Support World AIDS Day

I’ve been extremely busy today at the office but I must take the time to write about a cause close to my heart and that is the a cure for HIV and AIDS. Today is World AIDS Day, and as a Red Pump Ambassador, I have taken on the challenge of getting involved with the teaching, learning, and support of AIDS awareness throughout the year, just not today. If you are unaware of the Red Pump Project, it is a group of individuals who wish to spread awareness regarding AIDS and HIV amongst women of all ages, colors, and socio-economic backgrounds. By “rocking the red pump”, the group strives to keep the support of AIDS knowledge and research on the front burner as we spread knowledge about the disease, its effects, as well as testing information and statistics.

To learn more about the Red Pump Project, you can go to their website HERE and/or add them on Twitter @redpumpproj. There is also a “brother” site, The Red Tie Project, which is a group of males committed to doing the same thing amongst the male community.

When I was 18, I learned about Pedro Zamora, who was in the cast of MTV’s The Real World. Pedro was openly gay and even had a commitment ceremony during the show. He later died of AIDS related complications. He was the first person in MY generation who I knew was affected by this disease and it was at that time that I went out of my way to learn more about HIV AIDS.

I could list a lot of statistics on my blog about HIV/AIDS but I am sure you can find that just about on any site. What I do want to share with you is that HIV/AIDS knows no color, no race, no economics, and no gender. It is an equal opportunity disease that can affect ANYONE. You must participate in safe sex and get tested on a regular basis to ensure that you are not spreading it to your partners. You must be real with your partner and discuss protection. Don’t assume that because the person looks clean that they are. Ask questions, be real, and most of all get tested regularly, and know the facts.

For more information, visit the official World AIDS Day site HERE or The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services site AIDS/HIV portal HERE.

One love. One heart. Support World AIDS Day.