MA Gay State Rep Reveals HIV+ Status, Resigns To Head HIV/AIDS Charity

Last fall openly gay Massachusetts state Rep. Carl Sciortino earned viral buzz with a cute campaign ad that featured his Tea Party father endorsing Sciortino's ultimately failed bid for the US House. Yesterday Sciortino revealed that he is HIV+ and will resign his seat in the state legislature to become executive director of the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts.

“As a gay man living with HIV, I am honored to lead one of the country’s oldest and most effective organizations in the battle against this disease which has raged on over 30 years,” said Sciortino. “My goal for AIDS Action in the years ahead is simple: continue the work that has resulted in lowering the rate of new HIV diagnoses in Massachusetts; provide the multitude of services needed to keep those living with HIV/AIDS connected with health care providers; and continue the public conversation about HIV needed to reduce the stigma that is still so closely associated with this disease.” Sciortino will be the first person living with HIV to lead AIDS Action since its founding in 1982.

(Via Towleroad)

Openly Gay US House Candidate Carl Sciortino Issues Cute Ad With His Father

Openly Gay MA State Rep. Carl Sciortino Announces Bid For U.S. House

Last week Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) declared his candidacy for John Kerry's Senate seat.  Should Markey win, openly gay Massachusetts state Rep. Carl Sciortino will run for his House seat.

"I am running to continue the strong progressive leadership that the families of the Fifth District have always counted on," Sciortino said in a statement. "I look forward to bringing my record of accomplishment to Washington to fight for our progressive values." First elected to the State House in 2004 at age 25, Sciortino -- who is openly gay -- was vocal in the effort to legalize gay marriage in Massachusetts, and has crafted transgender equality legislation. He represents parts of Somerville and Medford.

If Sciortino wins, he'll become the seventh openly LGBT member of the current House.