My OperaFaith in Women affected by HIV
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 6:03:51 PM
Faith In Women is a group set up by Faith in People affected by HIV. They meet once a month and talk about various issues and bring in health professionals or other guests to raise awareness of that particular topic. I was invited to go along and lead them through a Buddhist meditation.
There exists, still, a fear about talking about living with HIV, in fact, it seems like a topic that no one talks about anymore even though statistically the number of people (in particular young homosexual men) who are HIV+ in the UK is increasing. Even disclosing it to members and friends closest to one is a big hurdle for many individuals living with HIV or AIDS which makes these meetings and groups even more important and valuable. Not least because there are some things that only those who are in the same situation will be able relate to and understand and even help with some practical support without having to talk about all the particulars. The importance and value of providing a safe space in which one can open up and talk about some of the difficulties like sexuality, relationship with oneself and others is food for the body and mind.
Naturally, to talk about these issues, in general, is difficult whether affected by HIV or not. And in the beginning, it may be difficult to start talking about very personal and private thoughts and experiences but all it takes is one person to find the courage to open up. Inevitably after they've shared something personal and unique to them, someone else will speak up and share something similar and then someone else will share something that is quite the opposite and before you know it everyone is talking all at once about lots of things they feel others in the group will understand.
This feeling of being isolated and holding onto a secret is something that I think most people have experienced. The reasons for feeling isolated or the secret that one is carrying will probably differ depending on the person and the circumstances in which they find themselves but to be able to share our secret with others makes the gap between ourselves and others disappear.
To be part of this group this morning was very moving and just what I needed myself to feel more of a connection with others.
There exists, still, a fear about talking about living with HIV, in fact, it seems like a topic that no one talks about anymore even though statistically the number of people (in particular young homosexual men) who are HIV+ in the UK is increasing. Even disclosing it to members and friends closest to one is a big hurdle for many individuals living with HIV or AIDS which makes these meetings and groups even more important and valuable. Not least because there are some things that only those who are in the same situation will be able relate to and understand and even help with some practical support without having to talk about all the particulars. The importance and value of providing a safe space in which one can open up and talk about some of the difficulties like sexuality, relationship with oneself and others is food for the body and mind.
Naturally, to talk about these issues, in general, is difficult whether affected by HIV or not. And in the beginning, it may be difficult to start talking about very personal and private thoughts and experiences but all it takes is one person to find the courage to open up. Inevitably after they've shared something personal and unique to them, someone else will speak up and share something similar and then someone else will share something that is quite the opposite and before you know it everyone is talking all at once about lots of things they feel others in the group will understand.
This feeling of being isolated and holding onto a secret is something that I think most people have experienced. The reasons for feeling isolated or the secret that one is carrying will probably differ depending on the person and the circumstances in which they find themselves but to be able to share our secret with others makes the gap between ourselves and others disappear.
To be part of this group this morning was very moving and just what I needed myself to feel more of a connection with others.
