Hotel Monaco's Red Ribbon Party for CAP!

On December 1st 2010– around the world and throughout the United States – communities will come together to mark the 22nd Annual World AIDS Day. Take time to ensure we not only recognize the 25 million individuals lost to HIV and AIDS, but the 33 million global citizens living with the HIV virus today and appreciate the work of so many fighting the disease as allies, advocates, lovers, families and supporters!

HIV/ AIDS affects 1.2 million Americans; a little over 7,000 in Oregon are living with the virus and there are a little over 300 new infections in Oregon annually.  New infection rates have not decreased in over a decade.   Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is here to help those in need and those at risk.

As a part of this day ,  Hotel Monaco of Portland will open its doors to CAP and our friends at 7PM for the Red Ribbon Party, an awareness and friend-raising event in honor of World AIDS Day and CAP.  This is a Hotel Monaco produced event and a part of the Kimpton Hotel’s commitment to help  fight HIV/AIDS.

Join us for a night of fun including:

• Special entertainment provided by Poison Waters
• DJ Pony will be spinning
• Drag Queen Bingo ($5 per card) with some fabulous travel-related plush-ness as prizes (robes, nights away at Kimpton Properties, wine tasting, etc)
• Red Ribbon Clothed and Painted men selling your chance to be a winner!  Raffle prizes are offered in the same theme as Bingo prizes
• Live auction with  more than a dozen items including weekend stays at hotels across the country (many including airfare or train tickets).  These are BIG prizes!  Imagine Miami, New York, San Diego, Scottsdale!
• Red Ribbon Ice Luge - Charity cosmos - Beer from the Oregon Brewers Guild- Sokol Blosser Wine - Appetizers from Red Star.

ALL proceeds benefit Cascade AIDS Project.

Admission is free and includes complimentary appetizers from Red Star so invite anyone you think would enjoy the evening.   Additionally, cocktails made with Belvedere spirits, Wine from Sokol Blosser and local beers from the Oregon Brewers Guild (wristbands for 3 drinks is $20). All proceeds from the evening will be donated to CAP, Oregon's largest AIDS service organization.

Other World AIDS Day events are happening throughout the day and can be viewed at www.worldaidsdaynw.org

CAP: Looking Forward

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to support us at AIDS Walk. If you couldn’t make it, we missed you—but there are some other wonderful and fun events coming up that we’d love to see you at!

On Monday, November 22nd, Wilf’s Restaurant and the Sparks Group are hosting A Christmas to Remember. This event will kick off your holiday season with a Christmas scene including cocktails and live music. The night starts at 5.00 pm and is a benefit for Camp Starlight. More information can be found here—don’t forget to RSVP! If you can’t make the event, stop by any time in December. Proceeds from select food items and drinks will benefit Camp Starlight!

December 1st is World AIDS Day, and there are events all over Oregon. The Hotel Monaco is hosting the Red Ribbon Party, a fundraiser for Cascade AIDS Project emceed by Poison Waters. With bingo, a live auction and a raffle, it’s sure to be a great time! More information available here. There will be a breakfast at EMO HIV Day Center, a soup supper in Lincoln City and a healing service in Beaverton. More details—and other events—can be found at the World AIDS Day NW website.

Spirit Day 2010

(Trigger warning for discussions of suicide, homophobia and assault)

Tyler Clementi
Raymond Chase
Justin Aaberg
Zach Harrington
Seth Walsh
Billy Lucas
Asher Brown

In recent weeks, the media worldwide has shocked with news of seven suicides by young victims of homophobic bullying. In Canada, a lesbian couple committed suicide together. In New York, 11 young gang members allegedly cornered and tortured 3 gay men. Gubernatorial hopeful Carl Paladino read a homophobic speech. Elder Boyd Packer stated that G-d would never create gay people.

How do we support youth when vocal church leaders and politicians undermine our efforts at every step? It is even harder to know that this is not a new trend or "rise" in the number of suicides. This happens all over every day, and we don't hear about most of them, these youth who've been pushed beyond the edge of what they could endure.

POZ magazine recently had a feature on the ex-gay movement and how it unintentionally leads to increased risk of HIV infection. How do we combat that? Groups like that often fight comprehensive sexuality education and promote shame and self-loathing among questioning teens. When you are questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity and your counselor tells you that you can pray it away--or that if you just try hard enough, you can stop being something "unnatural"--how horrible will you feel if you fail?

The sad reality is that government is not always willing to stand with us on this issue. Some places are better than others, but there has been a distinct lack of repercussions in several of the communities where this bullying took place. Schools refusing to change policies to protect their students or standing behind homophobic statements made in student newspapers.

This is not just a "gay" issue--straight, cisgendered youth and adults suffer from the constant pressure of the heteronormative society we live in, the need to conform to societal gender standards or suffer the consequences. In 2001, Willie Houston was murdered while out celebrating his recent engagement. His fiance went to use the restroom and asked him to hold her purse. A man who saw Willie with the purse started harassing them, shouting insults and threatening them; he followed them to their car and shot Willie, who died several hours later.

In the light of all this horrific negativity and tragedy, it can be hard to respond. Education is key, and so is supportive community. That is why Spirit Day is important, but so is carrying this visibility into our daily lives. There are so many things that adults can do support youth. If you feel comfortable, come out. You can also create internships in your businesses, become a Big Brother or Sister, emphasize to your family and friends that you are queer-positive, interrupt hateful language when you hear it and hold intentional safe space wherever you are.

LGBTQQ youth are at higher risk for drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, survival sex, victimization/harassment, contracting STIS's, dropping out, self-harm and suicide attempts. They new your help. Don't let this sense of community end with today. Stand up and speak out in defense of youth. Let them know you're an ally, that it gets better and that there are people who would miss them.

Resources for LGBTQQ youth who feel lost or need help:
The Trevor Project, a 24/7 national helpline in the United States
SMYRC, The Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Resource Center in Portland, OR
Lambert House in Seattle, WA
LYRIC in San Francisco, CA
Outside In has a Trans Clinic and ID Project, and provides services to homeless youth in Portland, OR

Resources for adults wanting to support LGBTQQ youth:
My Princess Boy, a book written by a loving mother to support her gender non-conforming child
PFLAG, Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays has chapters all over
Factsheets and posters for allies at SMYRC's website

It Gets Better Messages:

Prizes: come to the Party!

The prize presentation party is planned for October 17th from 4:30 to 6PM at our Bar Challenge Winner: Hobo’s!

Hobo’s is located at 120 NW 3rd in Old Town; it is an all-age restaurant and lounge. We will have light food, a no-host bar and entertainment. All are welcome! Stay after the party for dinner- Hobo’s has a great prime rib!

Come to Pivot tonight for...

!Concientizante!
A Celebration of Latin@ art, culture and music to commemorate National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. Come celebrate our culture, heritage and pride. All are welcome!

Free food (Latin American inspired)
Free oral rapid HIV testing

Featuring the art of....
Antonio Alcocer,
Chris Beanes,
Edgar Frias,
Kirk Rea, &
Sergio Torres

With Performances by...
El Grupo de Danza Azteca Mexica Tiahui,
Edna Vazquez,
Ballet Folklorico Lo Nuestro, &
March 4th

For more information, call 503.223.5907

TEXT "Latino" to 503-446-5056 To get a reminder of this event or for more information. *Standard Text Messaging Rates Apply

For more information about the National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, check out the NLAAD website:
http://www.nlaad.org/

The Facebook event is here! Invite your friends!

More pictures!

More photos are coming in every day! You can find shots at the following locations:
Team Photos can be found here;
General event photos are here;
NicolaMac took a lovely picture--check it out here;
TherdtheTrainer took several--look here;
QMPolly has two: one here and the other here;
Andrew Loriego has an album up here on Facebook.

Keep sharing those photos, everyone--it's lovely to see how much you all enjoyed the Walk! Thanks for coming out to AIDS Walk Portland 2010, and we'll see in the Square next year!

AIDS Walk: Films and Photos

AIDS Walk 2010 was amazing! If you have photos or films to share, we'd love to see them! Byron Beck has photos here, qPDX has a set here.

Some FAQs for the Walk!

Registration will be available at the Walk starting at 9.00AM--just go to the registration tent and volunteers will help you! Registration is free, and t-shirts are free to Walkers who fundraise $100 or more. Donations will be accepted at the registration tent. Please register even if you are not raising funds--we'd like to know who was there!

There will be a Kid's Corner with activities for children and youth, so bring the whole family! Face painting, story telling and other fun hands-on activities will provide children with fun memories of the day. Pets are welcome, too, and there will be water bowls along the route. There will be Hydration Stations along the route for Walkers, and a complimentary breakfast in the Square starting at 9.00AM. Teams can have a photo taken together!

The 2.5 mi Walk route will begin at Pioneer Courthouse Square, proceed down SW Salmon Street to 4th Avenue, down SW 4th Avenue to NW Couch Street, Down NW 3rd to Flanders, Up NW Flanders to NW 9th Avenue, Down NW 9th Avenue to NW Johnson Street, up NW Johnson Street to NW 12th Avenue, down NW 12th Street to SW Stark Street, down SW Stark Street to SW Broadway, and down SW Broadway to Pioneer Courthouse Square. A map is available here. The route is flat and completely accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Entertainment will continue in the Square for those who are not Walking the route.

We hope to see you there. Get your friends to come along, because it is not too late to get involved. Registration is free! The route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Talk the Walk and help us end stigma in our community! Call us at 503.223.9255 or email aidswalkportland@cascadeaids.org if you have any further questions. Thank you so much for supporting us, and we’ll see you at the Walk!

Volunteers and CAP!

Last fiscal year, CAP volunteers gave over 21,000 hours of their time. This time has been estimated to be worth $550,000! Volunteers serve in our office and programs, and at events. They are an invaluable resource; without volunteers, some of our wonderful programs—like the Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline—wouldn’t even exist.

The state of Oregon has been ranked 11th in the nation for percentage of residents who volunteer for an organization. The city of Portland was ranked 2nd! We are so lucky to benefit from living in a place full of such engaged, active people.

How can YOU help (and win a massage!)?
Volunteer now and make a difference for years to come! CAP is gathering signatures for a petition to be listed on the Charitable Checkoff list that goes out with your Oregon tax return. We need 10,000 valid signatures and AIDS Walk is our best chance to get them. Training is offered for signature gathering volunteers.

There are two chances to help next week:

• Pink Party Bar Crawl, Wednesday, Sept 29 from 6 to 11pm. Meet at CAP at 6pm. Volunteers will get a t-shirt, pink boa & drink ticket.
  
• AIDS Walk Portland, Sunday, Oct 3 from 7:30am to 12:30pm. Meet at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Volunteers will get a t-shirt, pedometer, water bottle and Nike duffel bag.

Anyone who joins us as a Signature Gatherer at the Bar Crawl or AIDS Walk Portland will be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift certificate at Coldwater Creek Spa. We estimate 30 volunteers, so the odds are good!

Want to volunteer, but can’t for the AIDS Walk?
No problem—we’d still love to have you! The first step prospective volunteers should take is to attend a Volunteer Orientation. The next one is Tuesday October 5th—if that date doesn’t work for you, you can find one that will on CAP’s agency calendar.

Contact Volunteer Coordinator Marc Kochanski to sign up at mkochanski@cascadeaids.org.

AIDS Walk Portland 2010...

...is this weekend! We hope to see you there. Get your friends to come along, because it is not too late to get involved. Registration is free! The route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Talk the Walk and help us end stigma in our community!

Michael Kaplan on the news!

Cascade AIDS Project's Executive Director, Michael Kaplan, spoke about HIV/AIDS in America today and our upcoming AIDS Walk on Comcast Newsmakers.

AIDS Walk Portland 2010 Stats

As of Friday, September 17 @ 11.00AM:
Number of teams=268; amount of money raised=$140,832.

We're 2 weeks out- Talk the Walk and help us reach our goals:
12,000 Walkers in 300 Teams, raising $400,000.

Sign up as a Walker or sponsor a Walker at the AIDS Walk Portland 2010 website. After you've registered, you can customize your personal and team pages with graphics and text. You can use the Email Center to contact teammates and supporters. Go to the "Community" Tab to read fundraising tips and talk to other Walkers- see you there!

CAP Program Highlight: Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline

Oregon AIDS/STD hotline

(503) 223-AIDS | (800) 777-AIDS

(800) 449-6940 en espanol

Monday through Friday, 9am - 6pm and Saturday from 12pm - 6pm

Operating since 1987, the Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline is a volunteer-staffed program that provides HIV/STD and viral hepatitis information and referrals by phone and online to youth and adults across Oregon and the Northwest. Compassionate counselors answer questions and provide support to thousands of callers annually.

Though initially created to provide basic information on HIV/AIDS transmission and risk evaluation, the Hotline has been expanded over the years to include other services in response to changing needs in the community. The Hotline has become a statewide information and referral line for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many callers are unaware that they are at risk for other STIs, some of which do not show symptoms. Hotline counselors help callers identify any possible risks and provide information on testing resources.

Along with the free and confidential hotline, the program has expanded to include:

• Live online chat with trained Hotline counselors
• A statewide training calendar for providers
• Tips and advice for those living with HIV/AIDS
• Frequently Asked Questions
• A list of test sites and needle exchange programs in Oregon
• An easy database search for resources by county

The Hotline provides factual information about HIV, STDs, and viral hepatitis as well as referrals to services such as testing. If needed the Hotline can mail out brochures and fact sheets to callers. Hotline counselors can also provide over the phone support for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Hotline volunteers maintain a presence in several popular internet chat rooms, providing support around prevention and harm reduction.

Check out the Hotline on Facebook or read the blog!

For more information or for hard copies of HIV/AIDS fact sheets, contact Claire Backenstow, Hotline Coordinator.

High School Challenge!

AIDS Walk is a signature fund raiser for Cascade AIDS Project, raising 10% of the budget- we are inviting high school students to participate and raise money for their school!

Because of recent legislation, many Oregon schools need to perform an overhaul to bring them up to the wonderful new comprehensive sexuality education standards. Unfortunately, there has not been any money apportioned for this. This is an opportunity for the community to step in and help schools realize the vision set forth in the law. The Challenge engages students, getting them involved in educating and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, while helping to raise money for CAP and for schools' sex ed programs.

How it works:
To participate in the High School Challenge, a Team Captain must register and set up a team for their school. Once the team is set up, any student may join, and raise funds to count towards their goal. Walkers register online at the AIDS Walk website or by calling 503.223.WALK. After registering, they join their school's team and start raising funds! High Schools that raise $500 or more get to keep half of that money to re-vamp their school’s sex ed programs.

School Teams formed:

• Benson Polytechnic
• David Douglas
  
• Franklin
• Grant
  
• Gresham
• Lincoln
• Parkrose
• Wilson

We want to be a resource. AIDS Walk is on Facebook, "like" the page and invite friends to keep abreast of updates during the week. You can also follow the Walk on Twitter.

The 6th Annual What's New? conference is tomorrow!

What's New in HIV?
6th Annual Conference
September 11, 2010
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Ambridge Conference Center
1333 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Portland, OR 97232

Planning on attending the What’s New in HIV Conference? There’s still time to register, and we’d love to see you there!

This dynamic one-day conference provides up-to-date and accurate information on advances in HIV prevention, care and treatment. Offering critical educational and networking opportunities for individuals living with HIV and for service providers, the conference includes presentations from both consumer voices and service providers from some of Oregon's top medical and care facilities. There will be updates about recent advances in treatment and a keynote address from the wonderful Lisa Capaldini, MD, about aging and HIV.

Scholarships are available and Camp Starlight volunteers will be on hand the day of the conference to provide childcare. Just be sure to register and let us know if you will be bringing children! Lunch is included in the cost of attending, and all options are gluten free.

Click here to register. Click here for more information. If you have any questions or need help registering, contact Jonathan Thompson, Conference Intern at 503.278.3843 or email intern.jthompson@cascadeaids.org.