Want to eat some cock?

Matsuri Celebrates
Japanese Festival 
With Phallic Menu

via Village Voice, by Michael Musto
 
New York - April 1

On the menu: "Get It Up Hot Pot," "Big Sausage," and "Hard Banana Cream Pie."

Proper Attire Required.

Read the rest.

Closing the (LGBT health) gap

Yeah, I’m an opportunist. 

I bet you are, too.

by Simone Koehlinger
Director, Office of LGBT Health
Chicago Department of Public Health

We’re in the midst of National LGBT Health Awareness Week. I suppose I should tell you that this year’s theme is “Closing the Gap.” But I should also disclose, in all honesty, I don’t care what the theme for National LBGT health awareness week is.

Don’t get me wrong--- it’s a fine theme. It’s just that, as far as I’m concerned, the theme could be anything. It could be inspired by American Idol (“THIS is LGBT Health Week”), it could be one step away from a Hallmark card (“Roses are red, violets are blue, I am healthy and you should be too.”), or it could come with its own music video (“Lady Gaga does LGBT Health”).

As long as we call attention to LGBT health, a catchy theme really doesn’t matter. We gays, bisexuals, and transgender people just don’t hear many positive things about ourselves. When someone is rolling out health news, rarely do we catch a glimpse of how it applies to us. Our communities face a number of health disparities that are not adequately addressed. That’s why LGBT health awareness is needed each and every week of the year.

I’m often the cocktail party attendee who is sipping sparkling water and just waiting for the perfect opening to talk about gay men’s’ syphilis rates or lesbians’ mammography seeking behaviors. Yeah, it can be annoying. But these are conversations that need to be had--- over and over again until things change.

And our conversations should include all the good things we are doing, too. There’s lots to celebrate, including the multiple ways in which we are thriving and taking care of ourselves and each other. How often do we acknowledge the strength, passion, and creativity that is as much a part of our communities as our health challenges?

So calm down, I’m not asking you to join in me in the LGBT-health-365-days-a-year regimen – that might be a tad bit excessive. But doing these 3 simple things would make a big difference:

Mention to at least 3 friends that this is LGBT Health Awareness Week (feel free to use your Ryan Seacrest voice). If you don’t feel like using your inside voice, there’s always Facebook, Twitter, Google chat, Skype, your Manhunt profile, and fill-in-the-blank.

Share this link (and 1 interesting morsel, like did you know LBGTs are less likely to have health insurance?) with your colleagues, friends, family, medical provider, or anyone: www.lgbthealth.net/awarenessweek10

If you’re gay, lesbian, bi or transgender, commit to doing ONE thing that will improve or help you maintain your health. If you’re an ally (we love you!), commit to doing one thing to ensure quality care for the LGBT people in your life.

Go ahead, call me an opportunist. I’ll shamelessly capitalize on this and EVERY chance to talk up LGBT health. And even without a sensational video, I bet you will too.

Make it pop for daddy

thanks to feast of fun for putting this on the lifelube radar

Woof Wednesday

every wednesday

 

 

How is Aubrey Hall healthy?

It's a lot of trial and error.

In college, I was 5'10" and weighed 125 lbs.  I was always self-conscious about my body.  I wouldn't even let my parents see me without a shirt on.  One day, about five years ago, I decided to stop allowing my embarrassment of my body control me so much and decided to work and change my body for the better.  I started off with  joining a gym and reading up on exercise and diet.  I joined realjock.com, which is a fitness web community catering to the LGBT community.  I even hired a personal trainer to help me with my fitness goals.  In a year, I gained 45 pounds.  I am now working on shedding some extra fat that I gained and toning.

It's a lot of trial and error.  Some things that worked for other people did not work for me.  Everyone's body is made differently.  I learned that you have to find out what works for you and stick with it.  I am now at 155 pounds and am pretty satisfied with I have done thus far.  I continue to set goals -- whether it is to gain 10 pounds of lean muscle in 6 weeks or to gain 2 inches in my chest in 8 weeks.  I find that setting a goal with a completion date helps me to work harder in achieving my goal.

What do I do now?  I exercise and eat healthy regularly.  I do weightlifting five times per week and cardio twice a week.  I like to eat cleanly, eating about 5 or 6 times a day.  I have cut back on the amount of sweets I eat and the amount of alcohol I consume.  I probably eat a small piece of candy once in a blue moon, and I drink lots of water now.  I get my proteins from turkey, chicken (white meat), and fish, grilled or baked.  Nuts and beans are also good sources for protein.  I stay away from fried food.  I also take a multi-vitamin.

Nutrition labels/charts on food packages and at fast food restaurants are a must-read for anyone wanting to eat healthy.  I read the nutrition labels on groceries and read the nutrition facts at restaurants to make better food choices.  Subway is now my favorite fast food restaurant.  I watch my calories and avoid foods that are high in the bad fats (trans fat and saturated fat) to avoid having blood high cholesterol levels.  I watch my sodium intake and eat foods that have fiber and that have whole grains, mostly  whole grain wheat  bread.  I also eat brown  rice, instead of white rice.  I only have one body; so, I want to be healthy on the outside as well as on the inside to keep me moving and humming along for years to come.

-- Aubrey Hall
Chicago

How are you healthy?
Join in the conversation.
Tell us HERE. Send a pic to the same place.
And we'll blog it, right here. 
Read past posts.
Learn more about the campaign.

Ricky Martin Comes Out!

Ricky Martin, whose sexuality was the source of much speculation in his "Vida Loca" heyday, posted a long statement that ended with, "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."

Martin welcomed twin sons via a surrogate in 2008 and has stepped away from the limelight to be a full-time dad.

Read the rest at HuffPo.

Celebrate Our Relationships at "Our Anniversary Ball"

A “Glee” style, cabaret show choir and one of the city’s hottest concert-jazz dance companies highlight the bill for a unique benefit honoring gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight relationships.

The black-tie-optional fundraiser, called “Our Anniversary Ball,” will be Friday, May 7, 2010, in the Hotel Allegro’s grand ballroom, 171 W. Randolph in Chicago, at 6:30 p.m.

Among the live performers are Chicago’s premiere show choir, The Chicago Red Line, and the Joel Hall Dancers, a jazz-dance company that has toured worldwide. Other performers include retro-80’s, cabaret artist Melissa Young, local and nationally-touring musical theater professionals and even a puppeteer who recently received his bachelors in the craft from the University of Connecticut.

“Many GLBT couples simply don’t celebrate their anniversaries in a grand way, in part because they’re non-traditional and often marginalized--even within the GLBT community where the focus is on the single life,” says Angel Abcede, executive director for the Chicago-based School Street Arts Movement. “We’re creating a moment to honor what couples in our community have accomplished.”

Premiere packages include two-hour beer-and-wine, appetizers, a cabaret-style performance, dance and inclusion in the evening’s video montage. The initial price is $1,000 per table of 10 to secure the premiere package, 75% of which will be tax deductible. To purchase tickets visit http://ouranniversarychicago.blogspot.com.

Peter, I am a poz ex-felon, how can I find housing?

[Peter Pointers is here 4 YOU, as a service to LifeLube readers - whatever question you may have regarding sexual health, physical health, mental/emotional and spiritual health - ask him. He will find the answers you are looking 4. helped by a team of experts. Below is a recent Q&A you may be interested to read.]

Question:  Hi Peter -  I need to know where I can get help with housing. My story: hiv poz, ex felon, I got a medical card link card. Can you help?

Answer:I am happy that you are reaching out for help in trying to secure the your basic needs.  There are some wonderful organizations out there that may be able to help you out.  So, it's great that you are looking into it I can provide you with some local resources that can get you started in your search for housing:

First, by contacting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), you can get a case manager to help with many aspects of living with HIV:

Here is the process for obtaining case management services:

Contact the AIDS Foundation of Chicago at (312) 922-2322 and say that you need a case manager. One of AFC's program staff will refer you to an agency in your area that will provide you with a case manager who can help you get the services you need.

AFC has many programs that may be helpful to you. 

Specifically look into their case management for the re-entry population.  This program attempts to ensure that those who are re-entering are receiving adequate HIV and other primary medical care. More information can be found here:  or by contacting Donnise Gaffeney (dgaffeney@aidschicago.org) at (312) 922-2322.

Another program to look into though AFC is "Housing for Health."  Here is more information on that program.
 
Also, the organization "Chicago House" provides housing and hope to men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS who may be homeless, at risk of homelessness, mentally ill, or struggling with substance abuse and poverty.  Here is more information on Chicago House's housing program.

Direct2Housing is a tool that allows you to search for housing information on your own. You can select the characteristics that match who you are and what you are looking for in terms of housing. Click "GO" and view your search results. You can click on each of the results to see contact information, eligibilty criteria, and application process for those programs.

Lastly, Test Positive Aware Network puts out, every year, a great resource for people with HIV.  This is called the Illinois HIV Services Directory, which is available for free online here.  On that page, on the left hand side, click on "Agencies by Category" and then choose Housing Placement as your category.  That should provide you with the telephone number, website, and information on MANY organizations in and around Chicago that help with housing in one way or another.

Be well,
Peter Pointers

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Find Lasting Love with Help from Alan Irgang

Lookin for love in all the wrong places? Then join LifeLube's own Alan Irgang for Dating and Mating: A New Road Map to Lasting Love taking place Mondays, April 12-May17, 2010, and learn how to find, build and sustain the intimate relationship you want.

In this 6-week interactive group, you will learn to:

• Transform negative beliefs into positive affirmations of romance and love
• Be the best “YOU” to attract the right mate
• Discover the best ways to meet quality people for friendship and romance
• Discern the many disguises of love
• Make healthy decisions about sex and dating
• Create a fun and practical Dating Plan to guide your romantic journey

Check out Alan's website for more information!

Monday Morning Perk Up - Thrust it

Online dating big bucks, and MUCHO popular

[okay this is pretty heterosexual - but interesting nonetheless, no?]

via Online Schools

Online daters should no longer be considered a desperate minority that trolls the web for love. In fact, a fascinating infographic from Online Schools reveals the truth about online dating — it’s booming and might even be bigger than porn.

Per the graphic — which pulls data from a number of sources, including Reuters and The Washington Post — online dating is worth more than one billion dollars per year, with the mobile phone dating market worth $550 million.

Sadly, we all seem to be misrepresenting ourselves to attract an online mate. Men lie about their age, height and income, while women distort the truth about their weight, physical build and age. Though that doesn’t appear to stop online daters from marrying much faster than their offline counterparts, especially should the couple in question have met on eHarmony.

How is Daniel Dunson healthy?

My father's health decline has affected me in ways that I was not prepared to deal with.  I looked to him to be my strength, and support for my entire life. I was not ready to see the roles change so quickly.

This week I spent a lot of time with my parents in nearby Indiana. My father was released from the hospital earlier this week, and I wanted to be there for him. At 64 years old my father still cuts a handsome image, but he is more than half the weight we was two years ago, and his hair is just about completely gray now. My father has suffered from diabetes for over fifteen years, had a major stroke in 2000, and now is severely suffering from kidney failure. Though my father had health complications he still carried on through life as if nothing was wrong with him. He was the pastor of a church for twenty years, never taking a vacation, never exercising to manage stress, and never changing his diet. Though his stroke sat him down for a couple of months, since he didn't suffer permanent damage, he was up to his unhealthy habits as soon as he was able to.

Last year he was diagnosed with kidney failure and was forced to retire. Since his diagnosis he has been in and out of the hospital seven times in the last 18 months. He has lost over 100 lbs (which is a good thing),  but sometimes he is too weak to stand on his own. He is on dialysis three times a week, and a host of medications that need to be administered several times throughout the day. His voice that was once melodious and charming is now hoarse, and at times just a whisper. Despite all of this he is on the road to recovery.  He has physical therapy weekly and will soon have a kidney transplant.

My father's health decline has affected me in ways that I was not prepared to deal with.  I looked to him to be my strength, and support for my entire life. I was not ready to see the roles change so quickly. My parents have been married for over 40 years and have been an excellent example of how people should love one another, work hard, educate themselves, rear children, seek out spirituality, create families and a strong community - but never did they address their physical health.

So I have decided to take a stand for things that can be changed. I have been more health conscious in the last year than ever. I have changed my diet, dropped a few pounds, and I make it a point to exercise. I spend more time with friends now, and definitely more time with my family. I don't let work control the quality of my life, and I keep spirituality at the forefront  of my being. Most importantly I have taken time to devote to myself. I had forgotten the importance of investing in me. When we take the time to invest fully in ourselves, we become more valuable to other people.

As I walked with my father around his large home in order to get him to exercise, he looked at me, smiled and grabbed my arm and began to move with more confidence because I was there. He now looks like I did when I was 5 years old depending on his strength to get me through whatever difficult challenge life had demanded. And though my father and I have had or differences, and he found it hard to understand my choices in life, and just who I was naturally, I saw the light of happiness in his eyes as I helped him walk, and nothing else seemed to matter anymore.

-- Daniel Dunson
Chicago

How are you healthy?
Join in the conversation.
Tell us HERE. Send a pic to the same place.
And we'll blog it, right here. 
Read past posts.
Learn more about the campaign.

Feel the Love... Sister Glo channels Molly Haskell

But one of the attributes of love, like art, is 
to bring harmony and order out of chaos, 
to introduce meaning and affect where before there was none, to give rhythmic variations, highs and lows
to a landscape that was previously flat.

~Molly Haskell

Artista no nosso convívio,
originally uploaded by Herodoto.

Sister Glo shares her glittery gems of love with LifeLube each Friday.

Friday is for Faeries

every friday

Free Rapid HIV Testing - Center on Halsted

Click to enlarge.  

Click for info.

 

 

Who's That Queer [Prince George]

Brought to you by Pistol Pete

The Prince George, Duke of Kent (George Edward Alexander Edmund) was a member of the British Royal Family, the fourth son of King George V. He held the title of Duke of Kent from 1934 to his death in 1942.


Prince George is remembered for having had a rather more interesting personal life than is the norm in the twentieth century Royal Family, as well as the circumstances of his death at the height of World War II.

Handsome and glamorous, the Duke of Kent was unarguably the most interesting, intelligent and cultivated member of his generation of the Royal Family. He took a strong interest in the arts, theatre, and in interior decoration, an interest he shared with Queen Mary but no other member of the family. He had a long string of affairs with men and women before and during his marriage. The better known of his partners were cabaret singer Florence Mills, banking heiress Poppy Baring, Ethel Margaret Whigham (later Duchess of Argyll), musical star Jessie Matthews and actor Noel Coward, with whom he carried on a 19-year affair. Love letters from the Duke to Coward are believed to have been stolen from Coward's house in 1942.

Read the rest at Gay for Today.

Hard to believe - the GOP aren't size queens after all!

Read all about it.

Woof Wednesday

every wednesday