Disclosure - Leading by example

[AIDS2HIV]

ok, i know many on here, have varied opinions on disclosure. But i must say, through my own personal experiences, disclosure has not only set me free, it has allowed me opportunity to educate. So far through disclosure i have been on TV in my area, and now here's my latest......my local newspaper*

and before it gets said, the area of ohio live in, is just as afflicted with the stigma as anywhere else is, the difference being, I'm doing something about it, by seizing the opportunities.

i challenge those who arent already to become active in thier communities, to set your Fears aside, and seize the opportunity that lies behind the mask of adversity*

http://www.progressnewspaper.org/story1.html

(part 2 gets published next week)

[Andy Velez]

Cochise, good for you, man! That's a big step towards breaking down the isolation that continues to haunt so many who are living with HIV.

On the other hand, as far as disclosure in general is concerned, I still say that's a totally personal decision to make. Each person has to decide what's right for them.

If you will, keep us posted on responses you get to this action.

Cheers,

[AIDS2HIV]

i sure will Andy...back in febuary, i did a 3 day news special that generated a 60% increase in people getting tested in northwest ohio.....We are working on another newcast as we speak.

i agree about disclosure. however, i also know that many times, in most circumstances, we feed the Fear monster so much, that it only holds us back. I have yet to find, anyone who is active in both openingly disclosing, and educating about HIV, that have more bad come from it, than good. Some just take longer than others to get to that point of disclosure. The level of Acceptance of "self" is key in comfortability of disclosure 

[Queen Tokelove]

Disclosure is a touchy subject for me. I am happy for those who are able to disclose. Everytime I tried to disclose, it ended up badly. That is why I won't disclose to anyone. But at the same time, I'm not sexually active so I do not have to worry about infecting anyone. I hope one day that I will be able to open up but for the time being with me, silence is golden......

[J.R.E.]

Cochise,

Thanks for the link. It was a very good read. Thanks for putting yourself out there, for the community. Took a lot of courage to do that. Wishing you the best on your site ! The only place I won't disclose, is at my workplace. When the time is right, that will change.


Ray