-thirds of countries. An additional 38 countries around the world have pledged to end HIV-related stigma and discrimination, contributing to positive changes that include 50 million more girls attending school compared to 2015.

To sustain and enhance these advancements; UNAIDS urges global support for women’s rights movements, LGBTQ rights, racial justice, economic justice, climate justice and peace initiatives. By standing with communities advocating for their rights, the U.N. aims to reinforce the collective effort towards a more inclusive and equitable world.

Zero Discrimination Day is observed on March 1.

Events and activities that will take place around the world throughout the month will serve as reminders of the essential lesson and call to action: Protecting everyone’s health is synonymous with protecting everyone’s rights.

“Through upholding rights for all, we will be able to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and secure a safer, fairer, kinder and happier world — for everyone,” said Byanyima.

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Health

New CDC report finds transgender women at higher risk for HIV

More than 1,600 people in seven cities surveyed

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta (Photo courtesy of the CDC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new study report this week that revealed that restricted by employment and housing discrimination and lack of access to needed gender-affirming healthcare for transgender women increasing the risk of contracting HIV. 

Researchers reviewed data from a 2019-2020 survey, the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women, which found that the demographics of HIV/AIDS have been disproportionally high, especially among Black and Latina trans women, who had experienced employment and housing discrimination coupled with lack of access to gender-affirming healthcare.

The Jan. 25 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report was based on data studies of more than 1,600 trans women in seven major urban locales. Participants from Atlanta, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle were chosen by referrals from people and community-based organizations who knew or were part of the local population of trans women.

The study’s researchers noted: “Employment discrimination occurs at the overlapping nexus of poverty, homelessness, incarceration, health insurance, disability, food insecurity and survival sex work. These issues are interconnected.”

The study stated that trans women’s inability to access quality healthcare, including gender-affirming treatment or access to PrEP, and can expose them to potential incarceration as many turn to “survival sex work” and violence, which increases the risk of contracting HIV. 

The study’s author’s pointed out: “When economically marginalized transgender women are refused employment, this refusal cyclically contributes to economic hardships. This analysis …demonstrates the importance of transgender women working and living with dignity and without fear of unfair treatment.”

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Health

A Whole New Perspective on Well-Being

The Mather’s team recognizes that everyone’s wellness journey is completely unique to their life experiences and influences.

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The Mather is incorporating biophilic design—a design approach to facilitate access to nature or things that replicate natural patterns.

It’s easy to spot the distinctive, elegant silhouette of The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62+ opening this spring in Tysons, Virginia. What is not apparent to the naked eye is The Mather’s unique wellness philosophy, which is literally built into the community. 

The Mather’s team recognizes that everyone’s wellness journey is completely unique to their life experiences and influences.

Nature is one of the important factors that contribute to well-being. So The Mather is incorporating biophilic design—a design approach to facilitate access to nature or things that replicate natural patterns. This can include interior spaces with sightlines to a garden, choosing natural wood and stone as interior materials, or incorporating fragrant flowers and plants indoors to spark memories and provide tactile opportunities such as gardening. 

Residents of The Mather will be able to select from plentiful amenities, programs, and other offerings to target their personal wellness goals and preferences.

“Providing biophilic design within interior settings connects residents to the natural world,” says Mary Leary, CEO and President of Mather, the organization behind The Mather. “Research shows that a connection to nature provides positive benefits to mental states and overall well-being. At The Mather, biophilic design is the intersection of buildings and programs with nature in an urban setting.”

“The Mather is attracting a diverse group of older adults,” says Mary. “As a result, we aim to incorporate wellness practices from around the world, including Wyda movement theory of the Celtic Druids, which helps people achieve harmony with nature and contentment through mindfulness.” This holistic regenerative approach is similar to Qi Gong and yoga, while born in a different part of the world. Mather Institute has a special focus on mindfulness to support older adults’ practice of present moment awareness, which can lead to increased overall well-being, compassion, and joy.

A very different example of a wellness offering at The Mather is the Gharieni Welnamis spa wave bed, which uses computer-controlled vibrational therapy and audio frequencies to train the brain to relax. “The bed increases mindfulness, concentration, and creativity—all of which support our mission of creating Ways to Age Well,SM” says Mary.

These and other personalized ways to wellness will ensure that residents of The Mather can choose from seemingly countless ways to focus on their well-being. In other words, the sky’s the limit!

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