Annie, 25
What I Want You to Know:
HIV/AIDS is a problem to be addressed by all members of a society, and it's a particular concern for anyone who identifies as a woman.
Why I think it's important to challenge HIV/AIDS stereotypes:
We need to fight the misconception that it's a problem faced by individual people who engage in particular behaviors, and who we categorize as somehow "different." HIV/AIDS is a concern for everyone. Forces of poverty, social and economic inequality, gender discrimination and violence against women all contribute to the spread of AIDS and make it harder for some people to exercise the agency to protect themselves. These are problems that course through societies, that involve all of us, and that we all have a responsibility to confront. HIV/AIDS is everyone's challenge, and we are all vulnerable to it.
How HIV/AIDS has affected my life:
I've been involved in women's health projects and activism for some time, and have seen how women's health can be terribly impacted by problems like domestic violence and lack of economic independence. These issues are all the more pressing in the context of AIDS, as women can be more vulnerable to infection when their social situations leave them disempowered to protect themselves.
How I contribute to the fight against HIV:
I help manage FACE AIDS, an organization aiming to mobilize U.S. students to respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. It's been inspiring to see how committed students are to reducing inequalities in health and to spreading awareness of the human experiences behind the daunting statistics on HIV/AIDS. By connecting students with the stories of individuals, we try to humanize this overwhelming pandemic and fight stigma and stereotypes.
Have I ever been tested for HIV?
I have been tested for HIV. I think everyone ought to know, to remember that they too are vulnerable. I think the more people chose to know, the more we can address the stigma and secrecy that can surround AIDS and promote a culture of nondiscrimination.
