Speakers dispel HIV and AIDS myths

A filled room of students looked on as the panel introduced themselves and told their life stories. You'd never know it by looking at them, but all of the speakers had something in common.

They're HIV positive.

That was one of the messages that came from the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Forum Thursday night - no one can tell if a person has HIV or AIDS just by looks.

James Samuels, a counselor for the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention in Orlando, shared his story and dispelled another misconception that the disease can only be contracted by gay men.

Samuels said he received the virus through a heterosexual relationship and didn't have a doctor inform him of his HIV status.

"When I was diagnosed, no one told me that I was HIV positive," Samuels said. He had to read his medical chart after his nurse left in order to find out for himself.

Violet Scott, director of New Hearts Encouragement Ministries Inc. in Orlando, said she contracted the virus in 2001 from a man who had multiple partners.

"I was in love," Scott said. "At the time, I didn't see that I was compromising my life."

Scott said that people shouldn't compromise their safety when they're in a relationship. She said if a partner doesn't want to use protection, the person should walk away.

"No glove, no love," Scott said.

Angie Johnson of Orlando, who has been HIV positive for almost 30 years and is a part of the transgender community, received the most audience reaction and applause as she told her story.

"It used to be hard for me at first." Johnson said. "God said come as you are and this is who I am."

Ce'Nedra Clarke, a freshman psychology major and president of UCF's chapter of "Respect Yourself. Check Yourself. Protect Yourself" or RCP, said the forum allowed for interaction on the sensitive subject.

"I think the most beneficial part of the forum was that people got a chance to ask questions," Clarke said. "A lot of people are afraid to go somewhere where they can ask questions."

Melissa Westbrook, freshman molecular biology and microbiology major and vice president of RCP, said that people don't respond to subtle talk about HIV and AIDS.

"You can't just talk to people about AIDS," Westbrook said. "You have to shock them and say ‘Hey, let's educate in a fun way.'"

One of the ways RCP educates others on HIV and AIDS is by handing out lollipops with condoms. Westbrook said that this was part of their Protect Your Sweets campaign for Valentine's Day.

Although each panel member had a diverse background and story, they all said that life continues after getting the virus.

Samuels, who married three years ago, said there are productive people living with HIV, and he doesn't want people to think that life ends after they become HIV positive.

"I don't want you to think just because someone is positive the ship has sailed," Samuels said. "Life is not over. Life is just beginning."