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: