Jury deliberations have begun in the Jussie Smollett trial, Democrats introduce a bill to make PrEP and PEP more accessible, Pansexual Pride Day – Thursday, December 9, 2021
01:41 – Closing arguments are complete and now the jury deliberates in the Jussie Smollett trial
03:15 – Democrats in the senate work to eliminate costs associated with receiving PrEP and PEP
05:39 – Pansexual Pride Day and 5 things you should know
06:40 – Anna’s Got a Word
Closing arguments are complete and now the jury deliberations in the Jussie Smollett trial are underway. Democrats in the senate work to eliminate costs associated with receiving PrEP and PEP. Pansexual Pride Day and 5 things you should know.
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Transcript
Closing arguments took place in the Jussie Smollett trial yesterday with both sides reiterating their key points to the jury. For the defense, the story is that the Osundairo brothers attacked Smollett because they didn’t like him due to self-hatred and homophobia, or possibly to convince Smollett to hire them for his security team. They contend the $3,500 check was for meal and workout plans not for participating in a “fake attack.” Defense attorney Uche called the Osundairo brothers intelligent criminals, interested only in going after a famous celebrity’s money and their own fame. Uche said, “They lied to this court, they lied to this jury,” Uche said. “They’re criminals. They’re the worst type of criminals.” The prosecution told jurors that when Smollett was under oath he made many false statements and lied. The prosecutor walked jurors through Smollett’s case again in order to highlight gaps or contradictions; i.e. the drive around the scene for what they are calling a dry run, not providing CPD his cellphone or DNA sample. Prosecutor Webb said, “He was hoping the Osundairo brothers would not cooperate with the police…he got exposed, and now we’re in a trial. That’s what happened.” Well now it’s up to the jury. They began deliberations yesterday and they continue this morning. We’ll see how they shift through this very bizarre case. Smollett is being charged with six felony counts of disorderly conduct on suspicion of making false reports to the police.We will continue to follow the story and keep you posted on the outcome.
In politics, the Democrats have introduced a bill to make PrEP and PEP more accessible to those that really need it. Let me take a step back though. Are you familiar with PrEP & PEP? I hope so but if not PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is taken to prevent people from contracting HIV altogether. It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%. It’s an amazing treatment. Now, PEP is used in emergency situations after a person has been exposed to HIV. It has to be taken within 72 hours after exposure. This bill, the PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2021, has been introduced by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN). If it passes, it would eliminate out-out-pocket costs for PrEP for people who use public and some private insurance plans. It would also eliminate the need to have doctor justification for receiving the treatment. It would also tackle discrimination in health care against people on PrEP, banning private insurers from raising premiums on someone who takes the medication. Last and surely not least, the bill would give funds for education campaigns and state and local governments to expand access to PrEP. All dope points of change that can have real impacts in communities of color. While PrEP was approved by the FDA in 2012 and the Affordable Care Act requires most insurance companies cover it, “the nationwide HIV infection rate among Black and Latino gay and bisexual men has remained the same for the past 10 years, according to the CDC.” AIDS Institute Executive Director Michael Ruppal in a statement. “Since PrEP was approved by the FDA, uptake has skewed towards privileged groups with better insurance and the ability to pay for the medication and associated costs. This bill will help to create more equitable access to this life-saving medication by requiring nearly all public and private insurers cover the medication as well as the labs and doctors visits that are required to start and maintain a PrEP prescription.” I hope they are able to get this bill passed because the impact of HIV/AIDS in our communities are very real.
Good people, I have to apologize. Yesterday was Pansexuality Pride Day and I didn’t report on it. I’m making up for it today but reporting on 5 facts shared to Pink News that our “pan pals” want you to know. Let’s get it.
1. Pansexuality and bisexuality are not the same thing.
2. Pansexual people aren’t ‘confused’
3. Pansexuality does not equal non-monogamy
4. Being pansexual is amazing
5. No, it’s nothing to do with literal pans
One point that struck me was from Ella Walker, BBC Studios podcast producer, where she says, “Labels should be guidelines and helpful suggestions, not rules!” That’s at the heart of any label we claim or read about it. The words on a page will never reflect one person’s lived experience 100%. Life is not black & white as I find it to be very very grey.
Now family, it’s time for our word of the day. You know Anna’s always got a word. In my mastermind journal the affirmation said, “Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.” Whew chile. I had to read that a few more times and take a few deep breaths. I needed the reminder that whatever I’m praying for at any given moment may not be part of the plan right now or ever. When I am at my best I remember that I am not in control of everything that happens to me. I pray, I meditate, I manifest, I affirm. I follow these practices to help me be grounded and focused. Not because I alone can dictate my fate. When I am at my best I remember that the divine’s promise still stands true that all things are possible for those who believe. Come on family. Till tomorrow, peace.
