The Goal and Challenge As We Celebrate World HIV / AIDS Day 

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A big reason this disease continues to spread is because people are infected and don’t know it.  We have to make it a point to make sure we are having this conversation just as we ask are brothers, “Did you see the game last night?  Did you go vote?  We need to also include, “Have you been tested?”

Communities of color continue to be plagued because there is stigma attached to HIV that it can only be contracted through male homosexual contact.  Those educated know this is not true but many community barriers like ignorance, intolerant religious talk or just plain silence continues to allow HIV to ravage communities of color.

The challenge I have for the readers is that we try to stop stigmatizing people with HIV. HIV does not belong to one particular group or continent.  It cannot be spread from a hand shake, a hug or a smile. People living with HIV are our coworkers, friends, family, lovers and they are a part of our communities.  They are healthy because they know their status and they are receiving treatment that is keeping their viral loads in check.

Source:gbchealth.org

I am sure the psychological impact that takes place on the citizens of these countries is unimaginable but just because we don’t deport here in the US, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Australia and in Europe, that doesn’t mean we don’t do our far share of ostracizing those in our communities who are infected.

I am HIV negative. That doesn’t mean I could not have been infected…meaning I have done plenty of stupid things and placed myself in careless situations to where I could have easily been infected.  Those of us who are HIV negative should not shun, judge or look down upon our brothers and sisters who are positive.  Some of us HIV negative folk get up high on a pedestal when the only real reason we are on the pedestal is because we dodged the bullet.

You will be surprised at how many men infected with HIV, have their status as “negative” on many chat and hook up sites.  Is there really a need to have a “Yes or No” selection box on these websites and apps? You have no idea if these potential “partners” are being truthful or not.

 

Another way we stigmatize HIV is by giving it scary nicknames.  As if the three letters are not enough.  We call it “the package” or “the monster” just to name a few.  The result is furthering many not to get tested, pushing some into hiding or denial because some may not want to face the reality and be honest with ourselves that we may have done something careless or risky that could have exposed us to this virus.

The Goal – Get tested.  Know your HIV status before January 1st 2013.  If you already know your status, engage your friends and family so they get tested and know their status.  They need your support regardless of the test results.