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| Town Hall Meeting, Sept. 26, 2011 with Dionne Warwick |
I have never been so inspired about my courage to fully disclose what has happened in my life. Rae, Sheryl and Dionne had me in tears of joy. Their dedication to creating a new, bold conversation to educate EVERYONE about HIV/AIDS and the importance of getting tested no matter who you are was emotionally infectious!
What impacted me the most were the variety of questions attendees asked the panel in search for a greater understanding of how HIV/AIDS is affecting our local communities. Questions asked focused on stigma, prevention, cures and much more. I learned a lot. Living with HIV/AIDS, I certainly do not have all the answers and I now know I need to attend a lot more of these types of events and would encourage my friends and anyone reading this, if there is an opportunity to attend a workshop, discussion forum or meeting to get better educated about HIV/AIDS, then go do it!
Now, this one guy, as the mic gets to his lips, (I could tell he was hot on his feet to get answers), asked the following question, "What is your view on Gay Marriage?" The reaction from the crowd and the expressions on the panelists' faces. . . PRICELESS! What the HELL does Gay Marriage have to do with prevention and education of HIV/AIDS??!! Seriously, how more stigmatized does this disease have to become? HIV is NOT A GAY DISEASE! HIV is an equal opportunity disease. Anyone at any age, any race, any sexual orientation is at risk. This is why it is vitally important for our nation - you the reader, your friends . . . everyone around us to become better educated.
I want to give Sheryl Lee Ralph a HUGE shout-out for standing up for the gay community and putting this DUMB-ASS in his place! The "H" in HIV is for HUMAN . . . NOT GAY!
Please friends, help to break down the barriers, educate your friends and get tested no matter who you are. Know your status!
I am Daniel, and I am living pozitively. Thank you for following my blog!
p.s. Rae - Thank you for the double hug - you are my hero!
Each day that I read what you post I learn more and more, it goes to show never to old to learn. Keep up the good work and keep educating the world one reader at a time.
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