I think I’ve done a good job at parenting my oldest when it comes to being open and honest about the dangers of unsafe sex, drug use and illicit behaviors. Some conversations aren’t easy to have to ensure you and your family are safe the job needs to get done.
Sabreena has been exposed to a lot in her 19 years. She’s aware of what’s really going on in the world and the struggles that many face by prejudice of all kinds.
I was approached to bring to your attention of a plague affecting the Latinos and Latinas living in the United States. Did you know Hispanics account for 19% of those affected with HIV/AIDS but we only account for 16% of the population? The disproportion comes from the lack of outreach and education, language barriers and discrimination. As a culture Hispanics don’t talk about personal issues, especially those that are considered taboo. We hope deep down that our family and friends are taking care of themselves, making the right choices.
Sin Vergüenza (which translates to Without Shame) is an exciting, entertaining, and suspenseful telenovela web series, produced by Los Angeles-based AltaMed Healthcare Services. It takes viewers into the lives of a dynamic Mexican-American family coping with issues around HIV and sexual health. Each family member represents a different age group, sexual orientation, and marital status and faces unique challenges. Each person is also at risk of getting HIV.
The high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS isn’t inclusive to just the Hispanic community but the high rate at which this demographic is being infected needs your attention. If current trends continue, an estimated 1 in 36 Hispanic/Latino men and 1 in 106 Hispanic/Latina women will be diagnosed with HIV at some point in their lifetime.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized this epidemic and launched We Can Stop HIV One Conversation At A Time. This national campaign encourages open lines of communication between the Hispanic community to educate and inform family, friends and loved ones of the dangers of unprotected sex. This call to action stresses the need to talk about HIV/AIDS and how no one is immune; no matter the marital status, age and sexual orientation.
The choices we make stay with us. The information is available and now it’s time to share it with those that need it. Start the conversation and have facts on hand if you suspect someone you love is at risk. One Conversation at a Time is free to use, has downloadable materials and has facts on how to protect each other. It’s time to let go of the stigma and educate, especially our youth. Young people, aged 13-24 are especially affected by HIV. They comprised 16% of the U.S. population, but accounted for 26% of all new HIV infections in 2010.
There’s so much to live for. Let’s not waste another minute. Share what you now know about the rising rate of HIV/AIDS in the Hispanic community and how to stop it in its tracks with #OneConversation.
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This post is made possible by support from the We Can Stop HIV One Conversation at a Time campaign. All opinions are my own.
