Queer As Folks

MAP Leads AIDS Action Day at the Capitol

On March 18, Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP), a source of HIV information and services in Minnesota since 1983, brought together people from around the state to convey their concerns about HIV prevention and policies to state legislators.
Those in attendance met with their elected representatives, and rallied at the State Capitol Rotunda at Noon, uniting their voices in calling for HIV education for all, and continuing support for the more than 5,500 Minnesotans currently living with HIV.Today, HIV education is important than ever for everyone. Many are still unclear about how HIV is transmitted. According to MAP, someone is diagnosed with HIV every 27 hours, and an estimated 2,500 Minnesotans are infected with HIV but do not know it.For more info, visit www.mnaidsproject.org.

Bisexuals Attend BECAUSE
BECAUSE (Bisexual Empowerment Conference: A Unique Supportive Experience) has been one of the premier bisexual events in the Midwest since 1992. On March 28-30, it returned after a four-year lapse. Teaming up with the University of Minnesota, BECAUSE was held at Coffman Memorial Union on the U of M campus.This year’s conference offered a series of workshops and topics including politics, BDSM, coming out, and safe sex. Neither straight nor gay, BECAUSE allows people to learn more about bisexuality, an issue many people aren’t sure how to deal with.Teri Kline, Cochair of this year’s BECAUSE, says, “I think it’s important, because it gives the bisexual community as well as its allies a place to be recognized for who they are, and gives them a presence.”To learn more about this year’s event, or to find resources, visit www.because08.org.