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This is a great article indeed!
HIV spreads because sex itself makes very risky adventure less apparent. I have seen people who would never smoke but are prepared to have unprotected sex with anybody. I have seen people who would never accept unscreened blood transfusion at the hospital but are prepared to have unprotected sex with anybody. I have seen women who cared so much about pregancy but forgot entirely all STDs and HIV which could do more worse. Still, if there is so much stigma today, it appears that there are a lot more ignorant people around and as a result, more hiv infection since they do not know how hiv is transmitted or prevented. I do not have hiv but I have learned so much about the syndrome that I am happy about myself now; I really do not want to know it when it is too late like for many people. First of all, it is very difficult to catch the bug provided I do not have sex with anyone including a virgin nor give my hard earned trust to anyone of unknown HIV status that I want to have sex with nor go out with promiscuous partner nor give a glance to anyone who is not sexual disease conscious. If anyone I want to have sex with do not ask for condom then the sex is terminated for good whether she is hiv posive or negative.
Regan, I do have some pictures of you speaking at the conference. I would be happy to send them to you. If you would like them pop me an emai... markhall952@hotmail.com Mark
Thanks and great job Regan, I was one of the over 2,000 people that heard what you had to say in Atlanta at the conference. GREAT JOB... You really touched on issues that need to heard and heard LOUD from all people that are living with HIV. I believe that this is going to be a time for CHANGE in the USA.. The people that have been appionted at The White House level are people that do want to hear what WE as a community need to say and to be heard. Not sure if you were able to hear the close remarks from Jesse Millan and the other speakers they too hit the ball out of the park. It was wonderful to hear people living with HIV stand up and speak and not people who think that they know about living with HIV. The hear and read about, we walk the walk everyday. So THANK YOU SO much for taking the time to come to Atlanta and share your message. Peace, Mark Clayton Hall Maryville TN.
Dear Regan, Thank you for an incredible appeal to the policy-makers to join the PLWHA community in our efforts to dispel stigma and to call attention to the continued problems faced by every HIV-positive person. Your speech is inspirational, moving, and a written by a true champion - YOU. After I lived with the 'secret' for 12 1/2 years, I followed your example and 'went public' in 2006. You helped me to understand that I had nothing to be ashamed of, and that my voice was important if we were going to stem the tide of this epidemic. Please accept my whole-hearted appreciation for your courage, your bravery, and your voice - we look up to you as our 'heroine'!! In solidarity, Loreen Willenberg Sacramento, California
Hi Regan, It is by your work and your "public " efforts to bring this to an acceptable level for discussion that makes the difference. I was diagnosed poz last Feb 2008 and I had a year taken out of my life with sickness and I finally ended up in hospital being treated for pcp-phenmonia (AKA/AIDS) 10 months later. I was a very sick boy indeed and it took me another 4 months after that to regain strength. Since becoming well again I decided to dedicate my life to researching and finding out as much about the virus as possible and I created a website around it, www.living-with-hiv.co.uk I am out about it now and have a video of me on the site to encourage others not to hide about this. I also discovered much about the dark side of the HIV origins and its intent purpose. I also discovered the so called cures available that are apparantly being held from us.. Are they fact or are they fiction? I intend to prove it one way or the other if they are real by conducting an experiment on myself using this new technology starting 1st Sept 2009. I came off my medication on 29th July 2009 and my treatment will take approx 4-6 months to complete and if successful I will roll it out to at least 100 other HIV + people to test at my expense. It is only by this way that we can show if this is real ..If it is not real then I will also state that point.. BUT I am never going to stop trying to rid the world of this terrible virus. Kind Regards Lawrence Pryor
Today I recd the Sept issue of NJLIving and could not believe the story I was reading about you..Since being diagnosed I have dealt with the shame,lonlieness,isolation, etc..That was since 1987 when I found out I was positive after donating blood for my then 8yrolds Brownie Troop..I was not an IV user and was married..Thats when I found out my Husband was an IV drug user..Its taken a very long time for me to come out of hiding just a little-but after reading your story of strength and courage-its opening me up to do what I believe is right and true and would also help other women..Thank you for your courage. Im not quite sure how to go about it and what I can do, but at this point something is better than nothing! Thank You, Bonnie Cummings,LawrenceTwn,NJ
ksurrina
Persons are always amazed when you are opened with your diagnosis. I spoke twice in my country about being HIV infected and persons at both meetings were amazed. They cannot believe that you don't have to be a prostitute or living a promiscuous life to caught this disease. My prayer is that HIV Positive persons will stop self discriminate and be more open. We need to fight discrimination but in doing this we have to start with ourselves. We need to be one community and one voice no matter which country you are from.
September 9, 2009