World AIDS Day, December 1st, 2008
By APOOO • Dec 1st, 2008 • Category: Thinking Out Loud •
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Today is World AIDS Day. A day to promote awareness, reflect, observe and remember those who are no longer with us because of this dreadful disease. This post is dedicated to friends and family who are no longer with us due to complications of AIDS. This post is dedicated to those who are battling this disease or know someone who has been infected. This post is dedicated to those who contracted the disease due to no fault of their own. This post is dedicated to those who have AIDS/HIV but are afraid to share with others for fear that they will be ostracized. This post is dedicated to those who believe that only gay folks and those who live promiscuous lives contract AIDS; to you I say may your eyes be open and your heart and ears so that you can receive information to the contrary. This post is dedicated to research and that we will not become so complacent that living with AIDS is acceptable rather than finding the cure. This post is dedicated to family members who are living with secrets and in fear of someone finding out that a loved one has HIV/AIDS or died from this deadly disease. This post is dedicated to the individual who just found out that they are HIV positive and don’t know where to turn to. May you found comfort and more information at the following site: http://www.aids.gov/ This post is dedicated to Stanley and Luke–even tho’ some tried to snuff you out, your memory and legacy live on.
In closing, please help eradicate this disease by practicing safe sex and getting tested regularly.
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Amen sis.
I have lost friends and loved ones to HIV/AIDS. I have friends who continue to live strong despite having HIV or AIDS.
In the years I have been a reporter I have done stories on a handful of local people who are living with this disease. Including LaToya who is now 18 and I first did a story on her when she was 11. Her mother passed the virus to her while pregnant and LaToya is being raised by her aunt and they have been advocates for years. LaToya is such my girl and I love her dearly.
And of course I have also interviewed Rae Lewis-Thorton, who became a nationwide symbol of Black women living with AIDS when she was on the cover of Essence magazine more than 10 years ago. Talking to her for four stories over the years and claiming her as a friend, she brings the truth out…graphic but honest.
Hey Lisa and big upps to LaToya! Our babies are truly some of the innocent ones affected by this disease…sigh. I also remember Rae Lewis-Thorton…and there’s a new face on the scene promoting awareness today…her name is Marvelyn Brown.
Yeah I am going to try and get to a bookstore today or tomorrow and get Marvelyn’s book.
I have also added her book to my list of buys for 2009
I have know people who passed as a result of AIDs and I know a few who are living their lives HIV positive. It is really a life altering experience. I think my biggest wish would be that people stop believing, it can not happen to me. Reading accounts of families whose lives have been torn apart as a result of cheating spouses is horrific. My statement to my husband is please leave me if you feel the urge to cheat. There are too many things out there and it is never fair to risk someone elses life because of ones lustful desires.
So true sis…so true!
My heart goes out to all. Especially the children who have had the virus passed to them. I have seen some of their stories, and it makes me so sad.
The ones who Knowingly pass this on, they should be ashamed.
The ones who contract it unknowingly, I pray for them
To the ones that are living as best they can in spite of the disease, and those who speak out to warn others – God bless them.
To those who don’t think it could happen to them. They are playing Russian Roulette with their lives.
Excellent post Yasmin in memory of so many that we have lost and continue to lose to AIDS! You know as I think about where we are today with finding a cure for this disease, this stopped being a “gay man’s disease” a long time ago, hasn’t it? It has definitely become a global diease that we must continue to safeguard ourselves from via education and contributing to as often as we can. Thanks for joining the many voices around the world blogging about this cause this month!
Rosa and Marlive thanks so much for your thoughts…and Marlive yes this disease stop being a gay man’s disease a long time ago…