Hello beauties!
Today on twitter (follow @projnefertiti) HIV was a trending topic. If you’re not familiar with Twitter, a trending topic is a subject that is being talked about a lot at that particular time. Most of the time, it’s whatever is on TV at the time or something foolish (see: #chrisbrownsbowtie. Craziness). So I for one was really pleased to see people talking about this subject. The discussion that my friends were having was awesome (cuz I have, like, awesome friends & stuff. *twirls hair*) I wanted to bring some of the questions/statements to YOU to see what you thought about it.
“HIV is not a death sentence”
HIV is nowhere near the death sentence it used to be. When HIV/AIDS first made its emergence into the public eye back in the early ‘80’s, people were being misdiagnosed because doctors did not know what they were dealing with. Because of that, mortality rates were high. From then, mortality rates rose steadily through the ’80's, peaking in ‘94-’95. Since then, the death rate has declined by more than 70%, due to therapy, research and development, and safer sexual practices. However, it is not to be taken lightly, which brings me to the next statement:
“HIV is overrated”
First of all this statement doesn’t make since to me (O_o). But let’s look at this from the point of view of someone that hasn’t personally experienced the affects of the disease. We don’t really know of any public figures that have the disease besides Magic Johnson. He was diagnosed, what, some 20 years ago? And he seems fine right?
True, research has provided more options for the person affected thru drugs and therapy. However, I think that generally people fail to understand this fact: there is NO cure for this disease. Did you hear what I said Deena? NO cure. That means a gradually weakening immune system. That means, if you don’t have kids, It’s going to be difficult to have them naturally. That could potentially mean taking pills by the handful for the rest of your life. To say nothing of the psychological effects, and the effects it will have on your family, friends, and peers. We have NO idea what Magic Johnson has to go through on a daily basis. Each person that is diagnosed will have their own struggles to deal with.
True, research has provided more options for the person affected thru drugs and therapy. However, I think that generally people fail to understand this fact: there is NO cure for this disease. Did you hear what I said Deena? NO cure. That means a gradually weakening immune system. That means, if you don’t have kids, It’s going to be difficult to have them naturally. That could potentially mean taking pills by the handful for the rest of your life. To say nothing of the psychological effects, and the effects it will have on your family, friends, and peers. We have NO idea what Magic Johnson has to go through on a daily basis. Each person that is diagnosed will have their own struggles to deal with.
True, research has provided more options for the person affected thru drugs and therapy. However, I think that generally people fail to understand this fact: there is NO cure for this disease. Did you hear what I said Deena? NO cure. That means a gradually weakening immune system. That means, if you don’t have kids, It’s going to be difficult to have them naturally. That could potentially mean taking pills by the handful for the rest of your life. To say nothing of the psychological effects, and the effects it will have on your family, friends, and peers. We have NO idea what Magic Johnson has to go through on a daily basis. Each person that is diagnosed will have their own struggles to deal with.
Still think it’s overrated? Do your research.
The big question of the day however was asked by the guys over at the Red Tie Project (www.theredtieproject.com, @RedTieProj on Twitter):
“Would you date someone who was HIV positive?”
From what I could see, a lot of women were VERY leery about dating a HIV positive partner. I didn’t get a whole lot of male perspective (I wish I had), but the main concern for the women was being able to have children with this person. There was also a few women who felt that dating was fine (as dating does not automatically = sex), and that if it came time to have that conversation or if both parties wanted to become intimate, they would have to 1) have a very serious conversation about the risks, and 2) be sure to be very, very careful.
It’s important to be careful with ANY person you are with, HIV positive or not. (Sidebar, here are some tips for living with a HIV positive partner: http://bit.ly/1HegKV). If you are considering being intimate with any person, you should have a conversation about safe sex, and DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK ANYONE ABOUT THEIR STATUS. It’s your right. Did I mention practice safe sex? It only takes one slip up to change your life forever.
So, don’t be a geek, wrap your meat. Ladies, tell that man no glove, no love. Eat your veggies, and all that good stuff. Most of all, be happy!
Until next time, Be Blessed!
...Coming up soon: Project Nefertiti's take on dating sites for positive peep, 5 tips for a relaxing evening, and much more!
Sources: http://www.condomman.com/articles/safe-sex/life-with-an-hiv-positive-partner/; http://www.kff.org/hivaids/upload/3029-071.pdf
0 comments:
Post a Comment