Hoping to get together a group for young HIV positive guys ..

[Garthy]

G'day fellow queers.. My name is Garth, I'm 21 and found out that after a drink spiking incident last year that I had contracted HIV...
After immersing myself in work till the initial shock and disgust had worn off I started looking for support for other newly diagnosed young gay men. I was informed that the only program/group involving support, councelling and companionship for the guys that REALLY, REALLY need it is called GENESIS. Unfortunately I found out that it focusses more on the people experiencing the transision from HIV to full blown AIDS. I did not want to be around people from that stage as I was depressed and knew I would only get more depressed if I went to genesis.
WHAT I PLAN TO DO>>>>>
My Goal is to create a social group that encourages young poz guys to stay off the drugs while they deal with the news and promote healthy living.
I want to create a weekly social meet at a prearranged place where we can relax and vent our thoughts and ideas from the week and start LIVING again.

I dont know what the chances are of a single HIV positive guy even reading this or even if they want to meet weekly for a group but I know that its a great idea and it is much needed as I felt totally isolated and lost when I found out.
I would REALLY Like to hear your thoughts on this topic... Cheers all...Garth

[Christian Taylor]

hey garthy,

firstly, thanks so much for posting this. i must say, it was quite powerful to read your thoughts, and i for one applaud you for your proactive, positive outlook on your situation. everyone knows that talking through a problem makes such a difference - you realise you're not alone, you get to inspire and console each other. i think it's really inspiring and would like to speak to you in greater detail to see if there is any way i can help you out with this...

take care of yourself. drop me a line through the site - would be nice to talk to you.

christian

[Cheetah77]

Hi Garth,

Like Christian, I read your post about setting up a support group a while ago and have been keeping an eye on it to see if you had any luck.

It seems that out of the 56 people who have read your post, either no one is interested or are not "out" as positive and are just too scared as they're not comfortable revealing their positive status with a stranger online. My bets would be on that one - after all, they were all interested in reading your post, what was it that stopped them from replying to you? I'd say it was fear.

Perhaps you can provide your email address for people to email you privately, or even private message you if they are scared that you'll "out" them?

it's quite clear that you're really just looking for other young, positive people to talk with/share experiences etc but I can understand people's paranoia about the whole status thing. Unfortunately, there is still quite a bit of stigma attached to being positive among the Gay community and rather than supporting those that need it, it's much easier and less confronting for ppl to turn away and pretend it's not there.

Maybe that'll change one day... in the meantime, good luck with your group!

Cheetah77

[windsor1976]

Hey garth,

It is a great idea, however I'm in Melbourne. I think the first step is to put ideas into a concrete steps that needs to be taken to establish the group.

What do you think?