I Have This Friend….
August 22nd, 2008
Here at PWN we talk to a lot of people on the phone, particularly after a splashy international AIDS Conference like the recent one in Mexico. We talk about what’s risky and safer sex, or pregnancy …. etcetera. It can go like this:
“Positive Women’s Network, Janet speaking.”
“Hello?”
“Hi. How can I help you?”
“Um, I’m calling for a friend who is freaking out cause she thinks she might have AIDS. Can I ask you a couple of questions?”
“Sure.” And so it goes.
"Calling for a friend" is common, and I know that I’m often speaking to the friend. I also talk to students who are so nervous I’m sure they want the information for more than a good mark. I’m fine with that – if the information is getting to curious ears that want it, good. We don’t know who is calling when we pick up the phone: is it someone who just tested positive? Is it someone who wants safer sex information? Is it someone who has a family member with HIV? Listening is the start.
HIV is still a mystery for lots of people. They don’t know the difference between HIV and AIDS, don’t realize what poses risk. They don’t know what an HIV test does, or whether they should have one.
If you’re sexually active, an understanding of sexually transmitted infections is good to have- how to avoid them, what symptoms might mean, when to get treatment. Think of it as body love 101: your equipment needs care. If you don’t have thorough information, we’re happy to help.
Because HIV is a scary topic for some, the phone is a safe way to communicate. A person can get the information they need without identifying themselves. The more accurate information on HIV and healthy sexuality that starts to circulate, the better. So if you or someone you know doesn’t have this info, call (or have your friend do it).
- Janet
This blog represents the ideas of individual writers, and does not necessarily reflect any formal stance taken by Positive Women's Network.
This was posted on Friday, August 22nd, 2008 at 10:00 am and is filed under Body Health, Education & Resources, HIV Prevention . Feel free to respond, or trackback.
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