On World AIDS Day, December 1, the New York City Council—in partnership with local AIDS service organizations—launched “I Talk Because…,” an Internet-based HIV/AIDS awareness campaign that invites people to film and upload YouTube testimonials on why it’s so important to talk about HIV with people in their lives.
“Why talk about HIV/AIDS to the people in your life? We know that open and honest conversations can prevent new HIV infections and reduce the stigma attached to people living with HIV/AIDS,” said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in a statement. “Today, over 100,000 New Yorkers are living with HIV/AIDS, and thousands don’t know that they are infected.”
The stigma-busting initiative—which will run throughout the year—will also expand the conversation about HIV/AIDS through Facebook and Twitter.
