There are numerous issues of importance that have taken a backseat because of the ongoing pandemic. One of them is HIV, which has been a cause for concern for not only those in the LGBTQIA+ community, but the entire human race as well. And while the DOH recently announced that HIV cases have gone down by an astounding 68% in the 2nd quarter of 2020, they also note that it is no cause for celebration.
While we have movements and events like Pride Month that promote HIV-awareness alongside gender equality, bringing awareness to this cause, even while on lockdown, should not stop. There are actually some ways to raise the alarm and bring the issue of HIV to the fore.
A good first step–especially for those who are still on the fence and have reservations on the matter–would be to acknowledge and accept that people are free to identify themselves as they wish and that there is no one way to express one’s self and one’s love–not to mention that HIV exists. With this first step, individuals will have a much easier time trying to understand and empathize with each other and possibly help each other overcome challenges such as HIV, gender inequality, and other similar issues.
One of the many benefits of this fast-paced, digital world we live in today is that seemingly-unlimited information is readily available within our fingertips. This is key because part of creating an HIV-free world also entails learning more about it, the groups of people who usually contract it, and ways in which the virus can be eradicated.
With a clear understanding on HIV, creating a world without it would mean spreading the word, engaging in discourse, and spreading your knowledge to uninformed people. In advocating, one can also learn more through likeminded people looking to express themselves as well.
Lastly, in order to disseminate information and knowledge further while building a sense of community, it would be good to take action and support calls and campaigns such as Durex’s “No One Way Love All Ways” Campaign that supports and promotes all ways of living and expressing.