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BABES Network-YWCA is a
Seattle-based support group that uses peer counseling, group discussions,
educational lectures, and retreats to help HIV-positive women navigate intimate
relationships. Trusting a sexual partner and coping with rejection are often
the focus of dialogue among group attendees.
“I encourage women to date when
they’re ready. I ask them questions to see if they’re ready: ‘When do you want
to disclose your status? Are you ready for the response?’” said Brenda Higgins,
a BABES peer advocate.
BABES Program Manager Nicole Price
was once one of the women seeking support for dealing with love and life
post-diagnosis. She said that while everyone has a different approach for
disclosing their status, she prefers not to rush the talk. “Give them a chance
to get to know you at least,” she said. “Let them know who you are. Not just
see you as HIV.”
“Everybody does it slightly
differently,” said Dr. Joanne Stekler, a deputy director at the HIV/STD program
of Public Health Seattle & King County. “There are some people who walk up
to someone in the bar and say, ‘Hi, my name is this and I’m HIV-positive,’ or
people tell right before they’re going to be intimate. Maybe before they decide
to do it or when the clothes are coming off. There’s not a right or wrong way
to tell, but you need to talk about it.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
