Do You Know Someone Who's Positive?

Who do you know someone that has HIV? Last night I had someone ask me for advice on how to treat someone they knew who recently shared with them that they were HIV positive.

I have friends, some who I've just met and other that I've known for a while who are positive, so for me it came natural to say, "Treat them the way you would any other friend. The only difference is, this one friend in particular trusted you enough to share a big part of his life with you."

And that's the way I see it. If someone you know tells you that they're HIV positive or if they go to you the day they find out, it's a big deal. This person is trusting you more than others in their life. Now, how do you deal with something that big? Do you see them different now? Do you feel sorry for them? Do you feel grossed out? Or does it not affect your friendship? I would love to know what you think.

So with that said I'm putting this question out there. How would you responde if someone close to you told you that they were HIV positive. Tell me how you would deal with something like that. Share how you dealt with it when someone told you that they were positive. Post a comment for all of us to read and better understand what people out there think about.

What better advice can I give than actual stories and examples from our own community.

Thanks Everyone!!

VOLUNTEERING AT THE CENTER

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO GO CLUBBIN’?

Have you ever gone out to the night club and wondered, “Gee, I need condoms…” Well, maybe not in those exact words, but I’m sure it would help to have some right there where your chances of getting lucky are high up there on the scale.

Volunteers for this program go around Long Beach where men and women hang out passing out condoms and dental dams to anyone who wants to speak to us. It can be a lot of fun if there’s a good group of people and most of the local clubs and bars know about us so getting in is usually free or we get some kind of hook up.

My resolution for 2008 is to change it up a bit. I was thinking about taking it to places that the Center has never been and REALLY make an impact. We really need people who can think outside the box, see new ways of reaching the community and most importantly understand what the community needs.

If you are this person or if you know someone please call me, e-mail me or post a comment and we can get the ball rolling on starting the Long Beach Outreach Posse!! There’s a training coming up the second week in March were you get your gear and you get to meet the rest of the volunteers. Men and women are more than welcome, but of course you must be at least 18 and at least 21 if you’re going to be doing bar/club outreach!!

Look forward to hearing from you!!!