Team Friendly Midwest

11/20/2024

Today we would like to take a moment to reflect on the significance of The Transgender Day of Remembrance. This annual observance serves as a solemn reminder of our trans siblings who have lost their lives to acts of anti-transgender violence.

At Team Friendly Midwest, we will be observing a quiet moment on this day to honor the memory of those we have lost. It is a time to reflect on the lives that were cut short and to think about what we, as a community, can do to create a more inclusive and accepting world.

We invite each of you to join us in taking a moment of silence, wherever you may be, to remember and pay tribute to the transgender lives that have been tragically taken away. Let us use this time not only to mourn their loss but also to consider how we can contribute to building a world where everyone can live free from discrimination and violence.

In the spirit of remembrance, we encourage you to contemplate what actions you can take, both individually and collectively, to make a positive impact. It is through unity and understanding that we can strive for a future where every individual, regardless of gender identity, can live authentically and without fear.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for taking a moment to remember and honor those who are no longer with us.

With heartfelt regards,

Team Friendly Midwest

06/07/2024

HAPPY PRIDE, KC!
Party safe out there and swing by the KC Pioneers booth for free narcan and fentanyl test strips.

04/27/2024

We are happy to announce that Missie B's has joined the Rainbow Narcan Initiative! You can now find a community resource bucket stocked with free narcan nasal spray and fentanyl test strips, upstairs in The Leather Shop.
Last year we lost over 6000 of our brothers and sisters to op**te overdose.

04/17/2024

Howdy all! We want to take a moment to introduce you to our Buddies over at Buddy Up. Buddy Up is an outreach of the KC Care clinic focusing on s*xual health and harm reduction in the men who have s*x with men demographic in the greater Kansas City area. You can learn more at kcprevention.org

We are excited to share that Team Friendly Midwest has joined in the Social Network Tester program so we can learn how to test our community for HIV and Hepatitis C, and to directly connect them to health care services if needed. Stay tuned while we keep you updated on our journey. 🥰🥰🥰🥰

Private, No-Cost HIV Testing Quality services to meet our community’s needs. We use a united approach to harm reduction, prioritizing cultural humility, and diversity for all walks of life. We strive to be leaders in the communities we serve. Our Services STI Testing Learn more HIV Prevention & Ed...

03/29/2024

Good morning, AIDS Walk Kansas City Family!

It’s that time of year—time to rally for the 36th annual AIDS WALK Kansas City! On behalf of our presenter, the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater KC, we invite you to join us and the 448 walkers already registered as we celebrate 36 years of life-saving support.

Rain or Shine, AIDS Walk Kansas City 2024 will be held on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, at Theis Park, Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd and Oak St., just south of the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Stage entertainment and Welcoming Ceremonies commence at 9:00 a.m. And at 10 a.m., we walk!

You can register solo or join a team, craft your singular fundraising appeal, and harness the power of email and social media to spread your message of caring and support. This site also provides Team and Walker progress bars and a thorough FAQ.

Remember: Registration is always FREE! Register Today!

Want to go the extra mile? Create a Team and invite friends, family, and co-workers to walk with you! AIDS Walk Teams raise 33% more than individual walkers. For more guidance or inspiration, join us for our Team Captain Workshop (date, time, and workshop details coming soon).

AIDS Walk 2024 marks the 36th Anniversary of our AIDS Walk Family’s commitment to raise funds and awareness for those affected by HIV/AIDS in our hometown. And what strides we’ve made! Thanks to you, Kansas City continues to lead the nation in connecting people to treatment, keeping them in treatment, and keeping viral loads undetectable. Wow!

We hope to see you on Walk Day, Saturday, April 27th, 2024, as we come together to support these life-changing breakthroughs and reaffirm our goal of an HIV-free Kansas City!

For questions or more information, email us at [email protected]!

See you at the Park!

- Your AIDS Walk Co-Chairs
Wendy Budetti, Brett Hoedl, Justin Campbell, and Mysti Meiers

- Your AIDS Service Foundation Team
Kimberly Carlson, Board President
Brandon Woodard, Development Director

03/16/2024

Let's be real for a second. Substance use and abuse runs rampant in our community, and there are too many of us dying. You may have noticed we've been doing a harm reduction campaign lately, but what does that mean? Here's a little primer, for those who are new to the idea.

02/18/2024

We are happy to announce we have started Phase 2 of our Rainbow Narcan Initiative! You can find our new community resource buckets at LeatherMasters KC and Sidekicks Saloon. These buckets contain free narcan, naloxone, and fentanyl test strips and are publicly accessible during business hours.
If you know of a business in the greater KC metro that would like to have a Community Resource Bucket, please let us know!

02/14/2024

Le***an, Gay, Bi, Straight, Ace, Trans, Cis, Q***r, Poz, Neg... Love is Love.

From all of us here at TFMW, Happy Valentines!

02/03/2024

HIV stigma encompasses irrational or negative attitudes, behaviors, and judgments towards individuals living with or at risk of HIV.

Internalized HIV stigma isn't limited to those living with HIV; it extends to individuals at risk. A CDC study revealed that nearly 8 in 10 adults with HIV reported experiencing internalized HIV-related stigma.

For those living with HIV, internalized stigma can lead to depression, isolation, shame, and impact adherence to HIV medication. Fear of disclosure, being outed, or losing jobs adds to the challenges.

In individuals at risk of HIV, internalized stigma influences attitudes towards testing, safer s*x precautions, PrEP, and open conversations about s*x with partners.

Open discussions about HIV help normalize the subject, correct misconceptions, and foster understanding. Let's break the silence and create a supportive environment for everyone affected by HIV.