Last week we talked about what stigma is... and why it is...lack - TopicsExpress



          

Last week we talked about what stigma is... and why it is...lack of education and culturally instilled viewpoints, fear, etc. I think one of the best forms of advocacy is education so this week I ask that we all start with ourselves. I know for me fear of stigma played a significant part in my AIDS diagnosis. You see on March 13, 1984 my PCP told me without a blood test that I had Full Blown AIDS...his diagnosis was based on existing opportunistic infections: Candidiasis (Thrush), Shingles, and MAC Mycobacterium Aivium Complex (for me cold like symptoms and extreme weight loss). Nevertheless, it took me 3years to be blood tested to authenticate my 1984 diagnosis... by then I had a t-cell count of 2 on October 5, 1987. Had I stood up earlier, it would have been earlier that I became inspired, encouraged, equipped, and connected... thus proactive in managing my life. With Gods strength and courage, my main advocacy is via education as I do not want another person to have AIDS from lack of Will, due to ignorance. Decide what you are going to in this fight to End AIDS means we have to END STIGMA NOW! Start with education. Remember, advocacy means that I educate myself and others on the issues, staying informed on matters affecting the community I serve (people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS including other partners/ stakeholders, and key people in the community, government, & other powerful bodies) SUCH THAT, through education, support, collaboration, strategy, and action...sufficient pressure is exerted via step-by step persistent and long term commitment to the advocacy goal which will yield positive change including immediate and/or ultimate success of the intended goal...be it with letter writing, phone calls, talking to others including individuals who can impact change, banners, legislative visits, form alliances/ partnerships/ coalitions, protests, social media, standing strong with continued action without ceasing.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 20:50:17 +0000

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