| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
August 14, 2009
|
Media Contacts:
Krishna Stone, GMHC, 212-367-1016
Thousands of Diverse Youth to attend 19th annual House of Latex Ball
New York, NY — On Saturday, August 15, several thousand of young people—most of them black or Latino and gay—will gather at the Roseland Ballroom for the 19th annual House of Latex ball, featuring vogueing competitions in two dozen categories and festive costumes. The event, hosted by Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), also includes HIV testing and prevention materials, and a health and social service provider fair.
Over the years, the House and Ball community — largely comprised of black and Latino youth and adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) — has experienced substantial loss due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As an HIV-prevention program, GMHC's House of Latex was formed in 1989 and continues to link community members with resources to improve their health outcomes, and provide workshops on HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The House of Latex conducts outreach at balls and other youth venues, incorporating innovative approaches to HIV prevention and safer sex messaging.
During the past two balls, surveys were conducted of nearly 5,000 attendees, resulting in a report released today. According to analysis of surveys, half of attendees are gay men, and about 10% lesbians. Roughly 20% of attendees are heterosexual, and 20% are bisexual. Five percent of attendees are transgender, 30% are women, and 63% are men. Seventy-eight percent of attendees at the 2008 House of Latex Ball were black or Latino. Fifteen percent of attendees at the 2007 House of Latex Ball reported having been homeless at some point in their lives. Fifty-eight percent said that this was the first House of Latex Ball they had ever attended. The mean age was 25.
This year's categories at the ball are designed around the activities, shows, and people that make up Las Vegas. The event taps into the creativity, resiliency and strength that exist in the House and Ball community. Individual and team winners are selected by a group of respected judges. Trophies and cash are offered for each category.
Click here for the full report which includes an in-depth analysis of the 2007 data.
For more information about the House of Latex and the House and Ball community, visit the website: www.myballroomlife.com.
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Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide prevention and care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City, and advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.
© 2009 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
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