Our Advocacy The New York State Black Gay Network engages in public policy advocacy campaigns on issues impacting black gay men across the State of New York . From hate crimes to homophobia, to increased appropriations at all levels of government to address HIV in our communities, to advocating with research institutions for more sound, community based research into how to make a dent in the various health disparities which negatively impact black gay men from Buffalo to Brooklyn, we are the go to voice for Black Gay Men in New York. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/weekinreview/15mcneil.html?_r=1&fta=y&oref=slogin http://www.champnetwork.org/index.php?name=nybmsm http://www.champnetwork.org/media/PRMarch07.doc http://www.ngba.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=2 http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/letters/ny-opleta5102509feb21,0,7951881.story?page=2 Star's gay-bashing fosters more hate As a black gay man who has worked in HIV/AIDS prevention services on behalf of the African-American community, I heard former NBA star Tim Hardaway's recent hate-filled remarks with sadness, anger and fear ["'Homophobic' Hardaway sorry for rant on gays," Sports, Feb. 15]. I fear his words help foster a dangerous environment in our community, particularly for the young black athlete who may love basketball but also may be questioning his sexuality. I am also angry about the underlying tone of Hardaway's remarks, which suggest that gay issues are something outside the black community. That notion is a complete fallacy. The reality is we have always been here. It saddens me to realize the silence that often engulfs our community when one of our "stars" says such harmful things. We never will be successful in halting the march of HIV/AIDS in our community without addressing the underlying homophobia that keeps us silent about how to prevent it. I continue to plead with community members to recognize that if you believe there is a "down low" phenomenon affecting HIV/AIDS infection rates among women, the way to combat it is by supporting your gay brothers, who are honest and open about who they are and speaking out when they are marginalized or demeaned. I know Hardaway could not have possibly anticipated the impact that his words would have in the larger community. But the fact is that his words promote violence against gay men. Mark Jason McLaurin Editor's note: The writer is executive director of the New York State Black Gay Network. Manhattan  To do that work, we partner with critical community coalitions and organizations in CITY HALL www.gmhc.org www.housingworks.org ALBANY WWW.prideagenda.org and Washington, DC www.nbgmac.org www.aidsaction.org Continue to check back in this section for upcoming policy briefings

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