Coming out

MANILA, Philippines - Of course everyone is aware of HIV and AIDS. With all the attention it has been given and the high-profile celebrities who have openly shown their support for epidemic, it has become a disease that is hard to ignore. But no one ever thinks that they are at risk for HIV infection, until it happens to them or someone they love.

For World AIDS Day, advocates showed their support by sharing their personal stories of HIV and AIDS and how it has affected their life and the lives of friends and loved ones.

Wearing nothing but the AIDS ribbons (the universally recognized icon of support and empathy for HIV and AIDS), these advocates — who are not models or celebrities — bared all to reveal just how real HIV and AIDS is to them.

The Feminization of HIV

Statistics show that globally, HIV and AIDS is the leading cause of death and disease in women of reproductive age. The AIDS Accountability International Foundation, produced a global study called “The Scorecard on Women” which rates countries based on their AIDS response tuned to the needs of women in terms of the collection of HIV data specific to women; progress in ensuring that women have equal access to HIV services; and the impact of national responses on reducing infections among women and facilitating their access to treatment. According to the study, “There are biological reasons why women are at greater risk of HIV infection than men. However, the major drivers of increased risk for women also include social and cultural factors. The majority of women who become infected with HIV do not voluntarily engage in high-risk behavior. Instead, they are vulnerable as a result of the behavior of others, or because they lack the tools, information and resources needed to protect themselves.”

In the Philippines, women are also not known to engage voluntarily in high-risk behavior, but being in a monogamous heterosexual relationship is not enough reason to think that you are immune to being infected by HIV. A staff nurse at a social hygiene clinic says, “Most of the people who come here are from the MSM (men who have sex with men) community. Not a lot of women come to get tested — and it’s a shame because they should. Some of them are unaware that their boyfriends are part of this MSM community and are convertly bi-sexual, which puts them at risk as well.”

Carlos Celdran

Witnessed HIV and AIDS in the ’90s

“Be responsible for your choices.”

Carlos Celdran has always been one to openly support causes that he believes in — HIV and AIDS awareness being one of them. Celdran’s youth was marked by living a carefree life in New York City, which he discloses included a bi-sexual lifestyle. “I was living and working in New York in the ’90s. Back then, when you meet someone at a bar, the line of questioning was always, ‘What’s your name? What do you do? Where do you live? And are you HIV positive?’ We might have been a bit promiscuous, but always careful and used condoms.”

Carlos adds, “Information is power and silence equals death. Don’t be ignorant about HIV. Not only to protect yourself, but also the ones around you. HIV is a journey that affects everyone you love and who love you back.”

Wanggo Gallaga

Living with HIV since 2008

“The right to live free from stigma and discrimination.”

It was a year ago when Wanggo Gallaga appeared on national television and disclosed his HIV status. Immediately, Wanggo was deluged with questions about STDs and HIV, often from people he didn’t even know. The questions he received underscore the need for better access to information on HIV and AIDS, which he hopes to help address by sharing his own experience with as many people as possible.

“People have told me that my disclosure has helped them realize that it can happen to anyone and that if they have the same lifestyle as I used to have, they are at risk. Some people have told me that they have begun to take better precautions while others have found the courage to take the test. I’ve spoken to a few people who are living with the disease and have started to open up about their condition to close friends and family. To stop living with the secret — I think that’s important as well.”

HARRY TAN JR.

Condom user

“If you can’t be good, be careful.”

It was simple advice — short and succinct, given by a father to his son, but it was advice that nonetheless made a lasting impression on Harry. He had “the talk” with his father when he was in high school. He said I should know what’s out there, in terms of health risk and unwanted pregnancies, and protect myself.

Harry’s experience underscores the importance of parents taking an active role in equipping their children with knowledge to make informed choices and responsible decisions.

“From then on, I thought it was no big deal to use a condom. I always thought of it as being the right and responsible thing to do,” says Harry who isn’t squeamish about using protection. “Of course, it’s always better to be in a monogamous relationship and be faithful. But the reality is, some people can’t do that.  In that case, you should at least be careful.”

Karen KUNAWICZ

Trailblazing reproductive health advocate

“Initiate change in your own sphere of influence.”

 Karen may also be best remembered as one of the hosts of XYZ, a television program in the ’90s that dealt with issues on women empowerment and reproductive health. The show was considered both progressive and ballsy — it is said that it was on XYZ when a condom was first seen on national television. Using executions that were light and humorous like a condom quiz, XYZ was able to communicate messages about safe sex in a language that the youth could understand and relate to. 

From communicating her advocacy on mainstream television, Karen has stepped back a bit to bring these values back to her corner of the world.  “Like many families here in the Philippines, sex was not something we discussed at home.  The territory of human sexuality was often something we had to navigate through ourselves.  Now that I’m older — and still learning, I want to open up more to the next generation.  For some of us, when it rains we can still hear our moms say — put on a jacket or you’ll get sick!  How about translating that to — put on some protection, kiddo! When the situation arises.”