social group in Birmingham, AL area?...

[SouthSam7]

Does anyone know an HIV+ social group in the Birmingham, AL area? There used to be a good one but the host got sick and now he doesn't do it any more. Thanks!

[Ann]

Does anyone know an HIV+ social group in the Birmingham, AL area? There used to be a good one but the host got sick and now he doesn't do it any more. Thanks!

Why not pick up the torch and start one yourself - or carry on with the one that was discontinued? Find out if you can get in touch with the host who is now sick. He may appreciate someone willing to take things forward and may pass on his contacts list. It may really lift his spirits to know that someone wants to carry his "work" forward.

We need more of the "newer generation" to start getting involved in running things like this - so our ageing LTS torch-bearers can take a much deserved rest.

[SouthSam7]

My friend took the email list with him when he stopped doing it. I don't know anyone else with HIV here so it would be just me who shows up.

[Ann]

My friend took the email list with him when he stopped doing it. I don't know anyone else with HIV here so it would be just me who shows up.

If he's your friend, can't you get in contact with him to tell him you have an interest in keeping the group going? He may help you get started.

As for not knowing anyone else with hiv, you could put posters up in your local clinics, doctor's offices and ASOs to advertise the group. If you really wanted a group to go to, that is.

[SouthSam7]

I like the poster idea! My friend has dementia so I can't get the email list from him or get his help with anything. I will put up some flyers this week! Thanks!
Sam

[Ann]

Glad I could be of assistance, Sam.

Sorry to hear about your friend's dementia though. That sucks.

[BT65]

I just helped start a women's HIV support group.  We made flyers for the local ASO to mail to all their female clients, which they happily did, and I will be distributing flyers to doctor's offices.  There's always a need for support, that's for sure.

Good luck Sam.

[Miss Philicia]

I'm not clear that Sam wants a "support group" -- it seems he wants more of an affinity group, like what S.I.N. (Strength in Numbers) has in several cities. It's more of a group of HIV+ gay men who get together for various social activities.

Or I could be wrong, if it's just a support group he wants then the main HIV clinic in Birmingham would have those.

I would best describe SIN as in the middle of a support group and Grindr -- on the one hand attendees don't want to sit in a group setting and listen to some haggard sole griping about soiling Depends with protease inhibitor-induced diarrhea or actually see someone hobbling on a cane, but they also don't want to feel like sluts in cyberspace. Or that's always been my take not the demographic.

[Theyer]

I'm not clear that Sam wants a "support group" -- it seems he wants more of an affinity group, like what S.I.N. (Strength in Numbers) has in several cities. It's more of a group of HIV+ gay men who get together for various social activities.

Or I could be wrong, if it's just a support group he wants then the main HIV clinic in Birmingham would have those.

I would best describe SIN as in the middle of a support group and Grindr -- on the one hand attendees don't want to sit in a group setting and listen to some haggard sole griping about soiling Depends with protease inhibitor-induced diarrhea or actually see someone hobbling on a cane, but they also don't want to feel like sluts in cyberspace. Or that's always been my take not the demographic.

My oh my it can be so differcult to find one,s place in the world,today. SIN actually sounds fun ,for me with my cane, thankfully diapers are not 24/7 or even all the time, however I do sometimes like to time how long able bodied folk eye contact lasts before I give them a friendly crack apon the head with said cane, followed up with a loud pay attention now and continue to discourse on 1960,s Nordic Noir.