Among the several intriguing-sounding workshops Aug. 16 was "LGTBQI People of Color & HIV: The Health Benefits of Community Mobilization," an interactive forum in which participants examined the process and impact of youth- and adult-mentoring programs and role models.
In the opening presentation, Stephaun Clipperthe prevention programs manager at The MOCHA Center, Inc. ( www.mochaproject.org ) , a New York-based for gay men, bisexual men and MSM of colortalked about MOCHA Weekend 2008, an annual "celebration of service to the community." One of the highlights was a community-health forum that covered such topics as racism/sexism, transphobia and HIV/AIDS.
A deeper look into said issues revealed much more, according to Clipper. He said that it was discovered that peer-based models were effective, and that trans health issues need more attention. An extended discussion took place when Clipper discussed another topic: HIV and the house/ball community. ( House/ball culture involves events in which people "walk" ( compete ) for trophies and prizes; houses typically are led by one individual, and the houses are usually named after that person. ) The talk centered on house parents and youths, and the dynamic that exists between them.
As for community mobilization, Clipper said that people can rally around social-justice issues such as homophobia. He added that meaning of mobilization spans the spectrum, and can include those impacted directly as well as public-health advocates.
Lark Ballinger and Chace Chou, both from Washington state, talked about developing mentorship program regarding community mobilization. The problem with mentorships, they stated, primarily involves a unidirectional flow of power ( as in a student-teacher relationship ) , so they are seeking to re-define mentorships by making them bidirectional. One way that can be accomplished, they said, is to make mentorships totally inclusive; they can even transcend age, as a thirtysomething individual could mentor a sixtysomething person, especially if the younger person has different experiences in his or her background.
Ballinger and Chou also talked about a program in Seattle, Wash., in which mentees got to choose several mentors from a pool of applicantsincluding the mentor that the individuals identified with the most. Additionally, the mentors would learn from each other.
Among the issues that would be addressed are approaches and challenges to actions and goals. The key components of the mentorship would involve creating a sense of community and the relationships being bidirectional, with Ballinger adding that they are trying to create "artificial houses."
Chicago was well-represented at this forum as Lora Branch, Tommy Bennett, Karl Grant and Ariq Cabbler talked about the Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus ( CBGMC; www.lovethybrotha.com ) , which Branch described as a "type of mobilization." Branch said that the caucus was formed ( in 2005 ) as a result of a recommendation that the health department work with Black MSM ( men who have sex with men ) leaders to confront HIV-related issues facing African-American gay and bisexual men.
Grant said that the mission of the caucus is to "mobilize and empower Black gay men and their allies to identify solutions to prevent new HIV infections." The organization has six subcommittees and hosts major activities every year. Cabbler added that said activities include a monthly executive planning meeting, a quarterly community meeting and the annual Lovefest that takes place in Jackson Park, 63rd and Cornell, Aug. 30, 3-9 p.m. Bennett discussed the caucus' forumsspecifically, "The Dating Game," an event in the style of the classic game show that addressed topics such as relationships and HIV.
Branch added that the caucus appears at various events, such as The Rocks, an annual Pride Day event at Montrose Beach that draws thousands of Black LGBT individuals. One of the activities the caucus conducts is HIV testingand Branch said that people have tested positive at each event.
Cabbler discussed the challenges involved in forming the caucus, such as defining a partnership, establishing group dynamics and dealing with diverse ideas/opinions. CBGMC's achievements have included creating new leadership and connecting community leaders to HIV-prevention messages.
He added that having clear and strong boundaries, creating a trusting atmospher and discovering that money is not always the solution are among the lessons members of the caucus have learned so far. In the light of a recent report that stated that 30 percent of Chicago's Black MSM are HIV-positive, Cabbler stated that one challenge is finding out what's new in terms of intervention and prevention strategies.
Branch also singled out Darius Mayfield, the caucus' administrator, has a young person who has taken the initiative to lead the organization in several aspects. Mayfield was honored by Windy City Times in its 30 Under 30 ceremony this past June.