Facebook Group Claims to Cure HIV
December 10, 2010
The Red Ribbon Army has called attention to a group on Facebook called “From HIV Positive to HIV Negative” in the hopes of having it removed from the social networking site. In order to help do so, click on the group’s page, scroll down to the bottom left and click “Report Group”. Check the “Scam” box.
Why draw attention to this? Why pick on a bunch of self-starters just trying to make it in the world? Isn’t it their right in a soon-to-be capitalistic world to offer an alternative to big pharma? Well, it’s all in the packaging. I have no problems with alternative therapy or thinking, but when you claim to cure HIV, that is an issue.
Make no mistake- these claims are very dangerous. It’s snake oil. It’s preying on the desperate. To defend this group, as some have, is asinine. People who go for this juice and believe in it are less likely to seek out actual medical care. There’s a big difference. And telling someone who is HIV positive that there are HIV negative makes it way less likely that person will use protection when they engage in sexual activity. HIV is preventable- not curable at this particular moment in time. Anything that takes away our power to pursue the former is a problem with me, and I’m not open to discussion about the merits of idiots and thieves who claim they can cure HIV with a juice box. They are in it for money, not to help people.
And they can go to hell as far as I’m concerned.
To help shut down this group, re-read the beginning of this post and follow the instructions.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Gwenn’s Fashion/Coffee Blog
SHARE THE BLOG. NOT THE VIRUS.
Post-World AIDS Day, Happy Holidays
December 9, 2010
I’m back home safely after a weeks’ worth of travels for World AIDS Week. A big thank you to the following universities and colleges for inviting me and Gwenn (and HIV prevention!) to campus: Illinois State University, Kent State-Stark, University of Mount Union, Baldwin-Wallace College and Arcadia University.
This year marked a decade of traveling the United States during this time of year to educate about HIV/AIDS. I love doing this with Gwenn, and answering questions about how she remains HIV negative in our relationship (thanks, proper condom usage!) and also how that information can be utilized in others lives to keep them HIV free. I probably take the most pride in presenting a healthy relationship to the public that involves me and my pet virus. Aside from HIV/STD prevention, a main goal of mine is to show that you can- despite living with an incurable STD, have a loving, sexual relationship.
During one of our talks, I was asked what we hoped people gained from our message. It’s pretty simple- just view HIV as something that is what it is- part of your community. This virus has a funny way of hiding in our bodies, and in our neighborhoods. It thrives on silence, and the most vulnerable parts of our human pysche- doubt, the fear of rejection, the fear of even a test result… all of these things combined keep this problem in motion.
HIV isn’t just a medical condition; it attaches to our weaknesses the way a snowflake can stick to our windshield in the winter. If we don’t switch on the wipers and shake things clear, then our visibility and our ability to navigate our lives becomes impossible.
Okay, I’m satisfied with that analogy. It’s the perfect transition from World AIDS Week to the holiday season, just like replacing the red ribbon with a holiday sweater vest. For those of you like me, who continue to carry the reality of HIV infection with you past the allotted and accepted time set aside to speak about all of these issues, I wish you a very healthy and happy end of the year. Actually, that wish doesn’t just go out to my fellow positoids- I extend my best to everyone who is kind of enough to check in on me via this blog.
I hope this moment finds you feeling loved and comfortable in your own skin.
Positively Yours,
Gwenn’s Fashion/Coffee Blog
SHARE THE BLOG. NOT THE VIRUS.
LIFE IN PHOTOS
Face Time fun with my Goddaughter. She was digging our phone chat- even though we were about three feet away from one another.
Making the enemy quit out with @squirrel_munky and @vaineos :)
Closing out the Joe with @gwennbarringer this afternoon.
Caught in full Mocha Mode...
Speaking About Sexual Health
Since 2000, Shawn and Gwenn have been speaking about sexual health together, sharing their personal story and empowering others to be safe. If you are interested in having them speak at your event, fill out the Contact Us form.
Check out Shawn's music and buy his book, My Pet Virus, which is now available on Kindle!
It will be the funniest book you've ever read about someone having AIDS... guaranteed!