People living with HIV and AIDS have been coming together to support one another since the early days of this global epidemic. In fact it is the strength of the queer community coming together that has shaped a brave new face for HIV and AIDS. Today there are better treatments that are easier to access, and consistent social support from grassroots AIDS networks like HIV Edmonton or AIDS Calgary who make it possible to not only survive, but to live their lives.
Chris McBain and Corey Wyness created Poz Men’s Group in Edmonton for men who are HIV Positive and their partners. Once a month there are gatherings for members to have a night out on the town with dinner and a movie. These outings build community, offer support, and allow members to gain strength from the experience of uniting with others who can relate to living with this disease.
"A huge change to quality of life for those living with HIV has been implemented in the past few years. Since the introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) people have started to get healthier and are able to extend their lives at amazing rates. Some people are successfully beginning to self-manage - so the need for social support has diminished slightly. I take a pill a day, I’m able to have normal relationships, and see my doctor every six months," shares Chris McBain, Outreach Facilitator for the Poz Men’s Group.
The science has progressed, but the social aspect hasn’t as quickly. There is still a lot of negative stigma. People who find out they’re HIV positive will sometimes isolate themselves - cutting out friends, family and eventually stop seeking out healthy relationships and interactions with others completely. The need for a social group like the POZ Men’s Group is essential for those living with the disease to live and thrive. It is a place for people to meet, build community, find support from each other (and for their partners), build personal strength and self-esteem.
"HIV and AIDS affects us all. For the LGBTTQI community HIV and AIDS has been the biggest challenge faced and are facing collectively. In Edmonton alone, of the 107 new HIV infections in 2013 over 55% of these cases were among men who have sex with men. The year before over 44% of new infections were among men who have sex with men. There is a need for community, support, and strength. More of us are HIV positive than people realize and we need a place to grow, laugh, and love in a positive atmosphere," stresses Chris.
Poz Men’s Group is hosted and facilitated by HIV Edmonton. This is the place where young men can seek out answers to important questions, including: where do you go to find out about treatments? Who is the best doctor? How do I maneuver dating, life and sex now that I’m positive? Who do I turn to when my regular supports turn their backs on me? Where can I get educated about my status/my partner’s status from peers? These are all important questions that can be answered at the Poz Men’s Group.
The group meets every second Wednesday of the month at 7PM at the HIV Edmonton office.
Organizers encourage new members to stop in and share their experiences. One month at a time, Poz Men’s Group is working to improve and enrich the lives of those infected with HIV/AIDS.