Why I advocate PREP

 Posted originally November 14, 2014 in Facebook group called "PrEP Facts: Rethinking Hiv Prevention and Sex"  At this time I have not shopped it around for publication, but would to get it out there. if you have any ideas for publication please let me know.

I am an HIV+ woman and I am a PREP supporter and advocate. While I am empowered these days because of HIV and I choose a better life, HIV still scares me. I know how HIV can and can not be contracted, I know all about condoms, protections, and lube. The fact is the human condition plays an integral part. I want love in my life, to be loved and to love so why should I limit myself to the thinking I can only find happiness only with another person who is positive. Any relationship I am in my partner will have to be a PREP user. Why? is it because I am looking to party, act irresponsible, or simply looking for an easy way out? In fact it is the exact opposite, it is being responsible. Condoms break, sometimes or often times in the heat of passion especially in relationship or marriage you get caught up in the ecstasy of the moment, but more importantly I need another barrier whether condoms are used or not to protect the one I love from experiencing the pain, sickness, and problems I experience being HIV+.

What is PREP? “PrEP” stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. The word “prophylaxis” means “to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease.” PrEP is a way for people who don't have HIV to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The pill contains two medicines that are also used to treat HIV.

I use to be on the opposite side of the fence regarding PREP and used arguments such as resistance to the drugs, the lack of adherence. Even if one misses a couple of doses the risk of contracting is slightly lower. The thing is PREP is agreement that while I take my meds and stay undetectable which makes the chances low without PREP, but with PREP it adds to the intimacy and almost completely takes HIV out of the equation.

HIV is not a gift, it is a life changer, a strain on a relationship and giving it to a partner creates hostility even when it is not intentional. Even with open communication HIV doesn't have to have the power. In the early fight we lost family, friends, loved ones, our communities. Because of the warriors of the early fight we have Knights taking a stand and fighting for the right that every person has a chance. If we had a pill 30 years ago, that if offered that would prevent or greatly reduce the risk of contracting it there would have been a line out the door to receive this pill so that people would not have to live in fear. Today we have that pill and people in our own community, who are insecure about themselves and feel that people can not care for themselves, are instilling fear and stigma around something that is saving lives. Why would people not want a solution? The reason, HIV is profitable. Careers have been built around 3 decades of work in fighting for a cure and around prevention. What happens when HIV transmission rates decline? Testing center doors and focus declines, the need for services drop, jobs are phased out, for a disease its a good thing but for wallets its not. Prep takes away funding as numbers decrease and the need decreases. Prep gives people a fighting chance when individuals lie about their HIV status. Prep gives options and allow people a chance to love who they wish and take a barrier away from those of us who are Positive to no longer be something that is bio-hazard, but to become once again simply people and human.

HIV and stigma no longer has to be something to fear, but we need those within our own community to stop selling us out. Our lives are not for sale. I'm sorry, it is a good thing if HIV services fade out to lack of need as well as drug companies lose a major source of revenue. After all aren't we suppose to be saving lives, giving the next generation a better chance and future. PREP gives life, PREP gives hope, PREP is love, PREP is not a Party drug, its a solution until there is a cure.

Lady Katerina