Tag: Calgary

Nestled in southeastern Washington, the charming town of Walla Walla is a destination that combines rich history, award-winning wines, and an emerging culinary scene. With its picturesque vineyards, welcoming small-town atmosphere, and impressive gastronomic offerings, Walla Walla is an ideal getaway for food and wine lovers alike. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of experiencing some of the best this town has to offer, from cozy accommodations to must-visit dining spots and vineyards. What made this adventure even more fun was that I got to experience it with fellow LGBTQ content creators Matt of Michael & Matt, Mikah Meyer and Adam Dupuis.

My journey began at The GG, an elegant bed and breakfast in the heart of Walla Walla. This historic property exudes warmth and hospitality, offering a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comforts.

The innkeeper took the time to give me a tour of the beautifully restored home, detailing its history and unique features. The decor strikes a perfect balance between classic elegance and contemporary convenience, with tastefully furnished rooms featuring plush bedding, vintage details, and modern amenities. In the evenings, guests can unwind in the…

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When the dashing and magnificently bearded Dr. Giovanni Guaraldi took to the stage at last fall’s HIV and Aging conference in New York City, and described a nearly 100-year-old person living with HIV, I was more than a bit skeptical. Not of the researcher—he’s done some of the most brilliant research on aging with HIV. Guaraldi also advocates a "rethink" of care services provided for people living with HIV as we age, particularly now that about half of us are over 50—and by 2030, as many as 40 percent of us will have reached the age of 65.

Rather than our routine HIV care, we increasingly need comprehensive multidisciplinary services to match our more complex needs. Even in middle age, we need a more aggressive approach to screening, diagnosis, and management of many conditions associated with aging.

The firebrand activist Jules Levin of the National AIDS Treatment Advocacy Project (NATAP) has been broadcasting this message for years now—sounding the alarm that we, the aging HIV community, are headed for a services gap. Based upon study after study documenting rates of frailty, aging-related complications, and disability among people living with HIV that are much higher than what is seen in people of the same chronological age in the general population, he believes that HIV care systems are totally unprepared to provide the services many of us will need.

His warnings seem to be falling on deaf ears, due at least partly to ageism and denial. People don’t like to think about all the ailments associated with "growing…

The post Positive Thoughts: Changing how we age with HIV appeared first on Gay LGBTQ Media and Press Network.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg. What a devastating loss. For her family, for the country, for the rule of law.

We didn’t let her have a single moment of peace in the last years of her life. She didn’t get to retire. She didn’t get to look back on and celebrate her historic and spectacular legacy. Nope. Because millions of Americans voted for a washed-up TV crook masquerading as a businessman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg worked until her dying day.

She deserved better.

And now, even though it was literally her dying wish not to be replaced by him and even though a clear majority of Americans think the next justice should be appointed by whoever wins the 2020 election, Trump is getting to choose her replacement. A man who lost the popular vote by millions who leads a party that represents a minority of Americans will have appointed three Supreme Court justices by…

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To say I fell in love with Oklahoma City would be an understatement. I thoroughly enjoy visiting lesser known cities around the country as you go in with little expectations or preconceived notions. I had visited OKC very briefly a few years ago, but never spent a substantial amount of time there.

I quickly took note of the city’s evolution and progression over the past decade. Modern structures are popping up throughout the city, juxtaposed next to historic buildings that give a nod to the Oklahoma City’s past.

This trip was actually quite special as it was the first time the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors bureau (Visit OKC) organized an LGBT specific media trip. The 21c Museum Hotel served as our host hotel for the stay and it couldn’t have been any more perfect. The rooms featured king-sized beds with two separate seating areas and a shower all 5 of us journalists could have fit in. No, that didn’t happen on this trip.

During our stay, the hotel was exhibiting an extraordinary pop culture series of artwork designed as if they knew the gays were coming to visit. I’m not sure how many Instagram photos we took throughout the hotel, but it’s safe to say, the number is in the dozens.

Even the hotel restaurant, Mary Eddy’s Kitchen x Lounge was incredible. Aside from breakfast, which was inexpensive and delicious, I ordered the Brussel Sprouts from the bar menu for a snack one afternoon and they were the best I’ve ever had. I’m not sure how they made them, but to quote Guy Fieri, they were out…

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Beloved for its MGM classic film ethos mixed with potty mouth flair, Merce returns for its second hilarious season. Produced by Skipping Boyz Productions and made possible via a crowdfunding campaign on Fractured Atlas that raised over $60,000 from fans, the second season features eight new episodes, each with its own elaborately choreographed original musical number. All of the series favorite characters are back, too. The outrageous Southern Mama played by Tyne Firmin shines along with the fabulous fairies and, of course, the loveable Merce played by Charles Sanchez. Exciting new characters are introduced as well; among them are judgmental Aunt Bless, Lisa (with an S) Minnelli and a smattering of titillating Eye Candy Boys. The hijinks are raised to unprecedented heights in season two yet the series manages to dive into some hot…

The post “Merce The Series” the HIV+ Musical Comedy Series Returns for Second Season appeared first on Gay LGBTQ Media and Press Network.