Center to create library

RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh’s library will be opening in mid-August. Its mission is to provide access to resources for LGBT study and entertainment and to encourage exploration of the LGBT experience in a safe and welcoming environment.

They are now accepting donations of books, magazines, DVDs and CDs to add to the growing collection.

Bring items to the center during regular business hours. The center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and all donations are tax deductible. VHS videos, cassette tapes or records are not being accepted.

They are also on the lookout for a flip video camera, water cooler, gift cards for landscape materials and a landscaper and able-bodied individuals who can help with renovations.

For more information, email erin@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

Camp time for kids

RALEIGH — The 2nd Annual ASPYRE (A Safer Place for Youth to Reach for Excellence) Youth Leadership Camp will be held June 24-26 on the North Carolina State University campus.

It focuses on helping LGBTQQ and allied youth to learn valuable leadership principles in a safe and positive environment.

Registration is $50 and includes food, overnight room and activities.

For a complete itinerary and registration, visit lgbtcenterofraleigh.com/site/programs/youthnfamily/aspyre.

Safe sex hard for trans

RALEIGH — North Carolina State University released findings early this month saying that for those in the transgender community, talking about safe sex is more complicated. This study hopes to advance methods for both the LGBT and straight population.

Dr. Kami Kosenko, an assistant professor of communication at NC State and lead author of the study told Science Daily, “The main reason for this study is the fact that we’re seeing evidence of devastatingly high HIV prevalence rates in the transgender community.” He added, “The HIV prevalence rate is less than 1 percent for the general U.S. population. But for the transgender population, the HIV prevalence rate is estimated to be as high as 60 percent in major metropolitan areas. Although these are only estimates, they are troubling.”

How transgender individuals speak about safe sex is one of the key factors researchers say. Talking about safe sex is compounded when also dealing with sharing one’s gender identity. Honesty about one’s past in also brought into question, both in the transgender community and beyond.

The paper was published in the Journal of Communication. Funding for the research was provided by the National Institute of Mental Health.