Oh, “Gawd!” You’re an LGBTQ guy or gal simply dreading THAT time of year—the holidays! Why might you be in a major funk? Well, maybe you feel you can’t be your authentic self around family: you’re still closeted. Or, you might be alone, feeling isolated. All of this can throw you into a nasty tailspin. And where do you crash land? Into one “helluva” depression! Research bears out that the rates of depression [...]
Every October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DWAM). It evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). In recognition of DVAM, Wyattevans.com has been presenting a very special series of articles and features throughout this month. Within the LGBTQ community, domestic violence and abuse is referred to as Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A). This atrocious cycle of behavior is [...]
Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A) is a serious, potentially life-threatening—but preventable--public health problem that impacts millions of Americans. Specifically, IPV/A describes the physical, sexual, emotional and/or psychological harm perpetrated by a current or former partner or spouse who is LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning). This type of violence also can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples, and does not require sexual intimacy. [...]
Baltimore Black Pride has arrived! The yearly—and much anticipated—celebration kicked off on October 3 and ends the 9th. I managed to “get my hands” on Mr. Carlton R. Smith, the influential and well-respected gay rights activist. Mr. Smith is the Executive Director/CEO of the Center for Black Equity (CBE) and Co-founder of Baltimore Black Pride. Having resided in Baltimore for decades, many (including myself) have affectionately bestowed upon him the title [...]
Just what does the (possibly) a little odd, a tad exotic acronym “IPV/A” stand for? Well, it refers to Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse, which is generally known as domestic violence and abuse (DVA) within the LGBTQ community. Sadly and unfortunately, this demeaning and horrendous cycle of behavior is an ongoing serious societal issue. And more prevalent than was once believed. As a journalist, I've extensively researched and reported on [...]
IPV/A, the acronym for Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse, is generally referred to as domestic violence and abuse (DVA) within the LGBTQ community. Sadly and unfortunately, this horrific behavior continues to be a critical issue. What makes matters worse is that stigma is a driving force that keeps this demeaning and demoralizing cycle of abuse “swept under the rug.” It’s the “elephant in the room.” This leads to IPV/A [...]
This past March, I penned “The Undetectability Of It All,” for Wyattevans.com. The article stated that the AIDS United Public Policy Committee declared that it has “strongly affirmed the conclusive evidence proving that people living with HIV who have achieved a sustained, undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to sexual partners. This evidence-based declaration reinforces AIDS United’s programmatic, policy and advocacy work to expand access to antiretroviral medications to [...]
For most of the long Independence Day Holiday, I was “takin’ a (generous) bite outta” the Big Apple! (LOL) And at one of the parties I attended, an incident got deep under my skin and really rankled me. This particular soiree was interracial: roughly, the breakdown was 50% Black, 30 % Caucasian and 20 % Latino/Blatino. And, it was mostly [...]
With his continuing lies, deceit, (attempted) obfuscation, and reckless and injurious strokes of the pen (executive actions) Trump continues to dismantle and defame this country—bit by bit, piece by piece. He’s hard and assiduously at work violating the Emoluments Clause; enriching himself, his family and friends; shredding the safety net; and chipping away at the hard-fought gains that LGBTQ and minority [...]
“Love can be so, so…well, over-rated.” As so many of you recall, I published “Interview With An Escort: An Update” last summer. It was a raw and revealing follow-up with “Jase,” an exclusive and popular NYC gay/SGL “Man of the Evening,” whom I first interviewed in March 2015. I’ve decided to build a series around this individual. Why? Three basic reasons: [...]
“Being my authentic self—that is, openly gay—frees me to be more creative; it allows me to write and sing about things other than love and parties. I believe I have a duty to be visible.” Poignant and sagacious words from the androgynous and openly-gay/SGL African-American musician known as Crisean (pronounced “Cris-Shawn”; born Christopher Snowden). Innovative and uber-talented, he’d been singing Disney songs [...]
For years, I’ve been reporting and writing about HIV/AIDS. When I’ve asked individuals the question, “Would you be sexually intimate with someone who’s undetectable?,” I’ve gotten some rather blunt and curt responses. Here are three: “Uh-uh.” “But doesn’t pre-cum contain the virus?” “Nah…I’ll think I’ll pass!” However, the 44-member AIDS United Public Policy Committee—the largest and longest-running [...]
