KCBS-AMHIV-AIDS Office Opens in OaklandBy George Harris OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS) -- An international organization dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS has opened an office in downtown Oakland. The office at 14th Street and Broadway marks a milestone for Global Forum, as the organization is trying to draw attention to the plight of MSM, men who have sex with men. "The HIV-AIDS epidemic have disproportionately impacted gay men and other men who have sex with men around the world," said executive director George Ayala. He said MSM includes gays, non-gays, male sex workers and even men who engage in sex behind bars or in the military. "Widespread stigma and discrimination, human rights abuses is a real problem," said Ayala. "And it undermines our ability to roll out effective HIV-related services." And advocates have an ally in Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who said they still have plenty of work to do to expand HIV services and provide targeted outreach to communities. http://www.kcbs.com/localnews/HIV-AIDS-Office-Opens-in-Oakland/6479069 |