L.A. County Urges All Sexually Active Gay Men to Get Meningitis Vaccine Now

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Tuesday expanded recommendations for meningococcal vaccination to men in southern California who have sex with men as well as all HIV-positive people in response to a recent outbreak:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health have assisted local health departments with the investigation and management of this outbreak. After analysis of all information related to this increase in cases, the local health departments have collectively agreed to expand the recommendation to include all gay/MSM rather than only those in ‘high risk’ groups.

“We acknowledge this broadens our prior recommendations, but, after careful consultation with the CDC and Health Officers in other affected jurisdictions, we consider that this expansion of the vaccination recommendations is a necessary step to suppress this outbreak,” said LA County Interim Health Officer, Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH.

Vaccinations are free of charge at Public Health clinics for all people at higher-risk, regardless of health insurance status. Vaccination can also be obtained from providers who serve the LGBT community and at other healthcare settings. Visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/index.htm for locations and hours.

There has been an increase above the typical number of reported cases for this time of year across southern California. Excluding cases from Long Beach and Pasadena (which have their own health departments), in LA County there have been 13 cases (seven of these cases are gay/MSM). No deaths have occurred in LA County due to these infections.

Vaccination prevents meningococcal disease which can be spread by saliva, utensils or toothbrushes, sharing cigarettes or other smoking implements.

Adds the health department:

“Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious disease that can lead to swelling in the brain and spinal cord, loss of a limb, deafness, brain damage or even death. Meningococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria known as Neisseria meningitidis. The illness most people are familiar with is meningitis. It can be spread to others through the respiratory secretions of people who carry the bacteria without symptoms in their nose and throat. Meningococcal disease can start with flu-like symptoms, and progress to high fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion and rash. People who experience these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.”

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Would-Be Reagan Assassin John Hinckley Jr. Freed to Live at Home with Mom

John Hinckley Jr, who took a shot at President Ronald Reagan in 1981 hoping to kill him, bill be freed from a mental hospital to live full time in Virginia with his mother, the AP reports.

“Doctors have said for years that the now 61-year-old Hinckley, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the shooting, is no longer plagued by the mental illness that drove him to shoot Reagan.”

Breaking News: John Hinckley, Jr., the man who tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan, will be freed. pic.twitter.com/mV89wA27cg

— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 27, 2016

The post Would-Be Reagan Assassin John Hinckley Jr. Freed to Live at Home with Mom appeared first on Towleroad.

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Justin Bieber’s Rep Denies He Demanded Gay Sex Scene Be Cut from Film Role

According to a report from NY Post Page Six writer Richard Johnson, Justin Bieber was offered the role in an upcoming film called Uber Girl but won’t take the part unless a gay sex scene is removed:

“He won’t take the part unless the sex scene with him and one of the male backup dancers is taken out of the final script,” co-writer Pete O’Neill told me.

The coming-of-age story for millennials is represented by Lighthouse Entertainment LA with Cinema Epoch looking for a major studio to co-produce.

RELATED: Justin Bieber Pays Tribute to Pulse Nightclub Victims at Orlando Concert: WATCH

However, Bieber’s rep. told gossip watchdog website Gossip Cop that “there’s ‘no truth’ to the New York Post story, and talks about him being in that movie ‘never happened.’”

The post Justin Bieber’s Rep Denies He Demanded Gay Sex Scene Be Cut from Film Role appeared first on Towleroad.

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Kate Just's Purls of Feminist Devotion

www.advocate.com/art/2016/7/27/kate-justs-purls-feminist-devotion

Anal Exams That 'Test' for Homosexuality Amount to Torture

At least eight countries allow tests where doctors penetrate men accused of being gay. The international community needs to stand up to this abuse.

www.advocate.com/commentary/2016/7/27/anal-exams-test-homosexuality-amount-torture

American Witch Hunts: Hillary, Megyn, Debbie

Homophobia, transphobia, and racism are on the tip of everyone’s tongue lately. Too bad misogyny gets so little lip service.

www.advocate.com/commentary/2016/7/27/american-witch-hunts-hillary-megyn-debbie

Dems Make History While Running Gamut of Emotions

Serious moments alternated with humorous ones as the Democrats officially nominated Hillary Clinton and her husband touted her change-making abilities.

www.advocate.com/election/2016/7/26/dems-make-history-while-running-gamut-emotions

Hillary Clinton: 'We Just Put the Biggest Crack in that Glass Ceiling Yet' (Video)

www.advocate.com/election/2016/7/26/hillary-clinton-we-just-put-biggest-crack-glass-ceiling-yet-video