Urban Professionals Leading in Florida and Tampa Bay, Inc. DBA, MOA hosts its bi-monthly meeting and a community forum to discuss topics that affect the wellbeing of GLBTIQ2-S and Allies, people of color and the broader community. The bi-monthly meeting is a first in a series to bring awareness and create an empowering, visible, safe, and engaging avenue for a community action plan.This month's topic:  “ Is Gay the new Black"? Additional questions that will be explored.A. Why is there no AA head of disease prevention groups in the Bay Area?B. Why is funding for such issues not awarded to people of color groups?C. Is the agenda of European GLBTIQ2-S people the same as people of color? Are they addressing our needs?D. What can we do individually and collectively to address these issues?Its already noted that the larger, primarily European GLBT community has used the play book of civil rights actions for years to achieve broad goals and "rights". But many are not aware that the original civil rights march was planned and coordinated by a African American gay man, Bayard Ruskin. Today, GLBTIQ2-S African American and Caribbean African men and women fall behind in all areas of advancement, although some evidence suggests economically, less disparity exists as compared to the general AA population, nevertheless, 20-25% fall behind white counterparts with same experience and education.  The disparites are ennomous in healthcare, with twice as much as their own ethnic group.Come join leading and passionate members of the African American community as they explore these issues and more. The forums will present an awareness of beliefs that help and create barriers. Attendees will be offered an opportunity to join the organization. Individuals with need may attend this event at no charge, please contact UPLIFT members at the event. Non-member, Tickets include pre-forum refreshments, including libations. 11.54 Student, member, includes all refreshments etc,including soft drinks for those under 21. 6.27