HIV/AIDS in the hispanic community.

[swede_dish]

Well tis a new semester on my end of the interweb "tubes" and I have a very interesting project comming my way. For my Into to Public Health class I am doing a research project on HIV/AIDS and it's impact on the hispanic community, considering I'm Argentinean and poz I figured this would be a good topic. Granted, I haven't told my classmates about my status and I don't know if I want to. I'm afraid I'll become a case study or something to gawk at. So here is my problem...should I disclose because I do get a good vibe from my fellow students or should I hold back so as not to risk being a guinea pig?


Have a swede day!

-J-dizzle

[megasept]

Should I disclose because I do get a good vibe from my fellow students or should I hold back so as not to risk being a guinea pig?


Have a swede day!

-J-dizzle

I have been there. On the one hand I am private; on the other I will confront HIV issues, especially discriminatory or ignorant actions or comments. While I have the right to do this without disclosing it sometimes gets silly. If I think my "audience" is sincere, I would probably disclose; if not, I'd not even answer a personal question, including "So, do you have HIV?" I once disclosed to that day's coworker after a discussion on AIDS (1992) and once informed, he said "You're lying." That was a weird experience.

What you might do is make this statement (verbally); "Some of you interested in my project have wondered whether I was part of my "demographic". Well, I am. Many positive people study and work around you. Now, let me get on with my presentation of my findings..." You'll do what feels right. Being straightforward is preferable. Lying is out. Disclosure is optional, not mandatory.

   -megasept

[Basquo]

I say no, because some people might then think that the project was easy for you (even though we know it won't be.)

[Queen Tokelove]

That is something that you need to really think about. And I really don't have an answer for you. I did help someone do a paper on that same subject with African American women and since I am 1/2, I qualified. I answered all of her questions and she got an A+ and the teacher was surprised that she found a subject who was so open. If that teacher only knew...But helping that person actually helped me too and lead me to being comfortable about blogging. Good Luck, J-DIzzle.. For shizzle my nizzle...

[swede_dish]

Thank you so much for the feedback =)  Based on some conversation I heard in class today, I decided against disclosing at this point, at least untill the class learns more about HIV. In general they seem pretty level headed and unbiased but I think I'll play it on the safe side. For once.

Muah,
J-Dizzle
 

P.S: Queen Akashizzle - I think its so cool that you helped out your friend with her project!