United We Blog!

The LGBT Blogger and Citizen Journalist Initiative recently took place in Washington D.C.

"Bloggers listened intently as their more veteran peers instructed them in the art of "blog swarms," "astro-turfing" and "cross-posting.

Bloggers, said one, can enable a minor event to "take on a whole new life" in the mainstream media by spreading news about it across 10 or 15 different blogs (the "blog swarm"). Lone bloggers can acquire the clout of large groups by assuming a moniker that makes them appear to be a "national" entity when, in fact, they are "a fake grassroots organization" ("astro-turfing"). And bloggers can increase readership for their views by posting them not just on their own sites but on other, more widely read, sites ("cross-posting").

Blogs, said Mike Rogers, organizer of the summit, can be used to "drag people out of the closet" and persuade a corporation that has donated to an anti-gay cause to make amends to the LGBT community" (Pride Source).

I found this article to be very empowering, individual blogs can make a difference but as a collective voice we represent thousands upon thousands of people. We make up a core constituency if we unite, that was always my goal with Queers United. I hope that we can band together for various action alerts we put out and make sure to heed each call. Sending an email, calling, signing a petition, writing to your elected representative make a huge difference. Every vote counts, and so does every voice, so please join me in being an agent of change.

Bloggers Unite - "Blogging for Hope" on World Aids Day

On December 1st, bloggers from around the world will unite for World AIDS Day 2008. Worldwide an estimated 33 million people are living with HIV. In the United States, an estimated one million Americans are living with HIV. In response, both the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy’s AIDS.gov have come together to share HIV/AIDS information with the blogging community for World AIDS Day 2008.

Please join us on December 1st in recognition of World AIDS Day 2008. NIDA and AIDS.gov are working with Bloggers Unite because we value and recognize the power of a voice. Multiply that voice by the thousands and the sound of humanity will echo the blogosphere. HIV/AIDS affects too many in our communities to ignore. Be a part of a growing community of leaders that lift their voices.

Together, we can reduce the stigma of this pandemic through our words, voices and actions.

Check out Bloggers Unite, and also be sure to read the Queers United post on World Aids Day.