Get Real Blog Episode: 2
A big week for the Kiss Stigma and Discrimination Goodbye campaign; sobering words from an international AIDS Activist.. and a cold cup of coffee. Barbadian Journalist Katrina Marshall on the week that was for HIV/AIDS.
Tags: Barbados, Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS; Get Real; Media; stigma; attitudes; myth; infection; know your status; live up; Barbados, Chairman of the National HIV/AIDS Commission, outdated, outmoded, religious dogma
March 2nd, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Ye sistren – where can I and I get a T shirt
March 2nd, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Greetings Ras. If you are local check the National HIV/AIDS Commission at National HIV/AIDS Commission
Building #2
Manor Lodge Complex
Lodge Hill
St. Michael BB12002
Barbados, W.I.
Phone: (246) 421-2051
Fax: (246) 421-8499
Email: info@hiv-aids.gov.bb
URL: http://www.hiv-aids.gov.bb/
Live Up. Respect
K
March 2nd, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Was testing done at the rally?
What sort of feedback has the commission been getting?
Good stuff!
March 3rd, 2011 at 6:17 am
Hi there! Yes the Commission is reporting that nearly 90 people got tested at the rally (YAY!!)
As for the feedback I think the message is getting through but still very very slowly. For example: when I went to collect my shirts at the rally, two ladies walked up to me and one of them asked where the condoms were being distributed. When I pointed out the tent to her she said to the other lady: “see? that wasn’t so hard!” Clearly she didn’t have to courage to ask herself. So there you have the willingness to use protection on one hand but on the other the apprehension about accessing it publicly.
Hope that illustrates the point for you! Thanks for watching Renee and stay tuned for more!
Live Up!
March 4th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
I think that is the number one problem right there. When I was in school, I used to have to be the one to buy condoms for all my friends and I can’t blame them for being a bit apprehensive (back then). I was always met with snide, sarcastic remarks like “You gone know what to do wid these?” or “Who dese hay fuh?”
The reality is that most people would be afraid of being given the optical third degree over what they are doing buying condoms (and knowing inquisitive Bajans, who would they be used on!).
If we could get over this inquisitiveness and replace it with respect that this person is looking to take care of themselves and their partners THAT would help.
March 6th, 2011 at 6:35 am
Tourismmonkey you are so right. And that’s exactly what ‘getting real’ and ‘living up’ are about: changing thinking, which changes attitudes, which eventually changes dangerous or counter productive behaviour. And the funny thing is sometimes its adults of a certain age that have outmoded ways of thinking that feed into the ridicule and scorn knee jerk reaction to things like purchasing condoms and getting tested etc… which of course doesn’t help young people in any way!
But I’m really glad you’ve been acting as a ‘change agent’ in your way and we hope you keep ‘living up!’
Love. Protect. Respect.
Live Up
March 13th, 2011 at 12:24 am
Very inspiring with the t-shirts. How can I have some of those t-shirts?(am not living in Barbados) Am trying to understand more about iliveup is it an non profit organization? Is it something that will launch in every possible Caribbean country? Can you make donations if you want to?I would appreciate more information if its possible.
March 13th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
nice video
March 14th, 2011 at 7:09 am
An interesting thing about the condoms comment, a friend told me that when she attended the World Youth Conference in Mexico last year, although Mexico a predominantly a Catholic country, the young people were collecting their condoms quite freely.
March 14th, 2011 at 7:36 am
Hi Fiona!
Thanks for your questions! For information on getting T-Shirts you can contact:
The National HIV/AIDS Commission
at National HIV/AIDS Commission
Building #2
Manor Lodge Complex
Lodge Hill
St. Michael BB12002
Barbados, W.I.
Phone: (246) 421-2051
Fax: (246) 421-8499
Email: info@hiv-aids.gov.bb
URL: http://www.hiv-aids.gov.bb/
And just to clarify. LiveUp! http://www.iliveup.com is one of the campaigns of the Caribbean Broadcast Media on HIV/AIDS http://www.cbmphiv.org We are a registered charity that involves journalists and broadcasters across the Caribbean who dedicate a portion of their broadcast schedule to HIV/AIDS messages. The staff at member stations in countries that are partners also go through periodic sensitivity training and upgrade their knowledge base about HIV/AIDS in order to dispense the correct messages in their news casts/ broadcasts.
Get Real is another campaign of the CBMP and that’s what my blog is based on. Getting Real.
Please visit the website for further information on how you can donate to the CBMP as a registered charity.
Thanks so much for your interest and we’re happy to have you on board.
Love. Protect. Respect
Live Up.
K
March 21st, 2011 at 6:43 pm
this is the first time i log on this web site and i am very please to see that some much people out there care so much. what can i do to help.
March 29th, 2011 at 8:26 am
Hello there! Thanks for visiting us here on http://www.iliveup.com/blog. I suggest that you find out what your local HIV/AIDS body is doing to help or find out if any of the radio or television stations in your area are members of the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS. Sometimes something as simple as volunteering at a feeding drive or donating to a food bank can make the world of difference!
And in your own life? Know your status, get tested, practice safe sex and above all Love. Protect. Respect.
Live Up
Katrina
April 12th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
I SO identify with the condom sellers and advice givers MAKING it uncomfortable for people to live up. I hope we reach those people…TWICE doctors have insinuated to me that I don’t need to get checked again as it was only 9 months ago or whatever…it is TOTALLY judgemental to assume that I have no need for testing. You are making me tell you I’ve had other partners…and that’s when kids clam up. I think this is the MOST major way I can see this campaign working – educate medical professionals and ANYWHERE dealing with the sale or distribution of condoms. Great work Katrina! Look out for chats coming soon on the forum…
February 11th, 2012 at 1:15 am
Simply great work, thanks for sharing.