{"id":3078,"date":"2024-12-03T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-03T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ahflatamycaribe.org\/durante-estas-fiestas-pon-al-vih-sobre-la-mesa\/"},"modified":"2024-12-06T14:54:55","modified_gmt":"2024-12-06T20:54:55","slug":"during-this-holiday-season-bring-hiv-to-the-table","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ahflatamycaribe.org\/en\/during-this-holiday-season-bring-hiv-to-the-table\/","title":{"rendered":"During this holiday season, bring HIV to the table"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you noticed how close World AIDS Day<\/strong> and the end-of-year holidays are? Interestingly, the fact that both the celebrations and the day dedicated to HIV and its consequences fall in the same month<\/strong> hasn\u2019t encouraged much discussion on the topic. But perhaps this year can be different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The December holidays are moments spent with family<\/strong>, even with relatives you don\u2019t see often. In this context of togetherness, bringing up topics like HIV might be challenging<\/strong>. However, discussing it with family can be a first step toward dismantling the prejudices that still surround the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to make a difference<\/strong> and put the topic of HIV on the (Christmas) table, here are some strategies to start these conversations. But let\u2019s be clear<\/strong>: you\u2019ll need to educate yourself and be open to exchanging ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HIV: Start the Conversation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Talking about HIV with family starts with small steps<\/strong>. Take advantage of quiet moments during gatherings to introduce the topic naturally. For example, you could say: \u201cDid you hear about the events<\/strong> held in the city for World AIDS Day? It was just recently.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you\u2019ll need to know what some of those events were about. Look for ones that might be most interesting<\/strong>, such as concerts, sports runs, or talks with people who have been affected by HIV in some way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also share important facts, such as how someone on antiretroviral treatment<\/strong> can live a long and healthy life and won\u2019t transmit the virus when their viral load is undetectable<\/a>. This educational approach can help reduce fear<\/strong> and prejudices associated with HIV, creating space for questions and reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another option is to mention campaigns about the topic on social media<\/strong>, or bring up a movie, series, or news piece about HIV and ask your family what they think<\/strong> about it. This can help you gauge their attitudes and determine the direction the conversation should take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Empathy Breaks Down HIV Stigma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The stigma and prejudice surrounding HIV often stem from a lack of information<\/strong>, and therefore, fear. If you encounter these ideas within your family, respond with patience and empathy<\/strong> to uninformed or prejudiced comments. For example, if someone mentions that HIV can be transmitted by using the same bathroom<\/strong>, calmly correct them with clear and simple facts\u2014without being judgmental (no one likes a know-it-all).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cActually, HIV isn\u2019t transmitted through objects or surfaces<\/strong> like toilets or sinks. The virus is only transmitted through certain bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids, and only<\/strong> when they come into direct contact with another person\u2019s blood or mucous membranes. Using the same bathroom poses no risk<\/strong>.\u201d Showing your willingness to clarify doubts can help change perceptions more effectively<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, keep in mind that not all families are open to discussing these topics. If you notice resistance<\/strong>, don\u2019t force the conversation. Instead, aim to encourage reflection. \u201cLearning more about HIV helps us support those who need it\u201d: this statement can be enough to initiate a gradual change<\/strong> in attitudes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Family Is Not an Option<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For some people, biological family<\/strong> is not a safe space to discuss topics like HIV. This is especially true in contexts where there is discrimination against people living with the virus or against the LGBTQ community<\/strong> (which is often associated with HIV). If this is your case, remember that support networks are not limited to blood ties. Close friendships<\/strong>, partners, and communities can become your chosen family, offering the emotional support you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In these circles, you can use the same conversational strategies, simply adapting them to the group dynamic<\/strong>. For example, organizing a dinner with friends can be an excellent opportunity to talk about sexuality and health<\/strong> in a relaxed way, fostering a collective learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emotional support is key for those living with HIV<\/strong> or for those who want to be informed allies. Whether within your biological family or your chosen family, you can build support networks<\/strong> based on empathy, respect, and information. Listen actively, connect with others\u2019 emotions, and show your willingness<\/strong> to learn together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HIV Matters to All of Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Talking about HIV without fear helps build a more inclusive<\/strong> and prejudice-free world. This holiday season, let\u2019s take the first step toward transforming how we approach and support<\/strong> those living with the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that at AHF Latin America and the Caribbean<\/strong>, we provide HIV services to anyone who needs them. If you want to take a free detection test<\/strong>, locate our offices in your country or contact us via WhatsApp<\/a> to schedule an appointment today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00bfHas notado lo cerca que est\u00e1n el D\u00eda Mundial del Sida y las fiestas de fin de a\u00f1o? Sin embargo, el estar en el mismo mes no ha fomentado que se hable de VIH.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":3045,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3078","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-living-well-with-hiv-en"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t