Something Positive for Positive People

The majority of this episode, we discussed the secret communities/groups that can be found on social media for individuals living with hpv/hsv. We talk about the good and bad of these communities and how they relate to the stigma. (I immersed myself into these and found myself through this, but everyone is different as you’ll hear in this episode) “I have herpes and I don’t know if you’re worth taking the risk…” Paraphrasing this as a phenomenal means of disclosure. When you establish yourself as a high value individual, you set the tone of your own value and you’re able to project yourself as a high value individual when you become the chooser. Don’t be all like, “I have herpes, do you accept me?”. Be like “I have herpes and I think you’re cool enough to know this about me, but I’m still deciding if you’re worth the risk”. Way different dynamic. I can be found on Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr @HonMyChest Link to the show in the comments! Stay Positive

Dr. Allison Mathews represents 2BeatHIV which is a research project based at UNC’s Institute for Global Health and Infectious Disease and Department of Social Medicine. We are part of a 5 year, NIH funded grant called searcHIV, focused on examining the social and ethical aspects of research on curing HIV. 2BeatHIV is working to find ways to improve community engagement around HIV cure research. 2BeatHIV wants people to be involved and gain a sense of ownership over the future of HIV cure. The project hosts a series of contests to get the best community-based ideas on how to spread the word about HIV cure research. 2BeatHIV is currently looking for community engagement by submitting your ideas on what a cure would mean to you. Please help us get closer to an HIV cure. Submit your social media posts and or videos to any of the following 2BeatHIV pages explaining what it would mean to yourself or a loved one. There's a ton of ways to get involved to help us get closer to a cure, what we need are more individuals willing to participate in clinical trials. More diverse participation will REALLY assist in making progress for us . . . . 2 Beat HIV. Instagram: @2BeatHIV Facebook: 2 Beat HIV Twitter: @2BeatHIV Follow us on Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram for updates on the podcast: @HonMyChest

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