Why was this gay college student told to pay $217 for an STD test straight students get for free?

Why was this gay college student told to pay $217 for an STD test straight students get for free?

Hmmm. Something appears to be up at San Francisco State University.

Jose Francisco is a student at the university. He’s also a health educator for freshmen students at Gateway High School. And he’s gay.

In a recent op-ed in his school’s newspaper, Jose claims something unusual happened after he told the nurse he was gay when he went into his school’s health clinic for an STD test.

“Recently, I got my routine HIV and STI test at SF State’s clinic,” he writes. “While sitting in the clinic, I was told by the nurse I would not be allowed free access to the same health care services as my heterosexual counterparts would.”

Huh? That seems weird. Especially at a liberal school located within a liberal city inside a liberal state. Jose thought it was weird, too. So he did some research. He learned that the clinic is part of the Family PACT program, a government-funded program that provides free STD testing… to straight men and women only.

According to Family PACT’s website, the organization’s mission is “to make available to citizens of the State who are of childbearing age comprehensive medical knowledge, assistance, and services relating to the planning of families.”

The organization has four requirements students must be met to be eligible for assistance:

  1. California residency.
  2. Family income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
  3. No other source of health care coverage for family planning services.
  4. Medical necessity for family planning services.

In short, Jose explains, because of the family planning component, “this means straight men and women can access these services for free. While I, on the other hand, had to pay $217 (for the exact same services).”

After he left, Jose contacted the clinic about the issue, but he says nobody there would give him a straight answer, so he went directly to Family PACT.

“I explicitly asked, ‘Am I not allowed this service because I am a male who happens to have sex with other males.’  She replied, ‘Accurate,’ and asked if I had any further questions.”

According to the CDC, STDs reached an all time high in 2015, with gay and bisexual men being at an increased risk. Not just that, but young people, ages 15-24, are at the highest risk for contracting chlamydia and gonorrhea.

“SF State must stop this discriminatory practice against the LGBTQ+ community,” Jose concludes in his op-ed. “The University must provide HIV and STI testing services free of all cost, regardless of one’s sexual orientation, since there is already a program allowing this for straight men and women.”

But Gene Chelberg, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, tells Queerty the school does not discriminate.

“SF State Student Health Services provides basic medical services to all currently enrolled students and does not discriminate based on gender identification or sexual orientation,” Chelberg says in a statement“The Student Health fee does not cover most laboratory tests, including those for HIV and STIs. Therefore, all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identification, must pay for the costs associated with the testing.”

Chelberg says students who do not meet the requirements for Family PACT but cannot afford testing are referred to either Planned Parenthood or Strut, a San Francisco community-based organization that offers free sexual health and medical services for men who have sex with men.

Related: The most “sexually diseased” states in the United States ranked 1-50 on one handy map

h/t: Golden Gate XPress

www.queerty.com/gay-college-student-told-pay-217-std-test-straight-students-get-free-20170311?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Matt Baume: What’s Really Behind Anti-Trans Bathroom Bans?

Matt Baume: What’s Really Behind Anti-Trans Bathroom Bans?

Baume bathrooms

Matt Baume takes a closer look at the trend of state legislators rushing to pass anti-transgender “bathroom bans” and finds political motivations at work.

North Carolina’s HB2 is the most infamous example, while Texas seems to be the next high-stakes battle, among various other instances. What’s leading to all this? Baume puts forth his theory:

Lawmakers claim that their bills will stop predators, and protect children.

They’re devoting a lot of thought to seats ― but not toilet seats, legislative seats. These discriminatory bills don’t protect citizens; they protect politicians. Here’s how:

In 2016, there were around fifty bills introduced in various states that discriminated against trans people ― not just in bathrooms, but in housing, education, employment, and more. And when you look at who introduced those bills, a funny pattern starts to appear.

Baume finds that roughly 3 out of 4 sponsors for these bills are running for re-election when they do so, and nearly all—96%—successfully won after doing so. Furthermore, he draws a line between this tactic and the 2004 fixation on banning same-sex marriage, which, just like 2016, happened to be a presidential election year as well. That year, 11 different states went so far as to put an anti-marriage equality measure on the ballot. Creating a moral panic and convincing constituents that a problem exists lets legislators play the role of concerned defenders of the public and their children when instead textbook demagoguery is at play.

Baume points out the inherent contradiction in these misplaced priorities:

In fact, if anyone’s in danger, it’s trans people themselves. A Williams Institute study showed that 70% have been been harassed or attacked when trying to use a bathroom. So if politicians really cared about safety, they’d make bathrooms more inclusive, not less.

Watch:

 

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Matt Baume: What’s Really Behind Anti-Trans Bathroom Bans?

Steve Grand’s thong, Blake Skjellerup’s harness, & Tyson Beckford’s sweatpants

Steve Grand’s thong, Blake Skjellerup’s harness, & Tyson Beckford’s sweatpants

This week, Ryan Reynolds showed the world his beautiful ass, LA Pride canceled this year’s parade in lieu of a protest march, Logo’s “Prince Charming” revealed he’s apparently bisexual now, and Drag Race fans got their first glimpse of the hotly-anticipated season 9 premiere—with Lady Gaga! Here’s what happened on Instagram:

Stephen Amell dropped his dumbbells.

9 weeks of (redacted) training. Just dropped the dumbbells.

A post shared by Stephen Amell (@stephenamell) on

Model Leaon Gordon showed off his Calvins.

#regram @leaon_gordon_ by @leonardocorredor

A post shared by Coitus Magazine (@coitusmagazine) on

Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen shared a gym.

Blake Skjellerup dressed down for Mardi Gras.

When you find your “costume” twin, and decide to be friends and dance until 8am!

A post shared by Blake Skjellerup (@blakeskjellerup) on

Steve Grand left Sydney.

Olly Murs did a jig.

Glasgow I promised I would ?? Great 2 nights!! Love you all scotland! See you in the summer ??

A post shared by Olly Murs (@ollymurs) on

Jared Leto posed for L’Officiel Hommes.

@lofficielhommes @thomaswhiteside @carrera @gucci

A post shared by JARED LETO (@jaredleto) on

Titanius Maximus had a glass of water.

Säng

A post shared by Titanius Maximus (@titaniusmaximus) on

Jon Kortajarena got some new swim trunks.

Cameron Dallas observed his abs.

A post shared by Cameron Dallas (@camerondallas) on

Jason Momoa stepped into the ring.

Chal Harn started a new leg day regimen.

After my new legday session. ???? #shamelessselfie

A post shared by Chal Harn (@chalharn) on

Tyson Beckford posed for Terry Richardson.

??? @tysoncbeckford @crfashionbook #outtake #tysonbeckford #terryrichardson

A post shared by Terry Richardson (@terryrichardson) on

Jason Statham did some heavy lifting.

@therock sent me over one of his ankle weights to see if I could move it. Respect to you brother!

A post shared by Jason Statham (@jasonstatham) on

Rodiney Santiago showed off his pits.

Matthew Camp showed some skin.

Matt Lister did a handstand.

Pietro Boselli planned a trip to Manila.

Chance the Rapper met DeRay Mckesson.

Austin Armacost posed nude again.

Is everything covered ????

A post shared by Austin Armacost (@austinarmacost) on

Yona Knight-Wisdom stretched his hams.

Forward with the plot

A post shared by Yona Knight-Wisdom (@yonakw) on

Channing Tatum flaunted his dad bod.

Garrett Swann used a banana phone.

#monkeyingaround ??? in my @meundies #dinosaur #behindthescenes ?by @jeremyfrechette #donttakeyourselftooseriously #onceakidalwaysakid #meundies

A post shared by Garrett Swann (@thegarrettswann) on

A man who appeared on one season of a premium cable reality series pondered his mega-celebrity status.

Just settin’ the record straight…?? “Take that to da presses”! ???

A post shared by Robert Sepúlveda Jr. (@rsjdesign) on

Sam Asghari stretched out.

Try and stop me.

A post shared by Sam Asghari (@samasghari) on

Jim Parsons voted!

Jason Derulo showed off on Snapchat.

#instastory #snapchat

A post shared by Jason (@jasonderulo) on

Cristiano Ronaldo soaked up the sun.

?

A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) on

How to Get Away with Murder baes Jack Falahee and Matt McGorry chilled at the pool.

And Jeremiah Brent had some “sunset snuggles.”

Some sunset snuggles with this special little force. #tgif #happyhour #losangeles

A post shared by J E R E M I A H B R E N T (@jeremiahbrent) on

www.queerty.com/steve-grands-thong-blake-skjellerups-harness-tyson-beckfords-sweatpants-20170311?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Frank Ocean Releases New Track ‘Chanel’ – LISTEN

Frank Ocean Releases New Track ‘Chanel’ – LISTEN

ocean

Frank Ocean released ‘Chanel’, his first new track since last year’s Blonde and Endless albums came out.

Ocean debuted the track on his Beats 1 show.

Listen:

 

And here’s a remix, featuring A$AP Rocky:

 

The post Frank Ocean Releases New Track ‘Chanel’ – LISTEN appeared first on Towleroad.


Frank Ocean Releases New Track ‘Chanel’ – LISTEN

Married man grapples with bisexual urges and being faithful to wife, seeks advice

Married man grapples with bisexual urges and being faithful to wife, seeks advice

A bisexual man in Chicago is having trouble balancing his attraction for men with being faithful to his wife, so he’s seeking words of wisdom from queer advice columnist Rainbow Man.

“I am a 42-year-old married bisexual guy,” the man explains. “Before marriage, I have had sex with 3 guys. After marriage, it stopped, but resurfaced. I met 3 guys later, though it wasn’t sex, it was cuddling, hugging, caressing.”

OK, so what’s the issue?

The man continues, “Even if I am not failing in any of my duties, responsibilities towards my wife, am I cheating her, though I only give in to my instincts every now and then? It happens once in a while.”

He signs the letter “Confused Man.”

In his response, Rainbow Man starts out by clearing up any myths about bisexuals, in general.

“Bisexuals are capable of complete monogamous relationships with their spouses of any gender,” he says. “And there are bisexuals who live non-monogamous relationships as well. It depends on the person himself and what he prefers.”

Word.

Now, as for the man’s guilt over “cuddling, hugging, caressing” with other dudes behind his wife’s back, Rainbow Man says honestly is probably the best policy.

“I can only tell you what I would have done if I was in your place,” he writes. “I would have informed my woman wife about my encounters after educating her slowly about sexuality and gender.”

He encourages the husband to put himself in his wife’s shoes.

“How would you react if your wife had an affair with other women or other men? Will you be accepting?” he asks. “You can’t expect women to accept things that you don’t accept the same.”

Ultimately, Rainbow Man says, the husband should come clean and tell his wife what he’s been up to. Who knows? Maybe she’ll be fine with it.

“Believe me,” he writes, “sometimes, we underestimate people’s understanding.”

What do you think? Should this guy tell his wife he’s bisexual, or is it fine to keep things on the DL? Share your thoughts on the matter below…

h/t: The Quint

www.queerty.com/married-man-grapples-bisexual-urges-faithful-wife-seeks-advice-20170311?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

South Dakota is First State in 2017 to Legalize Discrimination Against LGBT People

South Dakota is First State in 2017 to Legalize Discrimination Against LGBT People

Dennis Daugaard

South Dakota’s Governor Dennis Daugaard has signed the first anti-LGBT legislation passed in the U.S. in 2017, the ACLU of South Dakota reports:

Today, Governor Daugaard signed Senate Bill 149 into law, making South Dakota the first state in 2017 to pass anti-LGBT legislation. The bill will allow taxpayer funded agencies to refuse to provide any service, including adoption or foster care services, on the basis on the agency’s religious or moral convictions.

The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota has led the opposition to SB 149 through both lobbying efforts and by organizing affected communities. In a state facing a labor and talent shortage, this bill has sparked national interest and local questions as to whether South Dakota welcomes diversity and values the rights of individual citizens.

This bill was opposed by local and national child welfare experts that sent letters in opposition including The Adoption Exchange, Child Welfare League of America, National Association of Social Workers, and Voice for Adoption, as well as family law experts, South Dakota pediatricians, and local and national LGBT rights organizations including the Movement Advancement Project, the Human Rights Campaign, and more.

Said Libby Skarin, Policy Director of the ACLU of South Dakota:

“We’re deeply disappointed by Governor Daugaard’s decision to green light Senate Bill 149. This discriminatory legislation takes South Dakota in the wrong direction, and sends the message that our leaders are more concerned with the desires of religious agencies than the rights of individuals and children in our state…In the end, this bill was never about religious freedom. It has always been about allowing private organizations that discriminate to receive state contracts and taxpayer dollars to carry out their religions missions. We’re particularly concerned about how this bill could impact vulnerable kids in our foster care system that deserve to have their best interests considered above the desires of private agencies.“

The Human Rights Campaign denounced the new law:

“This is the first anti-LGBTQ bill that any state has signed into law this session. Governor Daugaard’s action not only puts the best interests of the more than a thousand vulnerable children served by South Dakota’s foster care system at risk, it signals the potential of a dark new reality for the fight for LGBTQ rights,” said HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “These children could now wait longer to be placed in a safe, loving home at the whim of an state-funded adoption or foster care agency with a vendetta against LGBTQ couples, mixed-faith couples or interracial couples — all while being taxpayer-funded. LGBTQ children in South Dakota’s foster care system face the risk of staying in a facility that does not affirm their identity and actively works against the child’s well being by refusing to give them appropriate medical and mental health care.”

The post South Dakota is First State in 2017 to Legalize Discrimination Against LGBT People appeared first on Towleroad.


South Dakota is First State in 2017 to Legalize Discrimination Against LGBT People