June 2011

THT’s Positive Voices came into school to support our lesson on HIV that forms the last part of Y6’s SRE (sex and relationship education) lessons. There were some people who thought this was not appropriate for children this age to learn about HIV although I thought it was interesting that none of the parents, teachers or kids themselves thought so. The two volunteers delivered their testimonials in a sensitive and age appropriate way which had the children hanging on their every word. In fact I’d never seen the kids so attentive.

It was good to break down stereotypes as one was a middle aged, married, white mother and the other a gay man. Meeting an openly out gay man was a powerful experience for the children and really helped to enforce all our work around tackling homophobia. The children’s questions at the end of the session were thoughtful, pertinent and demonstrated a sound knowledge of some of the issues that people living with HIV have to deal with. I found the whole thing utterly intriguing that people this young can be so accepting and not fall foul of discriminating those who are a little different for whatever reason.

The What Next newly diagnosed support group that I co-facilitate is nearly at an end. It’s an amazing experience being able to share journeys with other HIV+ guys and enable a little support to those who have come along each week. I have complete admiration for the guys who have passed through the groups over the years as when I was first diagnosed all I could manage was to throw myself into a crate of vodka. However, to have the strength of character and determination to self help by seeking out such a service is in no way a small achievement. It can be really daunting making the first step over the threshold into a room full of strangers, a bit like stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia perhaps.

Group work is not for everyone and years ago if you’d told me that I would have not only used group work but now facilitate it I’d have laughed in your face. But laugh is what we do most during our two hours sessions. Sure we explore some sensitive, heartfelt and very personal issues surrounding our HIV status but as Mark Twain once said, ‘The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter’. Yes, I know laughing alone won’t make our HIV go away, or stop the idiots who call us ‘unclean’ and it won’t ever be a replacement for taking our meds on time but never underestimate the healing power of laughing with friends.

Talking of laughter, my 84 year old Nan is always a good source of amusement as are all members of my family but Nan came out with a classic this month. Lately she has been finding the constant trimming, weeding and watering of the lawn difficult to manage so arranged to have it removed and in its place? Well, in her own words, "Oh yes, my new ‘Afroturf' is much better and easier to keep under control." To be fair the Astroturf does look good, although I rather suspect the real reason for having it laid was so that she and her WI friends could all gather around it on a Wednesday afternoon, hook up their skirts, lay flat on their stomachs and play Subbuteo. Just imagine!

Have a great month!

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