Remember one thing before getting your HIV test

My fear when getting tested is rooted to one simple truth - I am sexually active. If people who get tested admit this to themselves, it will eventually lead to the acceptance of the reality that risks are akin to having sex. There is possibility of exposure to sexually transmissible infections, with casual sex, the probability of being called as a slut, or worse having unintentionally emotional attachment to a fling. I fear the latter most, indicative of how society has shaped me to care far more about social acceptance than physical wellness.

Voluntary Counseling and Testing: Why is it important?

Here’s the thing. Knowledge.

According to Oxford Online Dictionary, Knowledge is awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation. At least that’s one of their 3 primary definitions.

If taken in that context, the pursuit of getting tested is vital for us to function daily without fear of uncertainty with the help of being aware that we are HIV positive. It’s as simple as that. Life would be better walking around the world knowing what your status is, how to run your life, and knowing the limitations which would allow you to live a longer life.

Take these points for example.

Preparation

• If ever you get a positive result, knowing allows to plan ahead. Taking the necessary steps to keep your body healthy, knowing the amenities available for people living with HIV, getting hold of the services and medication that are free, amongst other things.

Stopping the spread

• You don’t need to isolate yourself. Yes, depression comes and there’ll be one point in that frame of time where you’d feel as if the world holds no joy for you any longer, but it’ll pass. Helping people understand the disease by living your life normally, would stop the spread of wrong information and myths regarding HIV. You deserve to be happy.
• SEX. What about sex? Yes, you can do it. BUT, learn the important stuff.USE PROTECTION.
• Encourage people to take the test as well. It’s your choice if you want people to know, but disclosure isn’t necessary to help people take the same step you did. Stopping the spread of fear will help our goal of ridding the world of this disease.

Peace of mind

• Would that even be possible, you ask? Not at the start. It’ll definitely change your world. But knowing, whether negative or positive, gives you a sense of freedom from the fear of not knowing. It’s liberating, I tell you.

Knowledge. It’s all about being aware. Knowing what is and what can be and how to go about it.

If you guys want to know where to avail of the free services. Message me on Facebook or visit my aboutme page for my contact information.

Galera

Good Friday - AIDS Society of the Philippines along side by some of its partner organizations facilitated a rapid HIV counseling and testing at White Beach, Puerto Galera. Turnout was above expected as it went on until Black Saturday.

I wasn't really supposed take part in this but I felt the need for a vacation so I volunteered my holy week break to work. My currently burnt out and sluggish body, dark tan (which I hate) and raspy voice was all worth it knowing that we managed to test and counsel a lot of people and I got the bonus of making new friends. It wasn't much of a sacrifice given that I was able to

welcome my 24th birthday partying with workmates until 5am in the morning.

We arrived late in the afternoon at Sabang, Puerto Galera after being f*cked by the Batangas Port who decided to ruin our Maundy Thursday by delaying our 8:30 am departure to 3pm.

To say that their system is inefficient would be an understatement. But we managed to settle ourselves to our rooms in a lodge at White Beach (Thank you Manalo's lodge for your very hospitable accommodation to our cause). We rested a bit and started handing out fliers in the afternoon until nightfall.

Friday morning, we ate our breakfast then set up the tents to be erected in the middle of the beach. Scorching heat and barely breathable humid air met us as we tried our best to finish setting up the tents as quickly as possible, which we managed to do eventually.

Then the actual work began. I was assigned as front liner meaning I had to urge people to have themselves tested.

I was with a couple of hunks and for the life of me, I didn't know how I was going to get people to participate in our campaign, given that what we were offering was scary enough on its own, and I didn't look half as convincing and attractive as the other two. All I did was convince myself that I was twink enough for bears to gravitate (google the gay lingo).

Walking under the summer sun which I did for 2 days burnt me beyond recognition. I am now brown, thank you.

I feel very blessed to have been part of the team who did this. Positive toll went up yet again, and now I feel that the ember of me wanting to stop the spread just grew bigger and I will do something about it.

Always remember guys, Ingat Lagi (Be Safe)!