Metro Weekly magazine: 2019-01-10 edition (PDF)
By Metro Weekly Contributor
on
January 11, 2019
AIDS United, an organization that advocates for policies and funding aimed at ending the HIV epidemic, will honor U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) at its AIDSWatch conference for their leadership and advocacy on behalf of people living with HIV.
The annual HIV advocacy event, whose theme this year is "Defending Progress, Demanding Justice," brings together people living with HIV, community leaders, and allies to confront political, budgetary, and structural threats to HIV prevention and treatment -- including limited access to health care, cuts to research funding, and laws that criminalize HIV.
Philz Coffee is facing backlash after directing its shops to remove Pride flags and related decor from in-store displays.
A petition launched on Change.org by individuals claiming to be Philz baristas alleges the coffee chain ordered Pride flags removed from nearly 60 stores across California and Illinois, saying the directive has "left many team members and customers feeling confounded and unsupported."
"The pride flags within the stores hold deep meaning and value to both staff and visitors, symbolizing that these locations are safe and welcoming spaces for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity," the petition states. "Removing these flags risks alienating a core group of team members and loyal customers who see Philz not just as a coffee shop, but as a place where they are embraced and celebrated for who they are."
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave a Little Rock restaurant, with the owner citing concerns from LGBTQ employees over her political positions.
On March 13, Sanders dined at The Croissanterie, arriving unannounced with two guests, staff members, and her State Police Executive Protection Detail.
Her party had been seated for more than an hour and had already paid and tipped when she said the restaurant owner asked a member of her security detail to have them leave.
