Taking a stand for an AIDS-free world!

Each year for the past 6 years, the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) has produced a calendar featuring prominent people in the Jamaican society. I felt honoured to be asked to be on the 2009 calendar along with my daughter Victoria and niece Yeshema. The message for 2009 is that women are the most vulnerable and affected group, a fact which is often not known nor appreciated. So the calendar features mothers, grandmothers and daughters of all ages.

Why did I agree to do this calendar? What is my message? I had no hesitation at all in saying “yes”. I want to add my voice to those of millions who are saying “There is no stigma nor discrimination against those who are living with HIV-AIDS”. It is my view that all of us must see past their affliction, as we do with other afflictions, and know that each person Living With AIDS (LWA) is truly a magnificent expression of God’s love. For some reason, they are here on this planet now to give something to the world, as we all are. When we open up to this we will hear stories that inspire and uplift us. I was honoured last Sunday to be on a panel with Rosie Stone, a woman living with HIV-AIDS and the author of “No Stone Unturned”. Just being in Rosie’s presence, reading her book, hearing her speak is to feel her love and forgiveness. Rosie has chosen the love-filled response to being HIV positive, and it shows. You can literally feel her love; she is glowingly beautiful, her face shimmering with light and joy. You just feel GOOD being in her presence, as her light radiates from her to all who enter her sphere.

The second reason I chose to appear on the calendar is to send the message that we are all affected – even if we don’t have the disease. So many of my dear friends have passed from HIV-AIDS. I miss them and treasure their memory and the moments we spent together. On an even larger scale, we are all part of an interlinked and intertwined Universe. When one person is hurt or ill, we all are. This is why when we see photographs and hear the stories of the people who are coping with HIV-AIDS we feel so deeply. It is as if it is us. And it is.

Finally, by appearing on this calendar, I am saying that it is never too early for our children to know about HIV-AIDS. We must speak to them openly and honestly, and listen to them openly and honestly. Most important, as adults, we ourselves must set the example and practice safe sex – committed relationships that include testing together and the use of condoms – every time. We must also open the communication lines so that when our daughters and sons feel ready to engage in intimate relationships they will feel comfortable talking to us, and we will feel comfortable listening and talking to them.

It’s a brave new world – one where we must open to a different way of being, one where we know that HIV-AIDS can be a thing of the past – if we decide. And in the meantime, one where we love, nurture and care for our sisters and brothers LWA.

Tomorrow December 1, remember to wear your red ribbon to signal your love for persons living with HIV-AIDS and your commitment to making HIV-AIDS history. And most importantly, remember that the journey to eradicating HIV-AIDS begins with the personal habits of each and every one of us.

Also, purchase a calendar or a poster, post it prominently in your home and office as an everyday reminder of the connection that we humans have with each other.