December 1st – World AIDS Day


If you are not aware of this, December 1st is World AIDS Day. Many have been lost in this fight against this illness and my heart goes out to all who have been affected by it. I stated this last year, but one of my uncles contracted the HIV virus back in the early 1990s and he developed full blown AIDS in a very short period of time. Remembering him is quite painful as I saw how horrible he deteriorated after such a short period of time. He was my only gay relative and he was quite a wonderful person.


Many living with HIV currently have a much better chance at living long full lives than those from the past, but even still, this is a very dangerous virus. The LGBT community was hit harshly back in the 1980-90s. I know many others who have lost loved ones and remember this much clearer than I do myself. Currently there are 36 million people around the world who are living with HIV. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) have stated that minorities are much more likely to be infected with gay/bisexual African American men having the highest rate of infection more so than any other population. So many people have been lost.


Besides using protection such as condoms, there is a drug to help prevent HIV known as Truvada also known as PrEP. It can be difficult to obtain a prescription from your doctor, but your health is worth the hassle. You should also know your status. Get tested regularly. It is free. Simply Go to FreeHIVTest.net to find an clinic or location in your area. If you are HIV positive and feel depressed, know that there are lots of counseling services out there for you. Go to: CareResource.org for more information.

I will not speak on this, but those out there living with HIV or those that know others that have been lost, be strong.

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