On Friday November 20, 2009 I did my first official Public Speaking at the Port Henderson Leadership Seminar. The aim of this Seminar was to educate citizens living inside the community about HIV/AIDS so that they can teach others. We started out with some ice breakers which were fun and so it helped my nervousness.
Even though I was a bit nervous I wasn’t afraid of the task at hand; but I wasn’t prepared for the level of discrimination that was present. I was discriminated before, but nothing like what I saw on display at this event.
The meeting began with a prayer and then there was the ‘HIV/AIDS Basics’ presentation. I was glad that persons were able to gain knowledge about this virus and were able to quell the myth that it was transferred from monkeys to humans. This is one of the most uninformed concepts which are being spurted about the disease.
During this period of the meeting, words like “AIDSY” and opinions such as “persons who are living with AIDS should be placed on an island by themselves” were being said. Tears welled up in my eyes. It was time for ‘Stigma and Discrimination’ where the presenter was trying her best to let the audience know that it is hurtful to stigmatized and discriminated. They still never saw what she was getting across to them.
Then when I realized that nothing that she was telling them would stop the negatives, I got up and introduced myself informing the audience that I was HIV positive. Immediately there was a silence inside the room. A man walked out from the room. Then there was the usual muttering “how comes you are positive and looking so good.” This is when I took them through the stages of my diagnosis; what I went through as well as what I did to overcome the obstacles.
After I talked for about an hour, the man who had walked from the room came back in and listened to what I was saying. I was just being myself in that room, talking about God, my love for my friend Amila and my aspiration of having triplets. (LOL) I encouraged them that having HIV/AIDS was not the end of the world, and that the important tasks for infected persons were to love themselves and still reach for their goals.
The man who had left the room earlier sent an apology to me at the end of the meeting, which I accepted. He said he was sorry to walk from the room; but he was glad that he was able to be there because he would never believe that someone living with the virus would be as happy as I was.
I am thankful to God because it was not me, but Him, that allowed me to be able to go through my presentation; so that these persons left with a positive outlook about living with HIV/AIDS. Although the gathering was a small one, if they practice what was taught then I know the door is partially open to help the fight of stigma and discrimination in Jamaica.
Remember: HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination STOPS with YOU.
BLESSINGS
Hi u don’t know me but my girlfriend told me about you coming to do a presentation on ur life living with hiv so i search and found ur site.However when i found it i was a bit disappointed because u highlighted the negative and no positive, it is understandable that you want to show the world how stigma and discrimination hurts but you should also highlight person who don’t discriminate because i belive the rest of the leadership workshop u went to was totally different from the ones in portmore,
so plz don’t only highlight the negative but also the positive cos you do have people are persons who cares and won’t discriminateare stigmatize person. But i must say its good to see u stepping forward and doing what u did so keep up the good works one can make a difference.
Hey Marvin,
Thank you for your comment. Portmore was different because those persons were more against persons living with HIV/AIDS. It was also my first Leadership Seminar with Ministry of Health and so I wrote about it and not that I am highlighting the negatives. I must apologize if it seems this way. I have noticed the differences of the other 2 seminars I have been to since attending Portmore and so waiting on the completion of the program before writing on them.
Thank you for stopping by and I hope you will come again.
[...] http://ksurrina.com/2009/11/21/my-first-official-hivaids-public-speaking/ [...]
Thanks for visiting my wisdomatwork blog. I came by to see who you were and I have been blessed by what you have shared about your life. That you give honour to our Lord…God will definitely honour you in return. May our God provide for you what is most critical for your life and purpose even now, in Jesus’ name. Amen
Happy you could do it with such courage. I know the folks enjoyed it…seemed like fun.
You just strenghtened my faith that something positive can be done in fighting this virus. I am encouraged by your strenght and determination, and even more resolved to fight this stigmatization, especially in Nigeria my country, because we cannot progress in this fight unless the total outlook on AIDS is changed. One love.
Ksurri, you are one in a million. Am glad you know that the almighty God grace is sufficient for you. Lol i have taken u as a close friend b4 now. Regards
Keep up the good work sis, and let not your heart be troubled by obstacles becos you should know that they will always show up. God bless you and strenghten you the more…amen
Amen my sister. Thank you Hugs and Blessings