Finally, I can almost guarantee that we’ll see attempts to sanitize the positions and motives of Trump supporters, to downplay the racism that is at the heart of the movement and pretend that what voters really care about are the priorities of D.C. insiders — a process I think of as “centrification.”
That is, after all, what happened after the rise of the Tea Party. I’ve seen claims that Tea Partiers were motivated by Wall Street bailouts, or even that the movement was largely about fiscal responsibility, driven by voters upset about budget deficits.
In fact, there was never a hint that any of these things mattered; if you followed the actual progress of the movement, it was always about white voters angry at the thought that their taxes might be used to help Those People, whether via mortgage relief for distressed minority homeowners or health care for low-income families.
But while social media has helped his career, it’s also gotten him into some trouble. Case in point: A Tumblr post in January sparked an Internet firestorm after a fan commented on Haynes’ “secret gay past,”regarding racy modeling photos Haynes took while underage. Without giving it much thought, Haynes offered a coy reply: “Was it a secret?” The comment was picked up by bloggers as his coming out – but it wasn’t. Not yet.There were a lot of talk about his sexuality, but I'm happy he addressed it on his own terms.
“It was a complete shock. I wasn’t ready to be back in the headlines,” says Haynes, who is in fact gay but has never publicly addressed his sexuality (and, like many others on his path, took advice early in his career to subdue it). “I should have made a comment or a statement, but I just wasn’t ready. I didn’t feel like I owed anyone anything. I think in due time, everyone has to make those decisions when they’re ready, and I wasn’t yet. But I felt like I was letting people down by not coming forward with the rest of what I should have said.”
Happy #CincoDeMayo! The best taco bowls are made in Trump Tower Grill. I love Hispanics! https://t.co/ufoTeQd8yA pic.twitter.com/k01Mc6CuDI
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 5, 2016
“We are thrilled to begin working with this highly-committed and talented group of young leaders who are absolutely critical to ending the HIV epidemic,” said Mary Beth Maxwell, HRC Senior Vice President for Programs, Research and Training. “Their efforts in American communities hardest hit by HIV are already changing and saving lives. The HIV 360° program invests in helping them develop management and strategy skills, as well as make valuable contacts in the advocacy world to elevate their work back home.”Congrats to you, Tyrell!
“At the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we know how vitally important it is to support and train the next generation of activists and community leaders as a logical extension of our strategy to support HIV-related work being carried out by and for people most affected by the epidemic within their own communities,” said Scott Campbell, Executive Director of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “Having diverse backgrounds and points of view represented in this exciting group of future young leaders selected for HRC’s HIV 360° Fellowship Program is absolutely crucial. We are so proud to support this unique program and look forward to the important work these young scholars will accomplish for their communities.”
Manning is a native of St. Louis, and passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. He has been a key driver of change within Williams & Associates, a health education and disease prevention center addressing the health disparities of minorities in the St. Louis Bi-State Region, where he is Regional Integration Specialist and site coordinator of Rustin’s Place. Manning continues to be a positive mentor for young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). He strives to create safe spaces that offer growth and promote healing among young Black MSM in his local community.
“I am truly humbled and honored to have been selected as an inaugural HRC HIV 360° fellow,” said Manning. “This fellowship has already challenged me and motivated me to grow as a leader. I know this program will equip me to combat the HIV epidemic in St. Louis.”
