Author: surrealsocials

The National Football League (N.F.L.) has been around for 100 years but it wasn’t until recently that an active player—Carl Nassib, of the Las Vegas Raiders—came out as gay.

An Announcement

During Pride Month a couple of weeks ago, the defensive end from Pennsylvania posted a video on Instagram announcing that he is gay. He later released a statement where he talks about how he struggled with coming out for years, and thanks his family, friends, teammates and coaches for supporting him. Nassib also announced that he was donating $100,000 to The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that focuses on suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth. “They’re truly doing incredible things and I’m very excited to be a part of it,” he says.

Not the First

Nassib isn’t the first N.F.L. player to come out as gay. Michael Sam came out prior to being drafted in 2014. David Kopay played in the N.F.L. in the 1960s and ‘70s and came out after his retirement. So, what makes Nassib’s coming out special?

Again, Nassib is the first player to come out while actively playing in the N.F.L. It’s also unique because the public’s response has generally been supportive. The N.F.L. and the Raiders have also shown their support on social media.

This has not always been the case. The N.F.L. has historically been hypermasculine and heteronormative—it’s not what most would call an easy environment to come out as gay in. Sam received backlash from the media and other N.F.L. players after coming out. Kopay has said in interviews that it was hard to fit in as a gay football player and felt he often had to hide his sexual orientation. So, Nassib’s coming out is a historic moment for the N.F.L.

An Important Example for Young LGBTQ Athletes

It’s also a historic moment for LGBTQ people. So many young LGBTQ athletes refrain from joining sports teams because they fear how many opportunities they’ll get, how coaches and teammates will treat them and what others’ responses will be. Hopefully Nassib’s coming out sets an important precedent and creates a culture that is more accepting for queer-identified players to be themselves.

Nassib also set an example for young LGBTQ people overall. “I just think representation and visibility are important,” he says in his video. In an accompanying written statement, he says, “Young LGBTQ kids are five times more likely than their straight friends to consider suicide. All it takes is one accepting adult to decrease the risk of a LGBTQ kid attempting suicide by 40%.” Indeed, having visible LGBTQ adults can only help the young people watching them.

Carl Nassib’s coming out will definitely be recorded as a “win.”

Check out Athlete Ally for more about support for LGBTQ athletes!

Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash

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I’ve identified as bisexual (bi) for a few years now. I’ve experienced the good, the bad and the ugly, from support and acceptance to confusion and biphobia. But it wasn’t until recently that I found out that there’s a whole day dedicated to celebrating bisexuality, spreading awareness about biphobia and increasing the visibility of bisexuality!

Yes, ever since 1999, Celebrate Bisexuality Day has been celebrated on September 23. In honor of the day, I wanted to reflect on my experience as a bisexual person and offer some advice for others who identify as bi or are trying to figure out their sexual orientation.

The Basics

First, a definition: bisexuality is emotional, romantic and/or sexual attraction to more than one gender. A quick note: Celebrate Bisexuality Day is a part of Bisexual+ Awareness Week. The “+” is often added to show that some people who are attracted to more than one gender can identify as bi, pansexual, omnisexual and more. I identify as bi, so will use that term.

It’s OK not to have emotional, romantic and sexual attraction toward the same gender simultaneously. For example, someone could be emotionally and romantically attracted to one gender and sexually attracted to another. It’s important not to invalidate the range of different experiences a person who identifies as bi can have.

Riding the Roller Coaster

Being bi can feel like a roller coaster. My biggest moment of confusion was when I first fully realized my attraction to girls while I was in a relationship with a guy. This can be difficult, especially when people ask if I’ve ever been with a girl and then doubt my identity when I tell them I haven’t. It can be hard not to care what other people think, but when it comes to your sexual identity, it’s not about other people’s opinions, it’s about understanding yourself and your authenticity.

Finding out that other people who identify as bi share my experiences made me realize that instead of freaking out if I feel more attracted to girls one day and guys on another, I just need to embrace the roller coaster.

Biphobia from All Sides

Most people know about homophobia—prejudice toward gay people—but what some people don’t realize is that bi people can experience biphobia. It can come from all sides of the sexuality orientation spectrum, from heterosexual people to gay people and even from within yourself.

I’ve seen biphobia in the form of people saying “make a choice” or that it must be “a phase.” When I came out to some of my gay and lesbian friends, I expected to be accepted, just like I was accepting when they came out to me, but I was surprised when a few of them told me, “I feel like everyone is bisexual nowadays.”

If you’re experiencing biphobia, you don’t need to go through it alone. You can reach out to the GSA club if there’s one at your school, or trusted adults in your life. There are also some online resources listed at the end of this article.

You Are Valid

Sometimes I still don’t entirely feel like a part of the LGBQ+ community. I haven’t actually dated a girl (and I am still bi even if I don’t). I haven’t experienced the same ostracizing and oppression that many people in the lesbian and gay community have to face. However, that doesn’t make me or any other person who identifies as bi less valid.

Bisexuality is not a phase or a fad and it’s not an inability to make a decision. It’s a totally valid sexual orientation. If you are feeling attracted to more than one gender, you are normal!

Celebrate Bisexuality Day is about increasing awareness. And for people who aren’t bi, it’s about learning how to validate those who are.

Looking for more information about bisexuality? Check out these resources:
https://biresource.org/
https://www.hrc.org/resources/bisexual

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Have you ever noticed that once June—Pride Month—rolls around, a bunch of companies change their logo to a rainbow-themed version for the month? We have and we have some thoughts about it!

The Profit at the End of the Rainbow

Isabella: June has become the official month to celebrate being LGBTQ. It’s a time meant to make queer people like me comfortable in our own skin. Lots of companies have caught on. They might sell products featuring rainbows or t-shirts with sayings like, “Closets are for clothes,” “Let’s get one thing straight, I’m not,” “Can’t even think straight,” etc.

There’s a name for this. “Rainbow capitalism,” also known as “pink capitalism” or “gay capitalism,” is when corporations highlight LGBTQ-themed merchandise and claim allyship. But it can all feel sort of…fake.

Not that the people in their advertisements or anyone who wears the clothes are fake. But it can feel like some of these corporations don’t really care about or consistently support LGBTQ folks. It rubs me the wrong way when they say things like, “Wear your pride!” It feels patronizing, as if our identities aren’t valid unless we buy rainbow products. And some of this marketing seems to rely on the insecurities younger LGBTQ people may have, who may feel like they have to show, or “prove” in some way, that they’re LGBTQ: “Wear this overpriced all-rainbow tux to show the world you’re proud!”

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to show pride by wearing these clothes, but for corporations to profit off of Pride Month without necessarily caring the rest of the year is frustrating.

If you like rainbow merchandise, that’s OK! But maybe consider that you don’t need all those rainbows to prove your sexual orientation or gender identity, to yourself or anyone else. Who you are doesn’t need material goods to be confirmed.

What do you think, Chris?

But Any Representation is Better Than None, Right?

Christopher: Thanks, Isabella. While it can be frustrating to see Pride heavily commercialized, there are still aspects of Pride Month marketing to be grateful for. For many of those who identify as LGBTQ, simply seeing any public representation can feel validating, despite the potential intent of the business. The changes that businesses make to their marketing strategies during Pride Month can be extremely valuable—especially to those who have struggled with feeling unseen or invalid in the past.

In addition, certain businesses partner with organizations that support LGBTQ people and advocacy—like GLAAD, The Trevor Project and the Human Rights Campaign, to name a few— throughout Pride Month to raise funds for and awareness of LGBTQ folks and some of the issues they face. The visibility this produces is important to organizations like these, and makes this a productive way for businesses to acknowledge and appreciate Pride Month.

If you enjoy Pride-themed marketing throughout June, that’s wonderful! Although some Pride marketing campaigns can seem insincere, there are many aspects to be appreciated. What would be ideal is if these corporations continue to advocate for and support LGBTQ causes, in June and every other month.

However you view the subject, it’s important to remember that material goods do not validate your identity, and you should celebrate Pride Month however you like. Happy Pride!

Photo by Eduardo Pastor on Unsplash

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I was so happy to celebrate my first Pride Month a few months ago in June! When I went to PrideFest in New York City with some friends, it was a lot of fun, and amazing to see so many people come together to celebrate who we are.

I say “first” because this year, I felt ready to come out as bisexual to everyone in my life. Many people who are important to me—including my immediate family and close friends—had known for almost two years, but I hadn’t felt ready to share this part of me with others until recently.

This got me thinking. What if you’re certain that you aren’t heterosexual but aren’t sure exactly how you do identify? If you feel this way, know that there are others who can relate. I too used to be unsure.

Totally Normal

Turns out that not being sure how you identify on the sexual orientation spectrum is totally normal. It’s something that many of my friends are struggling with. For example, Natasha, 19, of Syracuse, NY, says that she is “bi(sexual) or pan(sexual).” Like me, she knows that she’s not heterosexual, but isn’t sure exactly how she does identify. When someone identifies as bisexual, by the way, that means that they are romantically, emotionally and/or sexually attracted to more than one gender. And being pansexual is when someone is emotionally, romantically and/or sexually attracted to someone regardless of their gender identity. This can include people who identify as genderqueer, transgender and nonbinary.

The process of figuring out how to identify differs depending on the person. There’s not one “right” way to do it! But there can be pressure to “choose” something. Like I said, sexual orientation exists on a spectrum. It’s OK to take time to figure it out.

If you’re questioning your sexual identity, the best advice I can give is to talk about it with people you trust. Verbalizing how you feel is huge. For me, confiding in my sister and closest friends has been the most comfortable and helpful thing to do.

Under Pressure

Questioning your sexual orientation can feel lonely. “More recently it’s felt really good to see that there are people like me who don’t know how to identify,” says Tate, 19, of Boston. “It feels like I’m not alone and it makes me really happy. When I was questioning and didn’t know, it made me go into a sort of panic feeling like I had to figure out my sexual orientation.”

For people who are unsure, Pride Month—or anytime, really—can feel hard in some ways. There’s tons of social media regarding coming out. I’ve seen videos and pictures on TikTok and Instagram; seeing these makes me happy because it means these people feel ready and are brave enough to share who they are.

But while these posts can be positive, they can also inadvertently cause pressure for someone to figure out how they identify. Seeing multiple coming-out posts in a row can feel stressful when you’re unsure of your own sexual orientation. You may want a clear answer for yourself and feel frustrated if you don’t have it!

If you’re questioning or just figuring it out, know it’s OK to be unsure.

The Lure of Labels

Honestly, I feel that labels aren’t always necessary, but sometimes it can feel like they are. Because people can “default” and assume a heterosexual sexual orientation in others, anyone who isn’t heterosexual may feel pressure to label themselves. On the other hand, LGBTQ+ people don’t always feel safe sharing their identity due to fear of discrimination and/or violence (while I’m focusing on sexual orientation in this article, this goes for both sexual orientation and gender identity).

Sometimes people feel that labeling their sexual orientation makes it easier for others to understand. In my experience, it seems as though some people in older generations understand what it means to be heterosexual, gay or lesbian, but not necessarily beyond those categories. For example, my parents have asked me questions about what it means to be bisexual versus pansexual. They’ve also asked me multiple questions about other sexual orientations. It’s good they’re asking and I’m happy to answer their questions the best I can.

You Belong

Once someone knows how they identify, it can sometimes feel easier to “belong.” “Labeling myself as bisexual has made me feel part of something bigger,” says Kate, 15, of South Orange, NJ.

But it’s also perfectly fine if you don’t want to attach to a label. You’ll still “belong!” You can dress how you want to, like who you want to and be yourself without it. You should only label yourself if that’s the right decision for you.

If you’re questioning your sexual orientation or unsure where you fall on the sexual orientation spectrum, know that you’re not alone. It’s even likely that some people you know are feeling similarly.

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Did you know that April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month? While April is just about over, we should be aware of the prevalence and impact of sexual assault every month. With this in mind, here is some basic information about sexual assault as well as where to turn if you have experienced sexual violence.

What Is Sexual Assault?

People may not always know what sexual assault includes or looks like. One important resource that can help with this is RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). RAINN is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States, offering services and programs “to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” according to their website. RAINN defines sexual assault as “sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim.” Sexual assault can include attempted rape, pressuring someone to have sex and manipulation of someone to perform sexual acts and unwanted touching of a sexual nature. Sexual assault overwhelmingly happens between people who know each other, not strangers.

Not Alone

After being sexually assaulted, a person may have all sorts of feelings and reactions. They may feel a combination of things: anxiety, guilt, denial, fear, loss of confidence or depression. Often, they feel isolated.

While anyone dealing with the aftermath of sexual violence may be different in terms of what they want or choose to do, they should know that they are not alone. By identifying sources of support, they can feel less isolated and figure out next steps. Unfortunately, there is not a cure-all solution. But finding resources can help ease confusion and provide both information and support.

Resources

Looking for support, either for yourself or someone close to you? RAINN provides several important tools:

● National Sexual Assault Hotline (available 24/7): 800-656-HOPE (4673)
● National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (live chat)
● Visit RAINN.org for additional resources tailored for several groups, including Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander survivors; Black survivors; Indigenous survivors; Latinx survivors; LGBTQ survivors; immigrant survivors; male survivors; survivors with disabilities and more.

Whether it’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month or not, there are ways to increase access to resources for those who have been sexually assaulted. Whatever day it is, we can always work to decrease stigma around speaking out about sexual violence and help those in need feel less alone.

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The third season of Netflix’s Sex Education just launched, and I am absolutely thrilled! I remember binging through the episodes when the show first came out, and I eagerly wait for more between seasons. The cliffhangers we were left with last year have definitely been acknowledged, from Otis’s deleted voicemail to how Hope, the new headmistress at Moordale Secondary School, will handle issues of sexuality at the school.

To celebrate the release of the new season, here are the top four reasons why I love Sex Education.

1. It’s refreshingly up-front.

I’ve grown up thinking that even saying the word “sex” is inappropriate, both in school and at home (since starting to work at Sex, Etc., I feel differently!). Sex Education, however, completely shatters this idea. The opening scene of episode one in season three, for instance, set to a cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now” by the Rubinoos, shows a range of couples—diverse in sexual orientation, race, abilities and more—hooking up. Not to mention Aimee’s vulva cupcakes in the sixth episode! Including those kinds of scenes struck me as bold at first, but the more I continued to watch, the more I began to appreciate how authentic and honest the show is.

2. The romance!

Ahh, romance. My favorite must-have for any show is the drama and tension that rises from a good love triangle. In this area, Sex Education does not disappoint. The “will they/won’t they?” tension between Otis and Maeve has been ongoing since the very beginning and still keeps me on my toes.

3. Everyone makes mistakes.

No one is perfect, and the show does a great job of demonstrating this. Each character makes mistakes in some way, but they are capable of growing from them. Eric and Adam, for example, get into arguments about their relationship because of difficulty opening up to each other, which tends to result in hurt feelings. I can definitely empathize with the challenge of communicating how you feel to others. Sex Education focuses on what can be learned from each mistake, including how to pick yourself back up and move forward with a new understanding of yourself and others.

4. It’s a judgment-free zone.

The show highlights honest conversations about sex while promoting a message of acceptance of people as they are. It includes the different preferences teens have in terms of what they want in a relationship, what makes them feel good sexually and what their goals for the best high school experience are in general. Jackson’s struggles with parental pressure toward being a “perfect” swimmer struck a chord with me, for instance, due to how my parents can urge me to be the “best student.” Instead of continuing to participate in an activity that didn’t bring him joy, Jackson chose to quit. He was supported by his friends and family, rather than shamed, because the choice was best for his mental health at the time. It made me realize that there is nothing embarrassing about prioritizing self-care.

Sex Education is an inspiring Netflix series that provides an honest take on embracing who you are and being unafraid to learn about yourself. Body positivity, open communication and self-love are just a few of the many important ideas encouraged by the show that I believe teens across the world need to hear more of today.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

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“Wait, you’re not straight?” I still get this question a lot, even from friends who’ve known me for years. When I first began to question my sexual orientation, it was something deeply personal and slightly terrifying. The idea of trying to figure out my sexual identity seemed overwhelming, especially at the age of 12.

Even after I thought I had it figured out, I didn’t come out right away. Coming out can be challenging, even if you know your friends and family will be supportive. It requires you to share some of the most vulnerable parts of yourself with others.

That’s why it’s important to have days like October 11, which is National Coming Out Day.

A Day to Celebrate Coming Out

National Coming Out Day celebrates the courage it takes to be yourself, including your sexual orientation and gender identity. No matter if you’re out or not, this day is meant to empower you. In addition, it also brings visibility to and increases awareness of those who are LGBTQ+.

My coming out wasn’t some grand fanfare where I sat all my friends down to make the announcement. In fact, the only person who knew for years was my sister. It took me a long time to feel comfortable coming out to others around me.

Even up until recently, I struggled when sharing my sexual identity with extended family. Most of them live in places where the culture is drastically different compared to my home in suburban New Jersey. Many times, I felt unsure about how to talk with them about things like sexual orientation. When I finally chose to come out to them, I felt more confident in myself and my ability to communicate with them. To my surprise, most of them were far more accepting than I had anticipated.

It’s Also OK Not to Come Out

Coming out is supposed to be for you. Some people don’t feel safe coming out, due to issues with family or the community they live in. For instance, living in a family that can be more conservative on some issues, I hesitated for a long time before I decided to come out to my mom. I’m relieved that it has been fine.

Others simply don’t feel ready. Either way, it’s totally OK! People who fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella come from a plethora of different backgrounds, and individual experiences vary. Coming out can look different for everyone, and the way you choose to come out should feel comfortable and safe.

Labels Optional

Sexual identity is also fluid, and you don’t have to feel pressure to label yourself if you don’t want to. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what labels seemed to fit me best. Bisexual? Pansexual? Over time, however, I’ve realized that I don’t have to identify with any particular label. Identity is personal, and the most important thing is to do what feels right for you.

As a teenager, exploring your sexual orientation and gender identity is totally normal, and you don’t have to have it all figured out right away.

So, if you are struggling to decide what’s right for you, the best advice I can give is not to force anything. Choosing to come out should be done on your own terms, at a time and place that feels right. In addition, there are plenty of incredible resources to help you figure it out, like GLSEN, the Human Rights Campaign and The Trevor Project.

This October 11, take the time to celebrate the strength of LGBTQ+ teens around the country and world. Feel free to wear your pride merch all over town or not—it’s up to you!

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It’s the last week of October and you know what that means! Time to talk about asexuality. Well—anytime is fine to talk about it, actually, but every year, Asexuality Awareness Week falls in late October (it runs from October 24 to 30 this year). This is a chance to learn more about what asexuality really is and how to support people who identify as asexual (or “ace”).

I wanted to better understand asexuality as a sexual orientation. Yes, it’s considered a sexual orientation! Especially after my friend Cori*, 17, who identifies as asexual and aromantic, told me, “The general population doesn’t see asexuality the same way they see (other) LGBTQ+ identities.”

I wondered—why don’t people seem to talk about or understand asexuality as much as they might other orientations?

What I Didn’t Know

Prior to learning more about it, I thought asexuality just meant that a person had no sexual or romantic feelings. I didn’t realize that having romantic and sexual feelings are not the same thing, even if they can go together sometimes.

I didn’t know that there are a range of people who fall under the umbrella of asexuality. For instance, some people identify as aromantic (lack of romantic desire for others), demisexual (lack of sexual attraction for someone unless there is also a deeper emotional connection) and grey-asexual (identifying somewhere between sexual and asexual), among other ways to identify!

Misunderstood

Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and some people who identify as ace do have romantic feelings, just not sexual desire. In fact, there are a lot of asexual people that date and have relationships. Just because someone is asexual doesn’t mean they don’t want deep connections with others!

Another misconception is that asexuality is abstinence or celibacy. People can choose to abstain from sex due to personal or religious beliefs, but this isn’t the same as not wanting to have sex. People who identify as ace don’t have sex because of their orientation.

Being ace can lead to feeling left out and isolated. “We live in a world that prioritizes romantic attraction,” says Cori. “It’s easy to feel like you’re missing an entire aspect of being human due to how prevalent it is.” I asked her how she has experienced this. “It can be simply being unable to contribute anything nor relate to your friends’ conversations about their crushes and love lives.”

Seen and Heard

I realized how important it is for everyone to feel like they have a space where they feel seen and heard.

“Being ace simply means I spend more of my emotional labor and time on other things that make me feel just as complete,” says Cori. “I consider platonic love to be just as important and fulfilling, so I spend much of my time talking to friends, helping them with their problems, etc.”

Learn More

Being inclusive and talking more about asexuality can help raise awareness and decrease stigma. Want to know more about what it means to be ace? Check out The Trevor Project for more information. And take part in Ace Week here!

 

*Not her real name.

Photo by Tsunami Green on Unsplash

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November 20: the day when 22 years ago, the first Transgender Day of Remembrance was observed in memory of Rita Hesler, a Black transgender woman who was murdered in her apartment on November 28, 1998. Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to both memorialize victims of transphobic violence and bring attention to issues transgender individuals face, while highlighting the trans community’s continued battle for visibility.

This year, attacks against transgender or gender nonconforming individuals have been at an all-time high, with at least 47 people killed, according to the Human Rights Campaign. The victims have disproportionately been trans women of color, with Black and Latinx transgender women especially at risk. It’s crucial to honor victims of anti-trans violence, and to recognize and commemorate the experiences of transgender people in both the past and present.

How Can We Celebrate Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People?

In honor of this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, I asked transgender and gender nonconforming teens about who has inspired them, impacted their journeys and made them feel represented. Here is a list of who they mentioned.

Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P Johnson: two transgender women and trans rights activists involved in the 1969 Stonewall Riots.
“It’s important to remember that the greatest gay movement was started by Black and Latina trans women who rose up against the police and institutional power,” says Moxuan, 18, of NJ.

@beckettls: a content creator who makes TikTok and YouTube videos about LBGTQ+ topics.
“I found Beckett’s profile when I don’t think I was even questioning yet, and all of the knowledge he shared helped me feel good now,” says Nithan, 17, of CA.

ND Stevenson: an American cartoonist and the creator of Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, who recently came out as transmasculine.
“While [She-Ra and the Princesses of Power] is a children’s show, it highlights self-awareness and confidence in being true to yourself,” says Evelynn, 17, of NJ.

Candy Darling: a 1960s trans icon and actress who worked closely with artist Andy Warhol.
“I came across her from the Velvet Underground’s ‘Candy Says,’ which has become one of my favorite songs,” says Moxuan, 18, of NJ.

Mars Wright: a trans artist and activist, who promotes “the beauty of imperfection and the strength of radical honesty” through his artwork and social media presence.
“Mars helped because his entire thing is ‘trans joy is resistance.’ So now I don’t care if people realize I’m trans, I’m just gonna keep doing what I want,” says Nithan, 17, of CA.

 

Photo by Lena Balk on Unsplash

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Each year on December 1st, millions of people observe World AIDS Day. A day to honor those lost to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, it’s also a chance to remember the history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS as well as reflect on the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment looking forward.

In honor of World AIDS Day, let’s take a look together at some important information about HIV/AIDS!

The Facts

HIV damages the immune system’s ability to fight disease. There are lots of misconceptions about how HIV is contracted, so let me clear up any confusion. It’s spread through bodily fluids like semen, precum, rectal and vaginal fluids, breast milk and blood. It is not spread through saliva or urine. There are three stages of HIV: Stage 1 (acute HIV infection), Stage 2 (Chronic HIV Infection) and Stage 3 (AIDS). However, these days many people who are HIV positive never advance to Stage 3 (more on that below).

A Brief History

When first discovered, little was known about HIV/AIDS. During the 1980s, the lack of information about HIV/AIDS at the time would inspire much of the stigma that still exists. Some people use AIDS to defend discrimination against queer people, and misinformation about HIV/AIDS remains a big issue.

HIV and AIDS Today

Today, an estimated 37.7 million people worldwide live with HIV. Luckily, great progress has been made to improve treatment for people who are HIV-positive and to help prevent HIV for those who are most at risk. In recent years, new preventative treatments like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) lower people’s chances of contracting HIV before or after an exposure and medication like antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces the risk that HIV poses to patients’ health.

In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared that when treatments reduce the amount of virus in an HIV-positive person’s blood to where it is undetectable during a standard blood test, that person is unable to transmit HIV to a partner during sex. This discovery, sometimes referred to as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) was an amazing step forward for TasP (Treatment as Prevention), which aims to limit the transmission of HIV/AIDS by treating infected individuals.

Still Work to Be Done

Inspired by activist groups that originated during the initial AIDS crisis—like the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP)—modern advocates like the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) aim to increase awareness and reduce stigma when it comes to HIV/AIDS.

Today, I encourage you to reflect on the history behind HIV/AIDS and how we can help shape a future rid of them. If you get the chance, share accurate information about HIV/AIDS and help fight stigma. Read about HIV/AIDS activism and tell your friends and family what you’ve learned. Remember to practice safer sex by using condoms and dental dams, and encourage others to practice safer sex, too. And, if you are sexually active, make sure you’re getting tested regularly!

Together, we can continue to make great strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS!

 

Looking for a place to get tested for HIV? Check out our clinic finder!

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