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Clinic to honor Miss America for HIV work

Cameron, who lost uncle to AIDS, praised for efforts in Va.

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Caressa Cameron won the title of Miss America 2010, beating 53 other beautiful and talented contestants. Cameron performed Beyonce’s tune “Listen” during the talent contest and took on youth obesity by encouraging parents to “get our kids back outside” by limiting their exposure to television and video games. Also known for her extensive HIV/AIDS awareness and education platform, Cameron was recognized by Congress in 2007 for her work in bringing instant-result HIV testing to Virginia.

With the crown comes great responsibility; Cameron will travel about 20,000 miles per month reaching all corners of the country during her reign as Miss America. She will further her personal platform regarding AIDS in America by headlining multiple speaking engagements and she will act as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network.

Cameron will receive the Partner for Life Award for her “contributions in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” at Whitman-Walker Clinic’s 17th annual spring gala, “Masquerade on the Mall.” The black tie event will be held on Friday, April 23, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW. All proceeds will benefit HIV/AIDS services at Whitman-Walker.

DC Agenda spoke with Cameron about her platform related to HIV/AIDS and what she feels is the best way to reach out to America’s youth on prevention.

DC AGENDA: What gave you your start in raising awareness for HIV/AIDS?

CARESSA CAMERON: In 1995 my uncle passed away of AIDS when I was 8 years old. I didn’t understand what AIDS was at the time, but my family cared for him and all I knew is that he was sick. About three weeks before his death I was watching a video of a vacation that he took us on to Disney World, I wanted him to watch the video with me so I called him into the room, not knowing how hard it is for someone that close to death to [get] out of bed. Somehow he managed to get out of bed and came into the room and began to cry because he couldn’t see the video because he’d started to lose his vision. It was then that I understood the devastation this disease could [have on a person and a] family.

DC AGENDA: You took a big part in the HIV/AIDS awareness group in Fredericksburg, Va., after your uncle’s death. Can you talk about your involvement?

CAMERON: My mother founded the FACES Project in 1999. She went into schools and churches that would let her teach HIV/AIDS education and not only from an abstinence-based standpoint but also the importance of protecting yourself and risk reduction. I would go with my mother and talk about my loss and how HIV/AIDS had affected me.

When I was 16, I was able to do a speech on my own for the first time. After graduating high school I took over my mom’s position and started doing college tours and high school tours.

DC AGENDA: As a young woman, why do you feel those of your same age group reached out to you with their questions about HIV/AIDS?

CAMERON: Because they were my peers, people were willing to ask me the questions they didn’t want to ask their teachers or someone considerably older. I think they were receptive to me because I was closer to their age, and I still am.

DC AGENDA: Did you find you ran into obstacles when you were speaking at various high schools?

CAMERON: Definitely. There were plenty of schools that would send me a list of what I could and could not say. I would have to then find the “correct words” that would get the message of what I had to say across without actually saying the words I wasn’t permitted to use. I would rather not go to a place that tells me I can’t talk about the things like HIV and not to discuss condoms to young people because they need to know all the facts. It can be difficult to please everyone but I do try to find a way to say what I need to say because it’s not fair to withhold any information. A lot of the time young people will use the information they’ve been given to make the critical choices, because the issue is so much bigger than just saying “No.” Everything needs to be talked about.

DC AGENDA: You are the first Miss America that has had HIV/AIDS as a platform since Kate Shindle in 1998. Why do you think that is?

CAMERON: A lot of people within the pageantry community and the church community said my topic was too heavy and that I would never win as Miss America because people were not ready to hear a message about HIV/AIDS. I didn’t change what I had to say because I knew it was necessary and I wanted to continue to provide my voice.

DC AGENDA: What do you feel is the best way to reach youth on the topic of HIV/AIDS protection and awareness?

CAMERON: I would have to say social media, like Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. So many young people are really into Facebook, for example, so it is the perfect way to reach out and educate.

DC AGENDA: HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects the African-American community in the United States, what are your thoughts on that?

CAMERON: HIV is entirely preventable in most cases yet it is an epidemic affecting the African-American community and particularly women. As an African-American woman, I hope to be a role model. I hope to use my voice in as many ways as possible and encourage people to be empowered so they can make healthy decisions so that HIV can be stopped in this country as a whole.

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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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