In This Issue

If you wanted to create the perfect activist to become the new voice in the fight against HIV/AIDS, you would want the person to be smart. You would want the person to be passionate. It wouldn't hurt if they were drop-dead gorgeous. And wouldn't it be amazing if they were also extremely talented? Well, you would want that person to be Jamar Rogers.

On February 6, 2012, Jamar burst into our consciousness when he came out about his HIV status to millions of Americans as a contestant on NBC's hit reality singing competition "The Voice". America was amazed by his remarkable ability to interpret and perform music. But even as we became awestruck by his vocal performances and rooted for him to win the singing competition, it was his courage and honesty that made us fall in love with him.

While he didn't win the singing competition, he has used his exposure on the show to combat AIDS and save lives on a grand scale. Indeed, Jamar epitomizes the possibility that exists when people living with HIV come out; when we live our lives boldly and proudly; when we allow love and courage prevail over fear; and when we use our voices to help others to live their truth. Jamar Rogers is that voice!

Jamar is already my hero. But on Tuesday May 20th he will be inducted into the Heroes in the Struggle hall of fame at the 15th Anniversary Heroes in the Struggle Gala Reception and Awards Presentation. I hope you join us as we salute this amazing young man at the Director's Guild of America in Los Angeles. To buy tickets or find out more information about Jamar or the other 2014 Heroes In the Struggle go to www.BlackAIDS.org/HITStickets.

Also in this issue, a conversation with Douglas Brooks, the new head of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, as he transitions into his new assignment. The Young Black Gay Men's Leadership Initiative held its second Policy & Advocacy Summit. The Initiative's vice chair Anthony Roberts, Jr., fills us in. With the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act an overwhelming success, several states are racing to process the backlog of applications that developed as people eagerly took advantage of the Medicaid expansion. Our friends at ProPublica report on this good problem to have. And as we enter the Obamacare era, we learn the nuances of "qualifying life events," life changes significant enough that the Act permits us to adjust to our health insurance coverage between official enrollment periods.

Finally, we are excited to announce two new partners in the Drive Out AIDS, Win a New Car raffle for the 2014 Kia Forte or a Carnival Cruise for two: The Arc of Refuge, an Oakland AIDS service organization, and the Community Education Group in Washington, DC. These groups have not only joined our raffle partnership; they also beneficiaries. And from now until the final drawing at the Heroes in the Struggle Gala on May 20, if you buy a raffle ticket and refer someone else who purchases a raffle ticket, you win a second raffle ticket for free. Go here to get your tickets or call 213-353-3610, ext. 107.

Yours in the struggle,

Phill