Norfolk, VA — LGBT Life Center and Minority AIDS Support Services (MASS) express deep concern and strong opposition to the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) recent decision to significantly reduce Ryan White Part B (RWB) funding and eliminate critical rebate grants. These abrupt actions jeopardize essential services for individuals living with HIV across the Commonwealth…
Advocacy
HIV Prevention Programs Are Under Attack—Here’s What’s at Stake
A devastating proposal is currently making its way through Washington via the Trump administration’s DOGE office: the potential elimination of federal funding for HIV prevention programs. If enacted, these cuts would shut down the CDC’s HIV prevention division, halting federally funded initiatives that have saved countless lives. This is not an exaggeration—this is a crisis in the making. At LGBT…
Taking Action in This Political Climate: Next Steps After Our Community Conversation
Last night, we came together for a powerful community conversation—one that highlighted the concerns, fears, and hopes of our LGBTQ+ community and allies. We heard you, and we are committed to taking action. But real change doesn’t happen without collective effort. If you’re wondering what you can do to make a difference in this political…
Use This Template to Tell Legislators You Want Marriage Equality to Stay Legal In VA
What’s Happening? On Wednesday, November 13th, the Virginia House Committee will meet to consider HJ9, a resolution that would give voters the power in 2026 to amend the state constitution and remove the outdated ban on same-gender marriage. This is a vital step to protect marriage equality in Virginia and prevent the ban from potentially…
Virginia’s Budget Cuts Threaten Vital HIV Prevention Programs
In a surprising and concerning move, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has announced significant funding cuts to community-based HIV and STI prevention programs. This decision comes on the heels of Governor Youngkin’s recent announcement of a $1.2 billion budget surplus, raising questions about the state’s commitment to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. The…
Understanding Intimate Partner Violence in the Context of Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month, celebrating the achievements, contributions, and identities of people with disabilities while raising awareness about their challenges. Initiated in 1990, the year the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, this month is also a crucial time to address the heightened risk of violence faced by individuals with disabilities….
Supporting LGBTQ+ Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Unique Challenges and Misconceptions Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) manifests at similar or even higher rates within LGBTQ+ relationships as it does in heterosexual ones. However, distinct challenges within the LGBTQ+ community—such as a deep-seated mistrust of law enforcement, the fear of being outed against one’s will, and widespread misconceptions about the nature of IPV—can make…
Admiral Levine Visits LGBT Life Center to Discuss Community Health
On Tuesday morning, October 24, 2023, LGBT Life Center had the honor of welcoming Admiral Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary of Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Her visit marked a significant moment for our community, as we engaged in meaningful dialogue about the future of LGBTQAI+ health and strategies to end…
Saying Goodbye to Senator Dianne Feinstein, A Longtime LGBTQ+ Rights Advocate
Dianne Feinstein (1933 – 2023), the U.S. Senator from California, has long been a prominent figure in American politics, holding a seat in the Senate since 1992. Throughout her political career, Feinstein has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her legislative efforts and support for policies promoting equality and anti-discrimination have had a national impact…
Gov. Glen Youngkin Administration Quietly Enacts a Form of “Don’t Say Gay” in Virginia
Gov. Glen Youngkin administration quietly enacts a form of “Don’t Say Gay,” in Virginia.