![\"angela-bassett\"](\"http:\/\/tuvmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Angela-Bassett-.jpg\")
I want you to open that door and look stigma in the face and say, \u201cGet yo\u2019 s#!t. Get yo\u2019 s#!t and get out!\u201d Yes, a little Bernadine never hurt!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For many of us, being diagnosed with HIV may come as a total surprise. Oftentimes, we\u2019re made to believe that we\u2019ve done something wrong, that we\u2019ve single-handedly ruined the rest of our lives — the \u201cend of the world\u201d as many still proclaim. There is this societal misrepresentation of black gay men which, in turn, creates this constricted view of us and reinforces the stereotype that we are promiscuous and that HIV is primarily a \u201cgay\u201d disease. As black gay men, we have the power to shape the narrative and change the trajectory of this vicious cycle.<\/p>\n
Find people to talk to. Yes, the fear that has been instilled in us has an impact on how we approach the issue of disclosure. However, whether you are newly diagnosed or someone who has been living with HIV for years, finding people to talk to is crucial. Even if you don\u2019t know what to say or how to say it, let someone know that you need a shoulder. Make it known that you\u2019re in an unfamiliar place and you need guidance to get through. Mental health professionals can become your best friend. Just don\u2019t feel that you are in this alone.<\/p>\n
Arm yourself with information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to manage your life and help educate those individuals who may be adding to the stigma with their lack of knowledge around the virus. Find out the ways HIV is spread. Educate yourself on PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), the once a day pill to prevent HIV in negative individuals. Visit CDC.gov or POZ.com, along with a plethora of other sites that would be useful resource guides. If you feel that you still lack the proper understanding, refer to your medical provider for clarity.<\/p>\n
Be patient with yourself. Give yourself time to process your diagnosis. Don\u2019t be in a rush to tell the world. That could potentially create more issues, especially if you\u2019re not mentally or emotionally in a place to grasp the true concept of how your life has truly been impacted. Yes, you\u2019ll want to have someone to talk to, but do it at your own pace and don\u2019t feel pressured to disclose when it\u2019s not necessary.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t forget to love yourself. There\u2019s a lot to think about and various factors to process. Don\u2019t forget the most important piece of the puzzle when dealing with life after diagnosis: YOU! Love yourself enough to take care of yourself and get the help you need.<\/p>\n
There are many other avenues and steps that can be taken to address the misrepresentation and ever-growing stigma within the community. The stigma keeps us oppressed. It keeps us trapped in this space where we often feel suffocated and can\u2019t move freely throughout life. Pick your head up, beautiful one. Exhale.<\/p>\n
I want you to open that door and look stigma in the face and say, \u201cGet yo\u2019 s#!t. Get yo\u2019 s#!t and get out!\u201d Yes, a little Bernadine never hurt!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
For many of us, being diagnosed with HIV may come as a total surprise. Oftentimes, we\u2019re made to believe that we\u2019ve done something wrong, that we\u2019ve single-handedly ruined the rest of our lives — the \u201cend of the world\u201d as many still proclaim. There is this societal misrepresentation of black gay men which, in turn, <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1887,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[294,293,301,299,295,296,297,298,83,300],"class_list":["post-1886","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-news","tag-black-men-aids-crisis","tag-black-msm","tag-cdc-treatment-works-campaign","tag-cedric-gum","tag-hiv-care","tag-hiv-treatment","tag-hiv-truth","tag-positive-status-revealed","tag-prep-pill","tag-treatment-works"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n