ICYMI The Boston Globe published a story about falling HIV rates in this article. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (read the press release here) shows a 12% drop in estimated new HIV infections nationally between 2017 and 2021 and a 34% decrease in new infections among people between the ages of 13 and 24, who make up the bulk of new cases.
Even though all groups saw a drop in HIV rates, the decreases were smaller in Hispanic / Latino and Black / African American communities.
Locally, the news in Massachusetts is even better with the State seeing a decline of 15.7% (vs. 12% Nationally). State Senator Julian Cyr points to the numerous HIV prevention and care policies the state has enacted over the past 20 years, as the reason Massachusetts continues to see fewer infections and AIDS-related deaths.
Disparities with the State’s Hispanic / Latino and Black / African American communities mirror those seen nationally. Gary Daffin, executive director of the Multicultural AIDS Coalition in Roxbury said rates of infection continue to remain higher with younger men of color who have sex with men because of social stigma about their sexuality in their communities, access to care, and the need to have a prescription to receive PrEP.
Hopefully, this trend will continue and we can one day speak of HIV/AIDS in the past tense.
With the influx of so many new residents at the start of each academic year, I like to update and share this post. If you are new to the area or looking to meet more people outside of a bar setting, the groups listed below might be a good first step.
If you don’t see relevant or up-to-date information in the links shared below, contact me, and I can help find a contact for that group to learn more.
BAGLY is a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization committed to social justice, and creating, sustaining and advocating for programs and policies for gay youth (volunteers are always welcome).
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses. Auditions will be held January 19 and 23, 2022.
Boston Gay Men’s Books Club is monthly book club on MeetUp that focuses on literature by and about gay men. Their next MeetUp is on 9/19 at the BPL to discuss Virology by Joseph Osmundson.
Boston Gaymers is a thriving gaymer community, that holds various in-person and virtual events to bring together members and to have fun.
Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation creates safe spaces for events to help build lasting relationships by breaking the cycle of disfunction in marginalized communities and helping to make medical and mental health awareness a priority to help lift up the black / brown / latino LGBTQ+ inner city community.
Boston Prime Timersis a social organization of mature gay and bisexual men and their friends who join together for educational, support, and social activities.
Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence an areligious Order of Queer, Clown Nuns who pledge to promulgate joy and to eliminate stigmatic guilt by volunteering, activism, entertaining, and educating people.
Boston Sober Gay Sundays is a private FB group that organizes social events for people who identify as sober in the LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more about the group, members, and activities they organize by requesting to join the group.
Dignity Boston is a progressive, inclusive community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics and their allies.
Fenway Healthhas been serving the local LGBT community for more than 40 years; the Fenway and AAC are always looking for volunteers.
Gay Beer Club is a Boston based organization that produces events and gatherings for members of the gay community.
Gay For Goodmobilizes the LGBT community to interact with the greater community by volunteering their time with different monthly activities.
Gays for Patsy is a country western dancing club that meets weekly on Sundays at the Calvary Church, 300 Mass. Ave. 6:30-8:30 pm. The first hour is for beginners.
History Project is a volunteer-driven organization established in 1980 that focuses on preserving the history of Boston’s LGBT community to make it accessible to future generations.
Keshet works to ensure the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families. The group also create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued and work to advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.
LGBT Elders of Color is a local group that conducts outreach to isolated LGBT older adults of color who build community through events, creative programs.
Mass Asian & Pacific Islanders (MAP)is a group that provide health counseling & support, referral & screening services, as well as general health promotion and advocacy for APIs in the Boston metro area and beyond.
Mass Bears & Cubs is a non-profit corporation, organized to provide and promote an inclusive LGBT+ community through charitable fund raising and other community events.
Men of Melanin Magic is an active social group for those who identify as queer men of color. They host an annual Men of Color Weekend in Provincetown and co-host Bussdown Fridays with Gay Mafia Boston at Legacy each Friday night.
Mountain Tops if you like to get out and hike, check out this gay hiking group in Boston that organizes trips and hikes regularly.
Naked Yoga for Men Naked Yoga For Men has been meeting since January 2000. For most of its history it has met twice per week.
Non-Scene Gay Friends of Greater Boston is a place for the LGBTQ+ community to hang out, make friends, explore Boston, and have fun doing a wide variety of activities typically separate from the gay bar “scene.”
Opus Affairwhile not exclusively a LGBTQ+ organization, it draws many from the community and is probably best known for their monthly cocktail parties to help raise money for local arts organizations.
OUTbreathoffers a safe space for those who identify as queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning to come together to explore the practice of meditation and support each other in community.
Queer Boston Board Gamersis a friendly LGBTQ+ meet up group that connects regularly to play board games.
Yankee Cruising Clubbrings LGBTQ+ boaters together to meet, make friends and most importantly get out on the water. You don’t need to have a boat to join – just a passion for boating.
Apologies if I have overlooked any gay organizations in the area. Add information in the comments section or reach out to me, and I’ll be happy to add your group to this list.
No plans for the day? Stop by dbar or Club Cafe for their tea dances today.
dbar’s tea dance is co-presented by FLAG Flag Football and begins at 4PM. Feel free to wear your favorite sports jersey and join DJ Joe Bermudez who will be playing music all afternoon. DUDES N DRAG Drag Show tickets will be available for purchase.
Easily the most friendly and body-positive group of men in Boston are the Bear Community. This week’s Bear Tea Dance at Club Cafe will have great music by DJ Brian Derrick starting at 5PM and the event will host a raffle to help fund raise for the Boston AIDS Walk & Run that will take place Sunday, September 26th.
AIDS Walk & Run is Sunday, June 3rd on the Boston Common
This past April The AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts announced big changes to the annaul AIDS Walk & Run. They announced the annual fundraiser would take place in the fall and the route would change drastically. After years of walking through affluent downtown neighborhoods and neighboring Brookline, the 5K walk and run route will now move to Southie with people meeting at Carson Beach on September 26, 2021.
For those who would like to learn more about the annual fundraiser which goes to help fund prevention and education services at AAC, please click the link below. If you won’t be running or walking this year, consider making a donation or sponsoring someone who will be walking this year.
For fifty years Fenway Health has been serving the LGBTQ community in Boston. Starting in a basement in a building owned by the Christian Science Church, Fenway Health has grown to meet and serve our community through many health crisis including AIDS / HIV, Crystal Meth and Opiods, and more recently COVID-19.
To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Fenway Health is planning to host a virtual celebration next week, Wednesday, April 28th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The event is free an open to everyone but to attend you need a good Internet connection and to register on or before 12:00 pm on April 28th.
While the ongoing coronavirus pandemic prevents everyone from coming together in person this year, Fenway Health invites you to join them from the comfort of your home for an evening of celebration.
Earlier this week Fenway Health announced a date and location change for the 2021 AIDS Walk & 5K Run. The event, which is traditionally occurs in June and kicks off Boston Pride Week will move to September 26, 2021 in South Boston at DCR’s Carson Beach.
The new walk route has not been shared but the change in location along Southie’s Boston Harbor will no doubt make for a memorable walk at a beautiful time of year. Organizers are looking for volunteers and have also opened the registration site.
For more information about this year’s event click on the button below.
Later today in Boston: The Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Fenway Health will host a vigil celebrating life and honoring those affected by HIV/AIDS on at 12:00 PM at the AIDS Memorial Tree on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall near Kenmore Square. If you have any questions, please contact the sisters at info@thebostonsisters.org.
A different sort of pandemic will be remembered next week on World AIDS Day, December 1st. The impact of AIDS on the LGBTQ community in the 1980s and 1990s is difficult to put into context but there are many parallels to the current pandemic. In both cases, people felt isolated and afraid. Medical treatment and care was not as readily available to the LGBTQ community nearly as quickly and many died alone. Forty years later, there remains no cure to AIDS / HIV but quality of life continues to get better.
The Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Fenway Health will host a vigil celebrating life and honoring those affected by HIV/AIDS on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 12:00 PM at the AIDS Memorial Tree on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall near Kenmore Square.
Please bring a mask and observe social distancing but the ever resourceful sisters will have on hand PPE to share including masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer for anyone who may need them. A digital version of the vigil will also be posted on social media following the event.
AIDS Action Committee announced via email earlier today that their annual fundraiser and awareness building event, The AIDS Walk & Run has been postponed – although no rescheduling date was shared. Initially scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2020, concerns about public health related to the coronavirus were cited as the reason for the cancellation.
Even though The Walk has been postponed, AIDS Action is asking you to join them on Tuesday, May 5 for #GivingTuesdayNow and asks supporters to virtually continue their AIDS Walk fundraising efforts. Anyone who makes a donation on Tuesday, May 5th will have their transaction fees waived.
If you have not registered and would like to fundraise, sign up here today!
This is my favorite food tasting event in Boston. Sergio and I started attending “The Taste” nearly 20 years ago when I was working at AIDS Action and it continues to be one of my favorite charity events to attend and support.
For one night in March, AIDS Action brings together 40+ South End restaurants for a delicious evening of bite-sized servings, live cooking demonstrations, silent auction, as well as wine tastings and beer sampling. Tickets have been on sales since late last year so if you’ve yet to purchase your tickets don’t delay since the event generally sells out before the night of the event.
AIDS Action Taste of the South End Tuesday, March 24, 2020 Boston Center for the Arts, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
The Taste of the South End is offering an early bird / holiday special, starting today and running through December 31st, selling VIP tickets for $150. Starting in January VIP tickets, which include the early entrance will cost $200 each.
Consider this your contribution to New England’s largest AIDS Service Organization on World AIDS Day
Sergio and I started attending this event nearly 20 years ago when I worked at AIDS Action and it is one of my favorite charity events to attend. For one night in March, AIDS Action brings together 40+ South End restaurants for a delicious evening of bite-sized servings, live cooking demonstrations, a great silent auction, as well as wine tastings and beer sampling.
Tickets for all levels are on sale now. For more information visit tasteofthesouthend.org.
AIDS Action Taste of the South End Tuesday, March 19, 2019 || Tickets start at $150.00 Boston Center for the Arts, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
This is easily the best tasting event of the season. Sergio and I started attending this event nearly 20 years ago when I worked at AIDS Action and it is one of my favorite charity events to attend.
For one night in March, AIDS Action brings together 40+ South End restaurants for a delicious evening of bite-sized servings, live cooking demonstrations, silent auction, as well as wine tastings and beer sampling. Admission includes unlimited sampling and complimentary fine wine, beer and more.
Tickets have been on sales since late last year so if you’ve yet to purchase your tickets don’t delay since the event generally sells out before the night of the event. For more information visit tasteofthesouthend.org.
AIDS Walk & Run is Sunday, June 3rd on the Boston Common
On Sunday, June 3, thousands will come together to take action in the 33rd annual AIDS Walk & Run Boston, New England’s largest HIV/AIDS fundraising awareness event.
This year in particular, AIDS Action is asking you to take to the streets to continue raising money for the life-saving work the agency does as well as to support AAC and all members of the statewide Getting to Zero Coalition in their pledge to end HIV by 2020. The AIDS Walk is starting on The Boston Common and registration opens at 7:30 AM.
Will you be at The Taste of the South End tonight? Sergio and I hope to see you there. This is one of my favorite events to attend each spring and all the money raised goes to The AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts.
On Saturday, April 7th AIDS Action Committee (AAC) will host their 29th annual Bayard Rustin community breakfast at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Presidential Library. Tickets remain available and you can learn more about this community event by visiting AAC’s event page, Bayard Rustin Breakfast.
Yesterday, March 17th was Bayard Rustin’s birthday so I thought it appropriate to provide this annual community event a shout out. You can learn more about this civil rights pioneer, social activist and later in life Gay rights activist here.
BosGuy 