intro

from positive being positive blog
 
At the start of this blog I have been living with, as a survivor, HIV for 16 mths. For me being HIV+ is not a death sentence, but unfortunately I can not say that about others who have been infected (due to personal bias and stigmas as well as new HIV strains that are resistant to all if not almost all retro-antivirals out on the market) Positive Being Positive is about living positive as someone who is positive, and also helping others do the same while spreading the message and encouraging others to stay negative.<br />
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This blog is about education, advocacy, outreach and prevention. It's about bringing current issues facing society and being down to earth truthful. I can be a controversial writer to some and in this blog will carry my style home to touch lives. I am usually known as controversial because I hit a nerve with the truth. This blog will also contain hidden truths that you may not hear on the social circuit; because HIV prevention and care agencies, social services, and people in general do not want to face reality or talk about the issues yet they know it is in their backyard. (Even when I bring it up the subject is quickly changed)<br />
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I myself have worked the social service sector for 10 years since I was 19, heard many stories, supported HIV/AIDS charities, and the fight against HIV. However even with the info I knew and know it took me becoming positive to speak up, and begin putting a face on HIV so here is the good the bad and the ugly-my life and society

HIV in my life and what I'm doing about it

March 22, 2015: this was written May 3, 2011 and since then I stopped supporting AHF and Out of the Closet thrift stores for political reasons. These reasons include AHF refusing to pay their rent for prime real estate for their thrift store to Maitri an AIDS Hospice who relies on that real estate and is a huge part of their operating costs. And Michael Weinstein crusade of morality and trying to govern other people's bodies and poem industry regarding condoms and such,  as well as his crusade against using PrEP as an effective forum of preventing the spread of HIV. One can only speculate that Mr Weinstein doesn't want PrEP for thesimple fact less Spread of HIV means less program funding dollars given. Less funding means less money to pad Weinstein's pockets who had made his money oft this disease.


May 3, 2011 I am a HIV Liaison, Peer Mentor, HIV counselor, as well advocate, interfaith community support, outreach & prevention specialist and HIV sensitivity trainer. 

So a few weeks back did a video interview for a web project that has the worlds largest database of videos of those who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

I have also back in feb been interview about the new FC2 (redesigned female condom)its praticality, distibution, all gender and sexual couples friendly, and the significant changes made compared to the FC. 

Last month interviewed about how we need to educate the public and inform people affected/infected by HIV/AIDS as well as general public the changes happening to HIV care and prevention come July 1st. 

Today, May 3, 2011 I have a photoshoot for the FC2 ads for DPH that will be displayed across sf and other areas (also will be giving me new comp card). 

The river is this weekend and serving as HIV counselor and advocate for our HIV/AIDS clients for healing waters.

And Next week protest at Gilead to reduce the cost of antivirals (atripla alone is $10000/year not including other meds needed due to HIV related and non related meds)because the cost is draining ADAP funding in states across the country. 

I've decided Im going to go back to school to work in politics, journalism, and research in the HIV sector. 

If you know me you are affected by HIV some greater than others but affected either way. Please help save lives. Donate to my two favorite HIV causes and medical centers BCEFA (broadway cares equity fights aids) and AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation [in which I'm a client of and we have many locations in this country as well as mobile outreach]) also your local aids foundation just make sure you know how thay organizations uses their money. AHF $.96 of every dollar donated, spent at our thrift stores or pharmacy goes to help subsidize medication and care for our clients that insurance may not cover. Ahf provides free healthcare to their clients who do not have insurance or who are underinsured.

HIV is not a death sentence and does not need to be as long as people love and support those who have been infected by HIV/AIDS and encourage them to get out, have fun, and just live but you just need to show them they are cared about and help them find their own inner strength and empowerment living with HIV/AIDS as a survivor not dying from it.

If you know some who is infected/affected and you don't know how to help them contact me or have them contact me and I will help show you what you can do for them as well find resources in your area. 

Also my dear friend Makeya,( a wonderful ally of LGB community, HIV/AIDS community) is developmentally disabled as well as has cerebral palsy asked me to help her start a ministry for those who are HIV positive called "Caring Bears of Hope" she wants to be able to provide teddybears to people all across this country who have been infected to provide hope and love. People can request for themselves or for someone they know. We need bear donations and lots of them as well as money to buy them also and ship them also. We also would like to provide afghans knitted or crocheted, and hand made quilts to send to people. As we get more up and running and have volunteers we will keep a database and have volunteers maile their handmade gifts of love to those in need as well as sending to us to ship out.

We have the power to save lives just by brightening someones day with a smile. Let's be the blessing in the lives around you. 

Thank you my family and friends for you love and support and the sometimes swift kick in the but I love you all