504 days ago, in addition to making the decision to start on Truvada, I made the decision to document and share my experiences. This choice has led to people from all over the world reading about my journey, and hopefully getting the chance to start discussions with their partners, doctors, and friends about PrEP. These discussions are such a valuable tool in spreading awareness. However, I can't help but notice that sometimes, discussions when dealing with PrEP, or HIV in general tend to leave the realm of what some would consider "civil discourse." And hey, I get it, HIV and sexual health are very personal topics for everyone, so everyone is going to have their thoughts and opinions about the best way to approach all angles, from prevention, to laws, to care for those who are infected.
Discussion and debate are great ways to really dive into these issues, raise awareness that may have been absent, and create a sense of community. But the way in which we approach these conversations seems just as important to me. Everyone out there has the same end game in mind when it comes to HIV, ending it. This is a fact that I believe is often lost in these valuable discussions. The passion behind reaching that goal leads many to become so convinced that their way of thinking is correct, that they do not even listen to the other side of the debate. While well intentioned, that passion sometimes stands in the way of growth, and can even tear a community apart instead of building it up. So, you have people who throw out attacks, or call names, or even just sit on a stage sticking their fingers in their ears going "LA LA LA," instead of really participating in the discussion and figuring out how we as a community can reach the end goal together. Inevitably, this increases the stigma surrounding all of the aspects of HIV, and reduces the efficacy of any valuable message being presented.
I love the message and approach of Mr. Friendly. There are teams across the country that are dedicated to ending the stigma behind HIV and approaching every situation and conversation in a friendly way. These teams are not forcing their own opinions down anyone's throat, or trying to find ways to prove someone else wrong, but instead finding common ground and supporting everyone. This is the approach that will help everyone get to that end game TOGETHER.
I like to share my PrEP experience so anyone who reads this knows there is an option out there. I am not here to say that my approach to any of these topics is the only way, or even the best way for everyone; but I am here to say that the only way to get to the end of this race, is together, and the only way we can stay together is using civil discourse, and approaching everyone with the remembrance that we are all in the same fight together, and not from an attack or defense mode.
As always, I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to read this. I also appreciate you sharing this with anyone else you might think would be interested. I'd love to hear what you all think about this, Feel free to comment, ask questions, or just say hey.
