Why I Ride
It’s been over 40 years since the first official reporting of AIDS, the epidemic has undeniably left lasting ripple effects on the LGBTQ community. While there is ongoing work to process the collective pain, hurt and anger surrounding AIDS, a silver lining is becoming more apparent. The heightened social stigma around the disease coupled with government neglect and injustices acted as the catalyst for various identifies- gay, queer, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, to come together in order to combat the AIDS epidemic. This collective action of caring is one of the reasons I am gearing up for my third AIDS Life Cycle ride.
Local organizations, like the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, emerged in response to the call for action during the AIDS epidemic. Continuing its mission, the SF AIDS Foundation serves as a hub, providing essential sexual health services, mental health support, substance use assistance, and housing to the LGBTQIA community. As a non-profit organization, it relies on support from others and has been hosting the AIDS Lifecycle ride since 1994—a 545-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles to shed light on the impact of HIV/AIDS.
Why Your Chosen Family Matters: Building Stronger Relationships
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are reminded of the importance of family and the warm memories of this time of year. However, this season can be a stark reminder of difficult family dynamics or even estrangement from relatives for some of us. This is where the concept of a "chosen family" becomes crucial. In this blog post, we will discuss what a chosen family is and why it is essential, especially for those who may not have a supportive or loving blood family. We will also touch on ways to connect with your chosen family this holiday season.
What is a chosen family?
A chosen family is a group of close friends or loved ones intentionally chosen to be a support system. They may not have any familial relation to you, but they are the people you turn to in times of need for comfort, advice, love, and support. This kind of family structure is most common in LGBTQ+ communities, where many individuals may experience rejection and lack of acceptance from their biological families.
Loneliness During the Holidays: Understanding and Overcoming It
Loneliness During the Holidays: Understanding and Overcoming It
The holiday season is upon us, with its cheer, festivities, and family gatherings. While many people thrive in such an environment, for others, it can be a time of profound loneliness, isolation, and anxiety. Loneliness during the holidays is more common than we might think. Still, it's often stigmatized, misunderstood, and swept under the rug. In this article, we'll explore the prevalence of loneliness in the United States, what it feels like during the holidays, and three quick tips for reducing it. Read on if you're struggling with loneliness or know someone who does.
The prevalence of loneliness in the United States:
Unleashing Calm in Kinky Chaos: Tips for Managing Anxiety at Events like Folsom St Fair
The Folsom St. Fair is an annual BDSM and leather street fair that attracts thousands of people to San Francisco for a day of extravagance and exploration. As exhilarating as this event can be, it can also be overwhelming, especially for people who experience anxiety or stress. Let's explore ways to calm your nervous system and ground yourself during big events like Folsom St. Fair using tips from the workshop "Unleashing Calm in Kinky Chaos," led by David Khalili, LMFT, Founder of Rouse Relational Wellness.
Possibilities in the Air.
Pride is upon us, the time when myriad LGBTQIA identities, and allies show up to fill the San Francisco streets with laughter, “looks'', affection, and connection. Although the pandemic paused Pride for the past two years, the Pride traditions are very familiar – the making of eye contact with a stranger while marching to Dolores, the debauchery with new and old friends, flirtatious movements on the dance floor and, for those that are fortunate, new sexual experiences.