Vaginal Microbicide Shown Effective in Laboratory Study

NEW YORK (5 January 2011)--

Population Council director of biomedical HIV research Melissa Robbiani and her team demonstrated that a vaginal gel called PC-1005 completely protected monkeys from infection with the strain of the virus that causes AIDS in monkeys for up to 24 hours, according to a study published today in PLoS ONE.

PC-1005 contains low doses of MIV-150 and zinc acetate. MIV-150 is a potent non-nucleoside HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitor, or NNRTI, that prevents HIV infection of cells. Zinc acetate is a naturally occurring salt that has antiviral properties. The combination gel was applied once daily during a two-week trial period.

This research is part of the Population Council's efforts to develop and introduce safe, effective microbicides for vaginal and/or rectal use to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. "Based on these excellent results, the MIV-150/zinc acetate gel is the Population Council's lead microbicide candidate," said Robbiani.

The small amount of pharmaceutical ingredients in PC-1005-0.002 percent MIV-150 and 0.3 percent zinc acetate-could translate into a low-cost, safe microbicide. In addition, a product that is used once daily may provide women with a convenient, easy-to-use HIV prevention option.

Robbiani's team also tested a zinc acetate-only version of the gel. While not as effective as the combination product, this formula offers significant protection against simian immunodeficiency virus, and unpublished research indicates that it also may be effective against genital herpes.

Some HIV prevention products under development contain HIV treatment drugs, and there is concern that these candidates could lead to a treatment-resistant strain of HIV. However, MIV-150 and zinc acetate are not used to treat HIV, so there may be reduced risk that the two gels from the Population Council would contribute to the emergence of a drug-resistant form of HIV. Both versions of the microbicide gel have a seaweed-derived carrageenan base, which has been shown to be acceptable to women and safe for long-term vaginal use.

Based on the promising results published in PLoS ONE, as well as in vitro data on safety and efficacy, the Population Council's human testing of both the MIV-150/zinc acetate gel and the zinc acetate alone gel could begin in early 2012. (more)

Kenney, J., M. Aravantinou, R. Singer, M. Hsu, A. Rodriguez, L. Kizima, C.J. Abraham, R. Menon, S. Seidor, A. Chudolij, A. Gettie, J. Blanchard, J.D. Lifson, M. Piatak Jr., J.A. Fernandez-Romero, T.M. Zydowsky, and M. Robbiani. 2011. "An antiretroviral/zinc combination gel provides 24 hours of complete protection against vaginal SHIV infection in macaques," PLoS ONE 6(1): E15835.

Outside funding for this research was provided by the National Institutes of Health, US Agency for International Development, Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

About the Population Council

The Population Council is an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental research organization that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable, and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research and helps build research capacities in developing countries. Established in 1952, the Council is governed by an international board of trustees. Its New York headquarters supports a global network of regional and country offices

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Media contact

Diane Rubino: drubino@popcouncil.org; +1 212 339 0617

A Gay White House ???

A GAY WHITE HOUSE?

President Jimmy Carter says America is ready for a gay president sometime "in the near future," while some political junkies contend that America's already had a gay president — Abraham Lincoln. Are we really willing to look beyond sexuality in the voting booth? If Republican presidential hopeful Fred Karger has his way, we may find out in the 2012 election.

IN THIS CLIP

Karger, who could be the first openly gay person to run for Commander-in-Chief, thinks the time is right for his prospective candidacy

IN THIS CLIP

The public has made tremendous strides towards accepting gay people—and is even ready to have one in the White House.

IN THIS CLIP

Certain factions of the Republican Party should recall their common roots, formed by Lincoln and Roosevelt, before bashing gays, says the presidential hopeful.

IN THIS CLIP

I want to send that message to younger people, that it’s okay," says Karger. "You’re okay, you can be gay, you can even run for President of the United States if you want to.

More Buju drama - Reggae artist could face additional charges

Buju’s lawyer says new indictment not permissible
BY PAUL HENRY Crime/Court Co-ordinator henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

WHEN Buju Banton is retried in a United States federal court next month, he could be faced with four counts of cocaine and gun charges instead of the two for which he was tried last September.
In an attempt to increase the likelihood of a conviction, Prosecutor James Preston secured a new grand jury indictment late last year, listing three counts of cocaine-related charges against the four-time Grammynominated reggae artiste, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie. The sole weapon charge remains.

But Banton’s legal team, led by David Oscar Markus, is fighting the new indictment on the grounds that it is not permissible for new charges to be brought on old information and that the weapon charge was a violation of the Fifth Amendment.
“The chief danger raised by a multiplicitous indictment is the possibility that the defendant will receive more than one sentence for a single offence,” Markus said, referring to the case of the United States v Swaim, in his application seeking to strike out the new indictment.
An indictment is multiplicitous if it charges a single offence in more than one count.

The artiste was tried last September on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking offence. However, the 12-member panel of jurors was unable to reach a verdict following three days of deliberations. The trial lasted a week in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in Tampa, Florida.
But should the new indictment stand, Banton will be tried for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence, and using the wires to facilitate a drugtrafficking offense.

Both sides are now awaiting a ruling from the court on the matter.

If convicted, Banton faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment. The United States Government would also seek to seize the artiste’s assets. A date for the retrial should be set today.

In the application seeking to have the superseding indictment dismissed, Markus noted that there are two fatal flaws. Firstly, the attorney noted, counts one, two and four are multiplicitous; and secondly, count three — the weapon charge — violates the double jeopardy clause of the Fifth Amendment, which stipulates that “[N]or shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.”

The violation, the attorney said, arises from the fact that there was not sufficient evidence in the last trial to convict his client on the gun charge.
The defence team had, at the conclusion of the first trial, argued for the gun charge to be thrown out, but to no avail.

Regarding the other counts, Markus noted that the government has only alleged one drug transaction, and as such “it should only be permitted to charge that set of facts one time”.

The singer/deejay was arrested December 2009 following a sting operation by United States drug enforcement agents in which two other men — James Mack and Ian Thomas — were nabbed earlier. A gun was found in Mack’s car when he was arrested.

Banton's legal team is contending that he was entrapped by the United States Government. Banton was not on the scene when the men were arrested.

Who is a real man? ...."Males who do not fit this "new" hegemonic view of masculinity are often labelled as nerds and "fish" (slang for homos) Repost

Here is a repost by popular demand from Gay Jamaica Watch where it was the most hit post for 2010, see what you make of it .......

Observer Letter

(photos added to highlight the piece)

Is the hegemonic view the letter writer speaks to really new?

here is the letter first:

Dear Editor,

With each passing generation, our perception and definition change of what a real man is. Historically, being a man was synonymous with taking responsibility for one's actions, whether this action is of a sexual nature, or taking responsibility in the areas of community, church, work, provider and protector of the family.

In recent times, our popular culture - namely dancehall music - has re-shaped and re-defined what a real man is or supposed to be.

In the Jamaican context, a real man is often associated with violence, underachievement in scholastic pursuits and sexual irresponsibility.

Males who do not fit into this "new" hegemonic view of masculinity are often labelled as nerds and "fish" (slang for homosexual). This phenomenon has placed even more pressure on many Jamaican men, especially adolescent males at the secondary level of the education system, who must decide and choose which category of masculinity to become a part of.

It is at the secondary level of the education that system boys' under-achievement and under-participation begin.

The manifestation of this is highlighted at the tertiary level where 80 per cent of all graduates at the University of the West Indies are women.

The reality in Jamaica today is that for many boys their influence comes from the deejays, the dons, or the "bad man".

Gone are the days when people viewed the pastor, teacher, or principal as role models.

Is a real man one who is deemed a "gallis"?

Is a real man one who enforces the "laws" of the community and ensures that "justice" is carried out?

Is having a male sexual reproductive organ enough to qualify as a real man?

Can a real man be one who has no biological children of his own?

Is wearing Clarks shoes a sign of real manhood?

Wayne Campbell
waykam@yahoo.com

(Letter ENDS)

My notes:

Also see: STORES ROBBED OF CLARKS SHOES

(Dancehall music's reighning Prince Vybz Kartel, the man who rebranded Clark brand shoes in Jamaica claims he uses cake soap to bleach his skin)

Vybz was careful to start the song with 'Mi nuh love man" (I don't love men) instantly separating himself from the stigma of males who bleach being gay. Not to mention he is responsible for putting Straight Jeans back on men as years ago it was almost a crime for a male to wear tight jeans .... now they are in.

Video: Vybz Kartel - Cake Soap (Duss Riddim)

(one of the popular "cake soaps" used original for laundry by ordinary Jamaicans as there is a class stigma attached to it to this day despite the celebrity endorsement from Vybz, uptown folks tend to go for Ariel and imported American brands, it has been used as a remedy for bumps along with cornmeal and lime applied to the affected area after washing once or twice)

Also notice the instructions on this retouched photo which suggests one must stay in air conditioning to keep cool after use.

Public's Snapshot Response

On a CVM TV mini poll aired November 14th during a short feature called "Wat a Gwaan?" (what's going on?) several persons were questioned on camera what they thought of this idea by the Vybz, some were supportive (mostly female) who said he looked good, many see it as a fad however others were skeptical suggesting he is using some other topical product or cream to achieve this new cool look.

Why are we so obsessed with being "brown" though?

Remember Buju Banton's song "Mi Luv Mi Browning" which caused a backlash for years especially from sections of "uptown media" and academia?

Jamaica has certainly changed pity the letter write above didn't mention more on the phenom, years gone by if a man bleached he would be automatically labelled gay no matter how masculine he looked or acted now it's almost the norm. Even men during the CVM vox pop said they saw nothing wrong with it as it's his choice.

Personally I think Vybz Kartel is using this public's former disgust to the bleaching issue and going with the change in tide as more persons are slowly becoming "liberal" in their thinking from everything including homosexuality or related stigmas. This kind of metrosexual change sweeping dancehall is real folks and is more open than ever.

How do we separate the metros from the DLs from the gays from the straights in this sea of this new vain masculinity as the rules are re-written?

See: Kartel Causes more controversy with Cake Soap Song and some feedback

Maybe the answer was more biased due to to Vybz's popularity so celebs can get away with certain "sins" as they are deemed immune in a sense to moral judgements.

The hegemonic view the writer speaks of also is not new we have being seen the molds being shaped for decades as far as the early eighties I dare say when dancehall and a younger generation were changing the rules of everything from dress to morals to even how the underworld operates and of course all those influences affect the GLBTQ community in some way or form.

Let's continue to watch from the stands and see where these changes take us, permanent or fads.

Peace and tolerance

H

(I claim no copyright to the photos used in this post and are owned by the respective creators of them)

2010 The Year that was .... The Humanitarian Perspective

With so much happening in 2010 I had no choice but to present the roundup in sections and not as a single blog post as in the 2009 year in review. Thank you again my readers for sticking and staying with me controversies and all also for the comments suggestions and ideas raised for consideration.

Please see:

2010 The Year that was .... Entertainment Perspective part 1

2010 The Year that was .... Entertainment Perspective part 2

The gay community in Jamaica in 2010 went through major happenings of course the big story that got everyone's attention was the United Nations vote and the subsequent turn around where with one voice which rarely happens we spoke in our own way and breathed a collective sigh of relief when sexual orientation was returned to the the judicial killings document.

The homeless issue was a mainstay carrying over from 2009 following the closure of the shelter at a certain non governmental organization and things progressively got worse with shots fired at some of the persons and one point and the subsequent murder of a cross dresser in the Half Way Tree vicinity in December. On this and Gay Jamaica Watch blogs the posts are consistent and will bring to bear some historical background and why the call to the advocates JFLAG to do more for this section of the LGBTQI community.

Things came to ahead when the nation was made fully aware of the homeless population's existence via a Star News headlines named:

More here on those

also see: Homelessness still a major problem ...... published September 2010

Former Homeless man attacked again ..............

Young man made homeless after parents’ eviction

MSM homelessness issues

Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays finally revamped their website but unfortunately forgot to tell us and the world what the transgender work is all about save and except for a Wikipedia link making us wonder if the change was just cosmetic than really about stepping up advocacy, one thing is for certain a western based lawyer has been at the forefront of many of the agitations involving JFLAG this year, a record four demonstrations were held this year mostly in Kingston and one in Montego Bay. His letter writing campaign also had bournsome reaction from mostly anti gay writers themselves who continue their negative view on LGBTQI issues. JFLAG's relocation into the former homeless shelter converting it into office space has not gone down well with those who are in the know and questions of priority arise yet again another such priority concern was the Jamaica Pegasus' snub of the rights group's request to use their conference facility. See more HERE, the corporatism continues.

J-FLAG Refused Permission To Host A Meeting At The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

Elsewhere other individuals did what they could in assisting persons who were in trouble or just needed advice. It was also refreshing to see more ordinary LGBTQI persons talking about advocacy issues and expressing their own take on the situations.

Displacement in the lesbian community was also a highlight of the year and the closure of a major corrective rape matter in the courts brought some relief to the victims and their families in February with a more positive outlook on such sensitive issues and also highlighting the cooperation of the police who are sometimes vilified for their insensitive stance on same sex issues. Thanks to the persons who contributed in cash or kind to the young men who we helped to return home to their families after displacement from other relatives. A special thanks to the lesbian couple who came forward with their story on the assistance they gave to another young gay male to return to his home as well, Big up, it shows that we can work together.

The passing of several voices in the community was last year with a staggering number of persons promoted to glory due to illness mainly and one murdered.

Of note posthumous recognition go out to:

Howard Daly, Dancer Choreographer, Advisor and former Jamaica AIDS Support activist

Patrick Welsh, party goer, School Principal, Activist in his own way, donour to charitable causes

"Emily Crooks," controversial gay man who was mentioned in several Jamaica Observer articles

"Charms," party goer, infamous cross dresser brutally murdered in December 2010

Avalon Brown aka "Jason" (not to be confused with heterosexual Jason who is a friend of the community) died suddenly from a short illness

Tyrone Chambers, tradesman, party goer, life lover, special friend passed from a sudden illness

John Maxwell, Journalist, heterosexual defender for tolerance, environmentalist, former radio personality

"Beyonce III" (not to be confused with trouble maker that we all love to hate) HIV positive made the transition peacefully

Social Media and Network Explosion:

If all else is forgotten certainly the presence of the communities online has certainly gotten the attention of everyone now with a possibility to reach and meet people who not normally be seen or heard in remote parts of the country and overseas thanks to the internet coverage nationally and the Blackberry services abound it's communication at our fingertips. One thing for sure is the lesbian and bisexual communities are making full use of these methods to speak their minds on issues which is a fertile field for persons wanting to get an eye in on what's really going on.

The Prime Minister also had a thing or two to say when he was questioned about homosexuality in Jamaica:

get the text here: Line in the Sand for the JLP part 5

Gender issues

The present designation of the Transvestic Disorder Diagnosis in the DSM V draft is on the agenda again internationally from the Gender Identity Disorder Advocates. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), formerly the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, (HBIGDA), publishes recognized standards of medical transition care for those who need it. In May, 2010, WPATH issued the following pivotal statement on de-psychopathologisation of gender variance,

The WPATH Board of Directors strongly urges the de-psychopathologisation of gender variance worldwide. The expression of gender characteristics, including identities, that are not stereotypically associated with one’s assigned sex at birth is a common and culturally-diverse human phenomenon which should not be judged as inherently pathological or negative. The [psychopathologisation] of gender characteristics and identities reinforces or can prompt stigma, making prejudice and discrimination more likely, rendering transgender and transsexual people more vulnerable to social and legal marginalisation and exclusion, and increasing risks to mental and physical well-being. WPATH urges governmental and medical professional organizations to review their policies and practices to eliminate stigma toward gender-variant people.
Gender expression that differs from social expectations of assigned birth sex does not meet any medical or scientific definition of mental pathology. Difference is not disease.

2. Stigma of Sexual Deviance
Transvestic Disorder is classified as a “paraphilic” sexual disorder, grouped with diagnoses of such harmful behaviors as pedophilia and exhibitionism. The resulting stereotypes of sexual deviance deny human dignity and civil justice to transgender and gender variant people, including transsexual individuals, who consequently lose their jobs, homes, families, children, freedoms and access to public accommodation.
In the United States, these false stereotypes were exemplified in a full-page newspaper ad campaign in 2008 by Focus on the Family, a political extremist group opposed to civil rights for transpeople in the state of Colorado. A transwoman was depicted in a photo as a disheveled suspicious male in dirty work boots, lurking in a women’s restroom as a little girl stepped out of a stall. The ad contained the headline, “Colorado Just Opened Its Bathrooms to Either Sex!” with the phrase, “sexual predator.” The association of transwomen with sexual predation and threat to children was in reference to the association of transwomen with “paraphilia” in the DSM.

more here.

Locally the transgender community through "Jane" had a chance to talk about the issue openly on a radio program see the report HERE. Not very much else happened for the transgender community in as far as major positive developments.

This blog was proud to have been a voice for the Bi-Pride campaigns and subsequent discourse on the lifestyle issues helping to begin to diffuse bi-invisibility and the confusion around bi persons labelled as confused and gay. There is a lot more to be done on this particular set of issues especially when it is not a major part of the advocacy conversations.

Intersexuality was also looked at in greater detail with the help of powerful international activists helping you the readers and myself to have some basic understanding of some of the issues.

See the Intersexuality Tab for posts

Updates to come

Peace and tolerance.

H

In The Life: Hidden Histories

Happy New Year readers and as I continue this blogging thing I hope to continue interesting posts this the third year of this edition of GLBTQ Jamaica. Here is the first entry from IN THE LIFE on American LGBT issues often not shown in the mainstream.

Enjoy:



This month IN THE LIFE reveals hidden treasures in LGBT history which, unknown to many, have had lasting impact in shaping our lives. In the Smithsonian's historic and controversial Hide/Seek exhibit, sexual expression and desire in American Art is viewed in a new way. And, we delve into the sexually charged, fiercely liberated, and fascinating life of Samuel Steward.

"The history of LGBT art in America has been a game of hide and seek; lots of images of import to sexual minorities but never talked about and rarely acknowledged." - Jonathan Katz

Hide and Seek (00:14:46)
IN THE LIFE is front and center at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery to cover the first major museum exhibition to feature artwork exploring sexual difference and gender expression. The headline-making exhibit explores artistic representations of sexual identity and homosexual desire. The show has ignited a wave of controversy among lawmakers, religious leaders and the public, leading to the removal of David Wojnarowicz's acclaimed video, "A Fire in My Belly," which represents the artist's anger and rage as he faced death from AIDS. IN THE LIFE speaks with artists, historians and curators who contend that Hide/Seek reveals diverse reflections of sexuality and celebrates the complex contours of American identity.


Sam Steward (00:09:43)
"This is the Stud File. It's Sam's life-long record of all the people he had sex with during the course of his life. There are almost 900 cards in here." - Justin Spring

A self-invented legend, Samuel Steward lived as an out gay man decades before the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion. Sam's far-reaching impact includes detailed journals and recordkeeping which were invaluable to the studies of Alfred Kinsey and artistry that inspired famed designer Ed Hardy. In his book, Secret Historian, author Justin Spring chronicles the life of Samuel Steward, professor, tattoo artist and sexual renegade.