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Bonjour, it’s Vanae.

December 1st is World AIDS Day to educate, share compassion and have dialogue about the people and surrounding issues around HIV/AIDS. San Jose State University Peer Health Center invited me to speak on a panel to students about Rock Your Awareness, advocacy, youth and what we can do as the young generation. I was fortunate to share the panel with individuals doing great work in the community:

Philbert (SJSU professor and part of PACE clinic)
Mark Molina (Asian American Community Involvement)
Bonnie (SJSU Women’s resource center, LGBQT center)
Ronnie (HIV positive speaker from Positively Speaking)

Ronnie is a compassionate individual, which I had so much respect for, for dedicating his life for others to be healthy and not go through what he’s going through as a HIV + person.

The main things we talked about as a group was HIV/AIDS, STI (formerly STDs) and sexual behavior in cultural and minority groups. And that there are many resources in the community for young people to get information and tested. Most importantly, to be comfortable talking to friends about sex, sexuality and getting tested. Communication and understanding is key.

It’s up to our generation to open up the communication and be healthy for our sake and for our children’s sake. Get tested and ask your friends when was the last time they got tested. Support each other.

Remember, you don’t really know your status until getting tested. So look up a local clinic or go to your physician to get tested for STIs and HIV. Ask your partner ‘When was the last time you got tested? What were the results?’. This is your life. And your body is your temple. Use condoms!

Thanks to SJSU Peer Health Center for having me at the speaking panel!

Here’s a great video: HOW AIDS AFFECT ME:

PROJECT PEP – You, your shoes and 72

Jimmy Choo has designed the limited edition, Project PEP Collection to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation and are donating 25% of net sales to the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa.

Why is 72 the key number for this project?

After exposure to HIV, victims of rape have just 72 hours to visit the clinic and start a course of potentially lifesaving PEP treatment. With funding from Project PEP, the Elton John AIDS Foundation can ensure the clinic remains open day and night, providing 24/7 access for this crucial first treatment.

Help raise awareness and spread this 72 hour message by entering our competition and uploading a photo inspired by ‘You, Your Shoes and 72′. You will be in with a chance to win exclusive prizes and the opportunity to be featured in an exhibition at the launch event of Project PEP at Selfridges in London on 29th October.

http://www.jimmychoo72.com/

credit: official Jimmy Choo’s website

Its been awhile since we updated. I hope everyone has been well!

Although our organization has no events, in the meantime, I would like to share other opportunities out there in helping promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and research.

http://www.aidslifecycle.org/

“AIDS/LifeCycle is a fully supported, 7-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, June 6-12, 2010. It’s a life-changing ride—not a race—through some of California’s most beautiful countryside. AIDS/LifeCycle is co-produced by the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and is designed to advance their shared interest to end the pandemic and human suffering caused by AIDS.”

My cousin and sister is most likely going to bike it. I will definitely be there to support and become a roadie:0)

Enjoy the chocolate festival this weekend, if you go because I definitely will.

have a great weekend!

Huong