In the HIV community disclosure is a controversial topic right now. "Tell. Tell. Tell," they say. I feel before we can tell our status we must consider three things: Why am I telling, who am I telling and am I ready to tell.

Tree Alexander

Tree Alexander, born in Chicago, Illinois, now living in Brooklyn, New York. HIV-positive AIDS activist and Case Worker. "I am the change I wish to see." Motivational speaker and youth advocate. Tree's target is to empower the youth and reduce stigma. Tree found out his HIV status one month after he turned 20 and HIV has changed his life completely. Tree travels and tell his story, letting people know that if we continue to conceal and fear this disease, we shall never overcome.

People reach out for many different reasons. Some for support, some for sorrow. Some for prayer and some for pity. No matter the reason, if it is important to you then it is indeed valid. Should you tell your partner as soon as you find out? Should you tell your bed buddy before you lay down? Should we disclose to our partners 100 percent of the time?

I say yes because of the person that I am and the work that I do. You may put someone's life in danger; silence really can equal death. Don't think that I have always been so forthright about my status. Stepping out of the "HIV closet" was a huge process and if it wasn't for my support system I don't know what I would have done.


When I found out my status, it was right after my partner (at that time) found out about his. He was completely afraid of HIV and wanted to keep things just between us. I told my sister before I got tested and after I found out, so already I had two people to talk to.

I remember being asked did I want to attend any support groups. The last thing on my mind was going to sit in a room filled with people crying about something that I wasn't fully ready to admit to myself. It wasn't until I broke up with my ex that I start to tell my family and friends.

Some people enter this fight alone, and have no one to talk to. No one's shoulder to cry on and hear the words, "I'm here for you!" Many times these people have little knowledge of the culture that comes along with the red ribbon. Now that I have experienced support groups, I tell everyone I know about some in their area. They are a great resource to find out how others deal with everyday life and disclosure.

A must read : www.thebody.com

Whats HIV? Is that some new party-dwug? Is it slimming? I only know Kylie

Quote:

Originally Posted by badamj2000

Whats HIV? Is that some new party-dwug? Is it slimming? I only know Kylie

....ur an idiot...

I'll second that, it's no laughing matter, far out. You wouldn't laugh after you've seen people dying of Aids right in front of your eyes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SillyRabbit

....ur an idiot...

+2

isn't there a law against non-disclosure?

Um you only have to disclose to sexual partners, and I think you are obligated to disclose to someone in your workplace for OH&S reasons, but otherwise no.

Sorry guys

I thought you had to disclose to sexual partners ?