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 LGBTQ+ Youth - Share your story to help pass the Equality Act here!
Hey John,
For many, the end of June marks the end of Pride Month. But Advocates for Youth and the hundreds of youth activists we work in partnership with know that Pride is ALL year LONG!
Pride month provided us such a beautiful moment to reflect and honor all the work for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. It is through this reflection, that we continue to be committed to amplifying the importance of community advocacy, self-care, and collective healing. Here are some ways you can continue to celebrate Pride and LGBTQ Health:
ENGAGE & PROMOTE HIV TESTING
This past June 27th, communities all over the country observed National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). This year’s theme was “HIV Testing is Self-care.” Youth activists and community organizations encouraged HIV testing. CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once a year as part of routine health care.
HIV testing is an act of self-care, period. Knowledge of our HIV status can serve as a guide to how we engage in our care, treatment, and prevention. HIV testing can be free, easy, fast, and confidential. Many community-based organizations now provide free take-home HIV self-tests. This option allows individuals to test when and where an individual chooses.
AMPLIFY “Let's Stop HIV Together” Campaign
Self-care cannot be complete without community care. And as we get close to the very real possibility of ending the HIV epidemic, we can all celebrate our pride by centering our collective well-being by ending HIV stigma. You can support our efforts in amplifying messaging around HIV stigma, access, treatment, as it relates to self-care.
Here are some images and messaging you can share with your network on social media platforms:
EQUALITY ACT:
We know queer and trans young people are under attack in state legislatures - from "Don't Say Gay" in Florida, to all out bans on trans young people seeking care. But Congress can take action with just one piece of sweeping legislation - the Equality Act! The Equality Act is the most transformative LGBTQ non-discrimination bill in history. It would finally outlaw discrimination against LGBTQ folks in schools, employment, federal services, and public accommodations like hotels, taxis, restaurants and services.
This month, we're asking YOU or YOUR FRIENDS to share your story about how LGBTQ discrimination has impacted you here.
Your story on how the Equality Act would have banned that discrimination will help move Senators to vote yes. Personal stories are one of the most powerful forms of advocacy, and help humanize an issue for elected representatives. Share yours or send this link to a friend here.
ULTILIZE & SHARE QUEER & NOW:
Developed for community groups, teachers, clubs, and social justice organizations, our Queer & Now Toolkit can be used beyond June - it has longevity! This Toolkit includes a variety of resources, images, sample social media, and publications to support you in amplifying the voices and experiences of LGBTQ youth all year long!
We appreciate your continued support. Please stay on the lookout for other ways you can support Advocate for Youth and our youth activists throughout the rest of the year.
Thank you and happy PRIDE all Year LONG!
In Solidarity,
Char'Lee Marie King
director, lgbtq health & rights
Advocates for Youth
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