Local
Gray, HIV/AIDS service providers mark World AIDS Day
More than 100 people attended candlelight vigil in Dupont Circle
Chayla Daniels speaks at the World AIDS Day candlelight vigil in Dupont Circle on Dec. 1. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
“I’m looking forward to the day when we come together on World AIDS Day and say it is the last World AIDS Day because we have licked this disease, we have overcome it, there will be no more infections, we have found a cure for those who have it and people are practicing prevention techniques so they don’t contract this disease again in the future,” said D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray.
First held in 1988, this year’s World AIDS Day took place less than five months after the nation’s capital hosted the International AIDS Conference.
Gray noted nearly 12,000 Washingtonians have died from AIDS since the city’s first known case in 1983. The Department of Health’s latest epidemiological report indicates 15,000 D.C. residents – or 2.7 percent of the city’s population – were living with HIV at the end of 2010.
Even though new HIV infections in D.C. have dropped 26 percent between 2006 and 2010, Gray acknowledged the fight against the virus in the nation’s capital is far from over.
“Of course the most important goal is to end the epidemic — end it in the District of Columbia,” he said. “We know that anything above one percent is exceeding what would be epidemic levels. We are at 2.7 percent and frankly in terms of prevalence we will probably be at 2.7 or around it for a while because we are now able to extend life. But in terms of incidents… we’re going to see that number come down because people are getting better educated, they’re practicing better prevention techniques and just doing more to recognize that the best way to treat this disease is not to have it in the first place.”
Dr. Gregory Pappas of the DOH’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Disease and Tuberculosis Administration joined DOH Interim Director Dr. Saul Levin; Deputy D.C. Mayor Bibi Otero; Andrew Barnett, executive director of Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) and others at the vigil. Reverend Dwayne Johnson of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington was among those who also spoke.
“With my children growing up one day into a world that could be HIV free, that generation is now. That generation is here,” said Chayla Daniels, whose two young children served as grand marshals of the annual AIDS Walk Washington in October.
A peer educator since she was in high school, Daniels said her husband’s aunt passed away from AIDS. Several of his relative learned they were living with HIV while in the military.
“This disease does not discriminate, so don’t you fail to educate,” she said.
Don Blanchon, executive director of Whitman-Walker Health, urged those who attended the vigil to get tested if they don’t know their status. He reiterated the epidemic is far from over, but stressed the fight against HIV/AIDS has made tremendous strides over the last 25 years.
“On that first World AIDS Day a quarter of a century ago; there was still much fear, great sadness and little hope in the near-term and in the long-term,” said Blanchon. “With no effective treatments, AIDS was absolutely a death sentence for many who were infected. And many family and friends had to bury a loved one after long and painful struggles and restless nights. Now we mark World AIDS Day with much less fear and sadness and with a tremendous amount of hope.”
Dr. Gregory Pappas (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Maryland
Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated
Trump administration move panicked addiction and mental health programs
By ALISSA ZHU | After learning it had abruptly lost $2 million in federal funding, the Pride Center of Maryland moved to lay off a dozen employees, or about a third of its workforce, the Baltimore nonprofit’s leader said Thursday.
The group is one of thousands nationwide that reportedly received letters late Tuesday from the Trump administration. Their mental health and addiction grants had been terminated, effective immediately, the letters said.
By Wednesday night, federal officials moved to reverse the funding cuts by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, estimated to total $2 billion, according to national media reports. But the Pride Center of Maryland’s CEO Cleo Manago said as of Thursday morning he had not heard anything from the federal government confirming those reports.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
The Comings & Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at [email protected].
Congratulations to Vida Rangel, JD/MPP on her promotion to Deputy Director of the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments. Rangel is now the highest-ranking transgender official in the history of District government. On accepting the position Rangel said, “I am proud to step into this leadership role and to continue serving my communities. Our District is full of passionate and knowledgeable people who are committed to public service, and it is an honor to help them explore opportunities to serve their neighbors.”
Rangel has previously served in this office as Director of Operations. Prior to this as Bargaining Committee Chair, Organizing Committee, NCTE United, Nonprofit Professional Employees Union IFTPE Local 70. As Policy Counsel, National Center for Transgender Equality; and Elizabeth Warren for President, lead organizer, Illinois 4th Congressional District. She has worked with, and served on boards of, The Black & Pink National, Federal City Performing Arts Assoc., and LAGBAC.
Rangel earned her bachelor’s in sociology from Sam Houston State University; master’s of Public Policy from Loyola University, Chicago; and Juris Doctor, Loyola University, Chicago.
Congratulations also to James Conlon new PFLAG vice president of Development & Philanthropic Partnerships. Upon his appointment Conlon said, “It is an absolute privilege to join PFLAG National and lead their Development & Philanthropic Partner team into a new era. Right now, LGBTQ+ people and their families are terrified of what the future might bring, and PFLAG must continue to be there. My job is to ensure PFLAG strongly endures and thrives, because never has there been a clearer time for our community to unite in fighting for the dignity and well-being of every LGBTQ+ person.”
Brian Bond, CEO, PFLAG National, said, “At a time when PFLAG National programs and participation in them have grown significantly, even as corporate giving has left a $1.3M gap in our funding, James is a critical new addition to the team. With his vast expertise, James will drive our growth and ensure that PFLAG continues meeting the needs of families and communities across the country.”
Conlon is a seasoned fundraiser who has spent extensive time working with advocates, supporters, and leaders, of the LGBTQ+ movement to understand how to effectively support the community. He began his career as an intern in the Massachusetts State House. He has helped raise more than $60 million for critical causes and candidates. Prior to joining PFLAG James oversaw LGBTQ+ investments and fundraising, with the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Prior to that he served in the same role for Harris-Walz 2024, and additionally served in senior fundraising positions for the Senate Majority PAC, as well as for Representatives Josh Gottheimer, and Conor Lamb.
Conlon earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
District of Columbia
D.C.’s annual MLK Peace Walk and Parade set for Jan. 19
LGBTQ participants expected to join mayor’s contingent
Similar to past years, members of the LGBTQ community were expected to participate in D.C.’s 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peace Walk and Parade scheduled to take place Monday, Jan. 19.
Organizers announced this year’s Peace Walk, which takes place ahead of the parade, was scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. at the site of a Peace Rally set to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Firth Sterling Avenue and Sumner Road, S.E., a short distance from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.
The Peace Walk and the parade, which is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at the same location, will each travel along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue a little over a half mile to Marion Barry Avenue near the 11th Street Bridge where they will end.
Japer Bowles, director of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, said he and members of his staff would be marching in the parade as part of the mayor’s parade contingent. In past years, LGBTQ community members have also joined the mayor’s parade contingent.
Stuart Anderson, one of the MLK Day parade organizers, said he was not aware of any specific LGBTQ organizations that had signed up as a parade contingent for this year’s parade. LGBTQ group contingents have joined the parade in past years.
Denise Rolark Barnes, one of the lead D.C. MLK Day event organizers, said LGBTQ participants often join parade contingents associated with other organizations.
Barnes said a Health and Wellness Fair was scheduled to take place on the day of the parade along the parade route in a PNC Bank parking lot at 2031 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., S.E.
A statement on the D.C. MLK Day website describes the parade’s history and impact on the community.
“Established to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the parade united residents of Ward 8, the District, and the entire region in the national movement to make Dr. King’s birthday a federal holiday,” the statement says. “Today, the parade not only celebrates its historic roots but also promotes peace and non-violence, spotlights organizations that serve the community, and showcases the talent and pride of school-aged children performing for family, friends, and community members.”
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