Why Get Tested

Often times people are scared to get tested, but it is extremely important to do so. Here are some reasons why.

1. The earlier you get tested, the better chance you have to be treated and live a healthier and longer life.

2. Knowing your status is extremely important! If you are HIV negative you can learn more about how you can remain HIV negative and if you are HIV positive, you can seek out treatment.

3. Testing is very quick and there are many clinics and organizations that will test you for free.

4. Getting tested means protecting yourself and any others.

5. The HIV virus can be passed on to infants through breast milk so if you are pregnant or thinking about having a child, testing is essential. 

6. If you are or have ever engaged in unprotected sex or needle sharing, you are at risk.

7. When you are informed of your status, you gain more control over your health. Being aware of what is going on in your body is essential to leading a healthy life.

8. If you are infected, you could pass the HIV virus to others unknowingly.

9. By getting tested you are playing a huge role in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS.

10. You can not tell if someone has HIV by just looking at them. The only way to ensure your own safety is to be tested.

MTV Casting Call

As part of a long-standing, broader commitment to sexual health issues, MTV is currently casting for a documentary special about HIV/AIDS in America today as seen through the eyes of young people living with the disease. They are looking for HIV positive people who appear to be between the ages of 16-24 to share personal stories of how HIV has affected their lives, including both the challenges they face as well as how they have triumphed. MTV is looking to explore the everyday life experiences of those who are positive in their friendships and intimate relationships, work, family and hopes for the future.

If you are HIV positive and want to reach and inspire other young people, MTV wants to hear from you. If you appear to be between the ages of 16 and 24 and want to be a part of this television special please email MTV as soon as possible at: mtvspecials@gmail.com Include the city and state you live in, your contact details, a picture and why you want to share your story on MTV. Also, let them know if you are currently pursuing any specific goals relating to school, career, or relationship.

My Teen is Pregnant... and so Am I

'Teen Mom' and '16 & Pregnant' watch out cause there's a new show on the block!  TLC's new series "My Teen Is Pregnant and So Am I" chronicles the lives of teen girls who are expecting--at the same time as their mothers.

The show, which premiered on August 1st, highlighted the journey of 17-year old Liz Forbes and 36-year old Ann Golden, both from Oklahoma City, who found out they were pregnant just a month apart from one another.    Liz admits that she "wanted the attention to be on [her] and her baby" and was not too happy about the news of her mother's pregnancy.  Ann revealed that she indeed did "[want] to be the grandma and...help her and coach her through things" but has found herself in the same situation as her daughter.

The premiere of  show raises some very interesting questions.  The most prominent being, where should the distinction between being close 'friend' with your child and being a parent to your child lies.  Ann maintains that she would rather have a close girlfriend/confidante relationship with her daughter as opposed to a heavily strict parental one.While Ann may fall victim to the critical eye, Liz maintains that "her being hard on me is not going to change the fact that it happened...I know that she was dissapointed and everything, but she didn't let it show too much."

Watch a clip from the show's pilot episode:

'My Teen Is Pregnant And So Am I' airs Wednesday, August 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on TLC.

What do you think about this show?  Will you be tuning in?

INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE 2012

Stop Waiting!...One of the many performances at the 2012 International AIDS conference!

Upbeat performance at the 2012 International AIDS conference...Turning The Tide Together! 

Naina Khanna from Positive Women's Network, takes to the streets chanting "Women's rights will turn the tide!"

INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE 2012

Jamar Rogers, winner of singing competition The Voice and an HIV positive individual himself, opens up for the Global Village 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington D.C.!

Native American drum group plays "Healing Song" at the 2012 International AIDS Conference!

Activists Protest for AIDS Housing in D.C.

Garden State Equality’s Dialogue Day with Chick-Fil-A

Hi, everyone. Today, Friday, August 3, 2012 is Garden State Equality’s Dialogue Day with Chick-Fil-A. If you live or work in New Jersey, we’d like you to call the operator of your nearest Chick-Fil-A restaurant in New Jersey today, to ask him or her to meet with a local group of Garden State Equality members. We want the operators to see and hear in person how the national owners’ anti-LGBT advocacy hurts real people deeply – families, couples and children who yearn for equality. We ask you to call today even if you personally may not be able to join such a meeting.
Instructions:

 1. Below please find a list of the 22 Chick-Fil-A stores across New Jersey with the store locations, phone numbers and individual operators’ names. Ask for the operator by name. If he or she isn’t there, you can ask to speak to the senior manager on duty.

 2. When you call, say: “I’m a member of Garden State Equality and we want equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We know the national owners of Chick-Fil-A don’t believe in equality, but we hope you may be fair. We believe in talking and mutual respect. Are you willing to meet a group of us in the next few weeks?”

 3. If the owner says no, express your pain, not anger, as you conclude the conversation quickly and respectfully. Respond: “I’m hurt you won’t meet us. I’ll let others know. I wish you well.” Please do not engage in hostility. We advocate equality in love.

 4. If the owner says maybe, respond: “Then I’m going to call you back on Monday, is that okay?” Then please do call back on Monday.

5. If the owner says yes, respond: “That’s great. Before we set up a day and time, I’m going to talk to others to see their schedules. I’m going to call you back next week, is that okay?”

6. Then please email Chick@GardenStateEquality.org your name and your phone number, the location below of the Chick-Fil-A you called – that’s important so we know which Chick-Fil-A you’re talking about – and the operator’s response, whether yes, no or maybe. If the operator said yes, we will call you and other Garden State Equality members in your area next week so we can coordinate schedules to do the meeting.

We understand that activists in other states are staging “kiss-ins” at Chick-Fil-A stores. We respect everyone who engages in the activism that inspires them. At Garden State Equality, we’re aiming for something beyond one day. We aim to start dialogues wherever we can. We want everyone to see the love and commitment of families with LGBT people – indeed, to see all people as real people. That, we believe, is the basis of winning equality everywhere.

Thank you all so much. Immediately below is the list of the 22 Chick-Fil-A stores in New Jersey with their phone numbers and names of the store operators. If the spirit moves you, please consider making a $13.00 donation today to Garden State Equality – that’s what it would cost a couple to eat a typical Chick-Fil-A meal. A $26.00 donation would represent the cost for a family of four. You can donate online at www.GardenStateEquality.org


 Audubon, (856) 547-0815, operator Charles Bohs
 Cherry Hill, Marlton Pike, (856) 488-9117, operator Dave Curran
 Cherry Hill, Haddonfield Road, (856) 488-1600, operator Dave Curran
Delran, (856) 764-0765, operator Sal Miliziano
Deptford, Clements Bridge Road, (856) 853-0425, operator Doug Clark
Deptford, Deptford Mall, (856) 848-7712, operator Christian McGrory
Eatontown, (732) 542-2243, operator Jeff Bassett Edison, (732) 548-6024, operator Travis Biggs Egg Harbor, (609) 407-4900, operator Amy McCloy
Galloway, the Stockton College Chick-Fil-A is closed for the summer. Please call the next closest store. Hamilton, (609) 581-7601, operator John Velarde
Howell, (732) 730-9033, operator Ted Reim
Marlton, (856) 985-4391, operator Brian Bowman
Mount Laurel, Centerton Road, (856) 439-2696, operators Brian Bowman or Bob Mancini
Mount Laurel, (856) 778-1900, Nixon Drive, operator Bob Mancini
Paramus, (201) 967-9494, operator Ken Walsh
Sewell, (856) 464-2277, operator Jeff Price 
Sicklerville, (856) 262-0002, operator Burley Clark
Turnersville, (856) 228-2111, operator Burley Clark
Vineland, (856) 327-4414, operator Phil Kelley 
Voorhees, (856) 772-2201, operator Zach Johnson
 Woodbridge, (732) 634-8981, operator Jim Strole

NJWAN Goes to the 2012 International AIDS Conference

The New Jersey Women and AIDS Network attended the 19th International AIDS Conference which was held in Washington, DC last week.  After participating in workshops, marches, performances, and networking events, we are eager to share a few of our experiences.

The Global Village

We spent our time in the Global Village section of the conference: the only portion of the conference that was open and free to the public. Here, activists, professionals, youth, and ordinary people from around the world gathered to share knowledge, ideas, and experiences through workshops, performances, art, and networking. Performances included the Female Condom Show, De Colores Trans Fashion Show, and “Safe, Stupid, or What?” and not only entertained the diverse audience, but engaged individuals in unique methods of HIV prevention, discussion, and activism.

The Rise of the Female Condom

One of the issues of interest during the Global Village was raising awareness about the female condom. During the session “From 'No Way' to 'Yay': Community Engagement in Female Condom Programming,” we listened to panelists talk about interventions around the globe that have successfully encouraged men and women to talk about and try out the female condom as a tool for HIV prevention. We learned about new developments in female condom technology such as the:

·      Cupid Condom by Cupid Ltd - which has recently been approved and is starting to enter the market globally as an effective tool to prevent against pregnancy and STIs, such as HIV.

·        Women’s Condom - which is currently undergoing approval.

After learning about these exciting developments, we are eager to stay up to date and share the research and current events with you.

The Workshops

During an interactive workshop on disclosing HIV status in relationships, NJWAN participated in various activities to start the conversation on how to disclose HIV status to an intimate partner and when it is okay to disclose. Different scenarios of situations were offered and we were to decide whether or not we would disclose. It was a great activity and conversation starter – an activity we would like to include in our programs for HIV positive women.

The March on Washington

Beyond workshops, presentations, networking, and performances, the true show of the sheer power and commitment of HIV/AIDS activists emerged on July 24^th where passionate and energetic individuals from the Global Village – and even motivated conference attendees encouraged by the mobilization – marched “out of the halls and into the streets” to march and to rally in support of the message that: “We Can End AIDS!”

As a whole, the 2012 International AIDS Conference was a very great learning experience. We are thankful for the opportunity to engage with individuals affected by HIV, explore new developments in the field, and gain global perspectives and strategies. Join us as we utilize everything learned to revamp NJWAN’s efforts in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS among women! 

To view photos from NJWAN's time at the 2012 International AIDS conference, click here!