TEN Spring Newsletter 2011

8/7/2019 TEN Spring Newsletter 2011

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The Mission ofTEN is to provideeducat10n & informat10n

for HIV-positive individuals inColorado. In addition, we striveto empower individuals to beproactive in their mental and

physical health and well-being.The newsletter is a peer-based

collaborative effort, and weencourage material written andcontributed by poz individualsto achieve our goal of beingby the community, for the

community. We believe thatknowledge is power and thatindividuals have a lot to learn

and gain from each otherby sharing their experiences

and information.

SPRING 2011

VOLUME IV, ISSUE XIIINSIDETHIS ISSUE

HOOKUP, LINKUP, CHECKUP______ 2POZ CRUISE _____________________ 3FINCHS BLOG ___________________ 3

2011 CROI ____________________ 4TRANSACTION ___________________ 5SERVICIOSDELA RAZA ____________ 6BROTHER JEFFS _________________ 7

WOMENIN CORRECTIONS PROGRAM___ 7EDUCAT10NAL FORUM _____________ 8HIV RETREATS___________________ 8

MYJOURNEY ____________________ 9

HOPE ________________________ 10TO SURVIVEORTO THRIVE__________ 11TEN FROM TEN ________________ 12

I AM __________________________ 13

BEA WOMAN ABOUTYOURS________ 14SIN AUTUMNWEEKEND____________ 14ACTG CLINICAL TRIALS __________ 15CALENDAROF EVENTS __________ BACK

The Newsletter of Treatment Educat10n NetworkTEN

www.ontheten.org

SIN Colorado is a Gay Poz MensSocial Network supported byTreatment Educat10n Network

Stamper Receives Carl Frazier Award

TEN (Treatment Educat10n Network) and SIN (Strength In Numbers)Colorado have chosen Anthony Stamper to receive the 2011 Carl FrazieMemoriam for excellence in HIV community advocacy. The local recognition

began in 2009 as a response to the untimely lossof one if its members in July 2008. The CFM wascreated to commemorate Carl, as well as promotea stronger sense of community among ColoradosHIV positive citizens. The 2009 recipient was ArthurPowers and the 2010 recipient was Michael Beatty.This will hopefully continue to grow as a mechanismfor the poz community to say Thank You to ourown. Anthony is a shining example of consistentcommunity input (his bio follows). The award waspresented at the annual Tim Gill Endowment FundCommunity Educat10nal Forum on March 8th.

As a resident of Denver since 1983, Anthony was diagnosed with AIDS in Apri1996 while working on a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies at MetropolitanState College of Denver. Due to the advent of HAART in 1996 and the exceptionahealth care provided by Denvers HIV/AIDS physicians and clinics, his viral loadhas been undetectable since October 1996 and his CD4 count has risen from 2in 1996 to over 400 today.

(continued on page 2)

In The Aftermathby Rod Rushing

In the aftermath of the Berlin patient and the horrifyingand looming deficit crisis, and the growing national ADAPwaiting list, I found myself nervously wondering what this

year would bring. Personally, I have considered myself quitefortunate to have uncovered a dream for my life with so manychances that had previously gone sour, so it doesnt alwaysseem appropriate to want for more. But the human in mecant help but keep searching. And so that is what I do.


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An Angel Gets Her WingsAs we go to press, Elizabeth Taylor hascompleted her journey. We humbly laud andhonor her incredible life. The whole world ofHIV/AIDS has been deeply affected by hertireless work and endless generosity towardsresearch, treatment, and services for PWAs:and the necessary funding. We cannot evenimagine where we would be right now, had shenot been that special champion for all of us.We can only exclaim that truly:

An Angel Gets Her Wings.Photo courtesy Michael Buckner


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2 Treatment Educat10n NetworkTEN

Stamper Receives Award(continued from page 1)

From 1997 to 1999, Anthony was employed at ColoradoAIDS Project as the Assistant Financial AssistanceAdministrator overseeing the Insurance ContinuationProgram. Since October 1999, he has been employedby the City & County of Denver as Contract Administratoradvocating for persons living with HIV/AIDS in the DenverOffice of HIV Resources, which administers the Ryan WhitePart A funds for the Denver Metropolitan Area. Stamperserved on the Denver GLBT Commission from May 2004to May 2009 representing Denver LGBT persons living withHIV/AIDS. He received a Master of Public Administrationfrom the University of Colorado at Denver in 1999 and aMaster of Urban and Regional Planning from the Universityof Colorado at Denver in 2009. Anthony is currently amember of the American Planning Association and theAmerican Public Health Association serving on the HIV/AIDS Strategic Planning Committee.

In The Aftermath(continued from page 1)

The 4th year of TEN finds us on the verge of perhapsamazing changes in the world of HIV. ADAP funding issuesare ballooning throughout these 50 states, including ouown Rocky Mountain gem. Dont fool yourself; there wilbe some very uncomfortable changes. This can hardly beavoided. There will be some changes around HIV medsmaybe using them for prevention as well as treatment, thecost to each of us (YES THIS INCLUDES CO-PAYS FORSOME), and the access of meds for each and every one

of us. And there should be some new offerings in the drugpipeline, too- both for HIV and Hep-C. TEN recommendsyou keep abreast of what is evolving with ADAP in thecoming year. Stay closely tuned on this one.

I love this issue because it highlights the majesty of modernscience merging with the local diversity of our communitiesThe remarkable resilience that has metamorphosed for lifewith this virus, is evidenced and reflected by the contributorson these pages. As we live our lives with HIV, we make upsome of the toughest practitioners, the keenest informationsources, and the most resource-savvy and resilient expertsin the field.

Highlights from CROI, opportunities to recover (from amyriad of things), laughing at ourselves, and learning toturn our faces to the sun have become just some of thetreats we hope to share with you. This journey of survivabecomes much more bearable with others to share it. hope you will agree and join us. Volunteer. Get Involved. Beboldly more present in your life. And dare to want more.

please visitwww.ontheten.org


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Treatment Educat10n NetworkTEN 3

From Brian Finchs Blog at PositiveLife.com

On another note, despite my Tempura physical condition (lightly battered) after falling,Im still heading on my way over to the Gay Mens Sexual Health Summit taking placethis week here in Toronto.

The other week when we were supposed to have been hit by a winter storm of historicproportions, I had gone out shopping as who knew if we really were going to get a blizzardcome through or if it was to be another moment of Toronto weather fear-mongering.

If we were going to get hit, I didnt want to need to go out and get anything. Additionally, and most importantly, I didnwant to head outside wearing running shoes, the only footwear I can wear while my foot heals from the bunion surgery.The storm came by and went. As always we got the downtown version that always seems to be in need of a Viagra.I didnt fall. (continued on page 6)


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TransActionPromoting good health, happiness, education,

and support for the trans communityby Camilla Amaya, Program Manager

Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except bythose who dared believe that something inside of themwas superior to circumstance. ~Bruce Barton

For the past four years, transgender women and menfrom all over the Denver metro area and even fromas far away as Colorado Springs and Grand Junction

have been attending TransAction groups and social events.TransAction, like the trans community in general, includespeople from all walks of life, all races, poor & well to do,homeless, educated, and so on. Some participants areliving with HIV and some need assistance to reduce theirrisk of getting HIV. Others are in long-term relationships andsimply provide support for others. Bottom line is that ourprogram is by and for our community, and we understandour own needs.

Trans people are at increased risk for being isolatedfrom family at an early age and needing survival skills

for food and shelter. We aremisunderstood and oftenshunned by the general GLBTcommunity. Most of us knewat an early age that we weredifferent and struggled witha sense of isolation in schooand at home. Self-medicationthrough substances, difficultyfinding employment, and ageneral lack of acceptanceby society presents a difficul

existence. TransAction provides a safe, fun, drop in spaceto chat, use the computer, attend skills-building & supporgroups, have a cup of coffee, watch a movie, learn hair andmakeup skills, and find gently used but stylish clothing.

(continued on page 11

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From Brian Finchs Blog(continued from page 3)

The day after was another story. Two steps out of bed andbamI slip and fall.

In a millisecond I extended my arm out to break the fall andheard a popping sound and a lot of pain.

I know, I know, my critics will say, Oh there goes attentionseeking Brian And youve got me there, I will do just abouanything so I can put myself out there, including causingbodily harm.

On the phone with Bob Leahy of Green Acres, Im tellinghim about my fall. He jokingly responds with, Thats whatold people do.

I know! Its HIV & AgingMaybe its time for me to get a life alert!

Later I wrote on my Facebook status I know Im getting oldwhen the only sling I get into is one for my arm.

My elbow is sprained, and at times yes its in a sling. Nomatter how I try to say it, it always sounds dirty.

So for now Im on the R.I.C.E. plan: rest, ice, compressionand elevation.

Now I just need someone to point me in the direction of oulocal Life Alert salesman.

Servicios de la RazaServing the Community Since 1972

Servicios de la Raza has been a leader in providingcomprehensive, culturally and linguistically relevantservices to many individuals and families throughout

Denver and its surrounding communities. Servicios isa one-stop shop that offers six different programs thatmeet a wide array of needs ofeveryone. In honor of March10th, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness

Day, Servicios would like to highlight services that speakto the needs of women,especially women livingwith HIV/AIDS.

The La Gente Programoffers free medical casemanagement and mentalhealth therapy to women(and men) living withHIV/AIDS. In addition,Servicios offers freeHIV testing and safe sexkits to the community.

Within the La GenteProgram, participantsreceive health education,financial, transportation,food bank assistance,

client advocacy, and more. Although La Gente has itsown therapy and counseling services, Servicios also hasa Mental Health Program, which provides psychiatricevaluations, medication therapy, individual, family andgroup therapy, and mental health case management.

Servicios understands that many women living with HIV areoften times survivors of domestic violence, perhaps haveeven contracted HIV from an abusive intimate partner.Servicios VISTAS Program (Victims in Safe Transitionand Self-Sufficiency) provides case management, victimadvocacy, legal services, and mental health therapyspecifically for domestic violence victims and their familymembers. VISTAS offers support for women affected byverbal and emotional abuse, not solely physical violence.

For women with infants and other children, the JUNTOSProgram offers case management, food & clothing(including formula & baby food), child passenger safetyseats, holiday season assistance, school supplies, andmore. Servicios also is able to offer youth educationemployment and training assistance, which includesservices such as job readiness training, tutoring, collegepreparation, mentoring, etc through the YES Program(Youth Experiencing Success). Lastly, the ENTRAProgram (Everyone Needs Tender Respectful Attention)offers application assistance with public health carecoverage enrollment forms (Medicaid, Medicare, CHP+)and assistance navigating through alternative health carecoverage systems.

At Servicios, our values and mission drive the passionwe have demonstrated over 39 years of service to thecommunity, our heart. Servicios is not only an agencyready and able to support and fight for your needs and

rights, but is also a well-respected organization, one thais proud to be called your friend and your familia. For moreinformation about how Servicios can serve you, to schedulean appointment with any of our staff, or to simply inquireabout other resources in the community, please contact usanytime at 303.458.5851. Please also feel free to stop into check us out at 4055 Tejon Street, Denver, 80211. Youmay visit us online at www.serviciosdelaraza.organd wwwfacebook.com/serviciosdelaraza.


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Brother Jeffs Community HealthInitiative and Sacred Sistah Circle

by Brooklyn Dorsey

Brother Jeffs Cultural Center, founded in 1994 by JefFard, is located in the historic Five Points District innortheast Denvera space committed to fostering

growth, strength, and voice in the community.

Recently, Brother Jeffs Community Health Initiative created anew support group to address the specific needs of womenSacred Sistah Circle is a group of predominantly Black & AfricanAmerican women, who gather together in a safe environmenthat creates opportunities for the education, leadershipdevelopment, and personal growth of women, regardlessof their background or beliefs. The objective of SacredSistah Circle is to enhance the personal and professionadevelopment and discovery of women and community, bysharing the female experience. This group provides resourcesand referrals for women and families, education and awarenessabout issues that affect women, and service projects thatbenefit women and children in the community. Sacred SistahCircle is an all-inclusive group that embraces women of alcultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities.

Sistah Circle meets monthly on the last Saturday of the monthThe location varies depending on the scheduled activityTracy Fair, the facilitator, addresses topics such as: AfricanAmerican women in the work place, African American womenraising children alone, and financial planning. Please contacBrother Jeff or his staff at 303.297.0823, for information or tomake referrals, or feel free to stop by the office at 2836 WeltonStreet, Denver, Colorado 80205.

Women in Corrections Programby Rica Rodriguez-Pizarro

Greetings! My name is Rica Muneca RodriguezPizarro, and I am the Criminal Justice Specialist/CareManager at the Empowerment Program. I run the

Women in Corrections (WIC) Program, which was foundedby Shannon Behning-Southall in 1997. Shannon was theFounder and Executive Director of the Womens LighthouseProject until it closed November 2010. It was then that CaroLease, the Executive Director of The Empowerment Programdecided to adopt the WIC Program and myself, in order tocontinue the amazing work within the walls of The DenverWomens Correctional Facility (DWCF). It is there that I amable to work one-on-one with women who are living with HIV/AIDS. I make weekly visits to ensure medical needs are beingmet, that they are receiving proper medications, and thathere is the needed support to maintain their health and wel

being during their stay at DWCF.When each of these ladies reaches their six-month markerprior to release, I assist them with developing a re-entry planhelp find resources they will need, and help them navigate thesystems. I attend parole hearings in support of their releaseand work closely with Parole Officers and Case Managers toensure they get a fair shot at freedom with ongoing supportI also provide DWCF staff with information and hold yearlyworkshops on HIV/AIDS within the prison, to help them betteunderstand these ladies and their needs.



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HIV Retreat RegistrationOpens Mid-April

Registration for the 2011 HIV Retreats at Shadowclifwill open mid-April. This year the retreats will be held July 28-31 and August 18-21.

These annual 3-day weekends are held at the ShadowclifLodge, built on cliffs adjacent to Rocky Mountain NationaPark, overlooking a lake, a roaring

stream, the mountains, and thetown of Grand Lake (about twohours by car from Denver).

The purpose of the retreat is tooffer a proactive environmentwhere poz folks can empowerthemselves with knowledge andskills about health, living, andcoping in a setting of friendship,safety and acceptanceby providing an affordable 3-daymountain getaway in an awesome setting with a full agendaof educational, social, and other activities.

The weekend agenda has a full program of educationa

workshops and interactive seminars, body therapies(massage, chiropractic, reflexology, energy work andacupuncture), discussion groups, and various othesessions and social activities.

If needed, transportation is available from Denver througha carpool. In an effort to make the retreat affordable foall, the cost is on a sliding scale. Individuals on disabilityor restricted income are eligible for a discounted rate o$80; all others pay up to $195. The fee is all-inclusive andcovers 3 days lodging, all meals, all body therapies, and alactivities. The only out-of-pocket expenses are a gratuity forthe summer staff at the lodge, and gas money for the driversin the carpool.

Please note that the actual cost of the retreat is over $225per-person. This is subsidized through fund-raisers, grantsand generous donations from individuals.

For more information and to register online, visit:www.OnTheTen.organd click on Retreat.

If you do not have access to the Internet, you may registeby phone (leave a message for Michael at 303.377.3127)Space is limited and everyone is encouraged to registeas soon as possible. Feel free to contact Michael withadditional questions: [email protected] o303.377.3127.

visit www.gravitydenver.com


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My Journey (Lisas Story)

Iam a 21-year-old mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friendliving with HIV. Although living with this disease since theage of 16 has not been easy, it is because of all the people

and support in my life that I have been able to realize I couldovercome this illness I live with and be at peace.

I try to find the positives in every situation. Trying to find ananswer and bring light to this situation was probably thehardest thing I have ever been dealt. My first reaction wasWhy me? I never deserved this. I thought my life was overand that no one would ever love me. I felt like a disgrace to myfamily and friends. I never wanted this or asked for this in mylife, but after all my pity, I realized that everything I was feelingdid have to be true and that the impact this awful thing made

on my life could be a change for the better.I saw life from a new pair of eyes and really started to value mylife. Before my diagnosis I was a miserable young girl tryingto get thru life and wishing for guidance in a time that I feltso lost. The feelings of loneliness and loss started to changewith this new outlook on life I was starting to experience.What this diagnosis became for me was a blessing. I knewthat if I wanted to be healthy, I had to become very activein my health care. At the time, being healthy seemed almostimpossible to me, but I stayed focused and persistent. I tookmy meds and went to every doctor appointment. I am happyto say Ive been undetectable from nearly the diagnosis untilnow, with a few blips here and there.

Five years have passed from that life-changing day. I havebeen married for three years (and together with him for all fiveyears of my diagnosis). I am very thankful for my husbandfor it was because of him that I knew I could be loved. Heloves me for who I am, not what I live with. At the time I foundout I was HIV+ we had already been in our relationship threemonths. I hit a crossroads because I already cared for himdearly, but I wasnt sure how or if I wanted to tell him. I had adeep conversation with my father and he advised me to tellmy boyfriend (and to be understanding if he decided he nolonger wanted to be with me).

So, I ended up telling him that night. He met me at the parkwhere we fell in love. I felt so numb like I couldnt speak but knew he deserved to know. Through all my tears, expectingto lose him, I told him my diagnosis. After a few moments osilence he hugged me and said how sorry he was for me, thathe loved me and that it didnt matter that I was HIV positivehe still wanted to be with me. That was probably one of themost beautiful moments in my life! He has been by my sideever since. We have gone on to start a family since then. Wehave a 15-month-old son and we are expecting a little girl inFebruary. My family is doing great. I am so grateful to havesuch a supportive father, husband, sister, friends, and careteam at the CHIP clinic. Without all of them, who knows whereI would have ended up!

Women in Corrections Program

(continued from page 7)Upon their release, I follow them intensely the first yeaassisting with paperwork, transportation, and advocacy. Thissupport helps them better understand social services, as welas medical, judicial, and educational systems. This processhelps reduce recidivism rates dramatically, and helps thembecome productive members of society. It also brings thewomen to a healthier lifestyle medically, mentally, physicallyand emotionally. It provides them with the tools to work onbringing healing and wholeness to their families; becomingthe mothers, sisters, aunts, and even grandmothers theifamilies need them to be, and that they desire to becomeI know first-hand of the barriers that can overwhelm thesewomen and discourage them from being successful. It gives

me great pleasure to be blessed with the opportunity tocontribute positive energy back into our communities andhelp these women get back on the right track to living ahealthy and prosperous lifestyle!

The goal of the Women in Corrections Program is to helpwomen with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis in the correctional systemembrace a lifestyle that adds joy and comfort to the lives of somany who have been affected by the negative and regretfuchoices that once encompassed us.


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How Has HOPE Helped MeHOPE Gave Me Hopeby John R

It must have been around the middle of 08 that I heardabout the HOPE program. So here I was, trying just tosurvive, by myself, lost all my money & friends, and any

decent place to live to alcohol. Through poor judgmenand even poorer actions also driven by alcohol, I acquiredthe HIV virus.

So here I was having just left CAP, and decided I would checkout this HOPE program. It is a place where we (people likeme) can hang out and get help in various ways. I initially wen

there for the basics, food, a shower, wash some clothes, andto get some needed rest from the ordeal of daily survival onthe streets and in the shelters.

This is how it is with HOPE. If you are HIV+ and have nopermanent housing, you are accepted there ...simple as thatIt took me awhile to get it through my thick head that beingsober -or clean- is also a requirement. The food is great. Anice hot meal for lunch and some simple breakfast stuff isusually around- coffee too. Like I said, you can wash clothesshower, and there are even some cots to nap on. Also, someclothes are available from a small clothing bank. The staff wilalso help keep track of your meds and medical appointmentswithout being too bossy. Lisa is the lovely woman who runs

the place, and she has this wonderful delivery that worksvery well with the dos & donts about the place.

Anyway, this place helped me get back on my feet and seekhelp for my alcoholism. In many ways, with much support, am reaching out now to anyone who can offer me help. Forthis I am grateful.

HOPE = Homeless Outreach Pharmaceuticals Education

HOPE is a day-shelter located at:1555 Race Street (rear entrance)303.832.3354 (open for clients 8am4pm.)

TransAction(continued from page 6)Last year, 30 participants attended Pride Day at Elitchstogether, and it was the first time many of us went swimmingin public! That was a fun and exciting day for all of us. So manypeople have become great friends through TransAction.We also have regular barbecues, makeup/hair parties,education about hormones, and luncheons. If a participantis in need of hormones but does not have the money, wehave resources for him or her. Also, we have advocated withfacilities like the Delores Project so that trans women whoare homeless can receive shelter there. Weve developedresources so that we can assist people with various needs.

If a trans person is HIV+ and needs assistance, pleasecontact us. Our case managers and counselors will providesupport during their journey. Our substance abuse counselorCorinthiah, provides wonderful, non-judgmental counseling.Regular groups are every Wednesday from 4 to 6 pm, andtodos los lunes de 3 pm hasta 5 pm solamente in Espaol. Weare a program ofIt Takes a Village and our TransAction dropin center is located next door at 1477 Lima Street, Aurora.Contact me at 303.242.6313 for further information or justdrop in. We are always happy to see you!


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To Survive or to Thrive thats a good question!

by Kari Hartel

Everywhere I look lately I see the question, Are yousurviving or thriving? Well, I thought I should sitdown and consider this concept. What exactly does

that mean? Isnt and shouldnt it be something different foreach person? Do people who arent positive think aboutwhether theyre surviving or thriving? I would venture to

say, no. And if thats the case, then why are we suddenlyunder so much pressure to have an answer?

By my calculations its because when youre diagnosedwith HIV/AIDS you come face to face with the realization thatyoure going to die. No, its not going to be tomorrow withany luck; although a lot of people being given this diagnosismight think it will be. In reality, along with your diagnosisyou begin to realize that tomorrow, next week, next month,next year or the next ten years are not promised to you. So,were all in a sense living on borrowed time, positive or not.Once you get your mind around that, where should youlook in order to start thriving?

Next comes the issue of disclosure. Its hard to put yourselfout there and tell your closest friends that you are livingwith HIV. They are the people that you have leaned on andconfided in before, but the thought of telling them can makeyour stomach do flips and your heart race. I cannot tell youthat disclosing your status is an easy thing to do. There isa lot of fear and stigma that comes with this disease, butletting disclosure keep you locked inside a box is no wayto live. Even if you dont want to shout your diagnosis fromthe rooftops (its not for everyone) it is important to tell thosepeople closest to you. I cannot guarantee that people willhave a good reaction to your news, I wish I could. The bestadvice I can give is to remember that even if only one or twopeople react with the support that you deserve, its better to

have two more people in your support system, rather thanlive in fear that one-day theyll find out. Seek out new friendsand people who can relate to your diagnosis. Even though itmight seem overrated, it really can be pivotal.

My guess is the next thing that people who are diagnosedstart to think is no one will ever love me. I cannot begin totell you how important it is to acknowledge this little voiceinside of you that likely pops up after your diagnosis. If youdont acknowledge the voice, it can lead you down a paththat you wouldnt travel without being diagnosed with HIV.Realizing that youre not damaged goods, and that you areworth loving can be a bumpy journey. But ...take it from me,you are worth knowing. You are worth loving. Even with HIVyou can still find youre happily ever after (or happily thisweek) whatever youre looking for! Dont forget that. It cansave you a lot of heartache at the end of the day. While eachpersons journey to thriving will look a bit different, I thinkthe most important thing is not to let your diagnosis paralyzeyou. There are people in the community who are more thanwilling to help you find the resources and support structureto get you through your diagnosis, past the shock, out ofsurvival mode, and into thriving.Take advantage and livewell!


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Be a Woman About Yoursby Alexiendia Abrams.

Theres more to me than the eye can see,Im a woman of purpose and destiny Letitia Hodge

My name is Alexiendia Abrams but most people callme Alexis. Im 38 years young and was diagnosedwith HIV in May 2001. As I write, I am at a crossroads

as to start HIV medication or not. Its a pretty scary placeto be and although I know what I have to do, my heart is

heavy about it. Do other people feel the same when theyare confronted with the fact that their health is not as goodas it once was? Or do they look at it as an opportunity tobecome even healthier?

As a pre-op transsexual/transgender woman, many ofmy experiences are unique, to say the least. When I wasdiagnosed, I was in the Colorado Department of Corrections,Denver Reception Diagnostic Center. I was on my way toprison for possession of controlled substances. Im prettysure that I became infected as a result of a gang rape duringa previous prison stint. Obviously, the combination of

substances, trauma, andfinding out my status was

a very difficult time for me.The doctor told me aboutthe testing process, but allI heard from him was that Iwas going to DIE! I felt as ifeveryone could look at meand know. I felt like an alienand I isolated myself fromeveryone. Upon enteringTerritorial, the DOC facilityI was assigned to, I reada lot of pamphlets andspoke to medical staff.Territorial has a lot oftranssexual inmates and at

29, I knew most of the girls. I could talk with them aboutmy status. The first inmate, who I spoke with about this(who was not transsexual) was the man who became mypartner/husband. I was scared to disclose, but was in loveand wanted honesty, truth, and understanding, so I gavethe same. Ten years later, we are still together.

Upon my release in 2004, I went to Colorado AIDS Projectand was referred to University Hospital since I lived inAurora. I was very fortunate to be assigned to Dr. MonicaCarten, a very kind and understanding physician. She wasvery considerate and helped me with an endocrinologist toaddress my need for hormones. I think its essential for anHIV physician or any doctor working with trans women tobe able to understand the need for hormonal therapy. Itsabout well-being and emotional health, as well as physicalhealth. Soon after, I was referred to It Takes a Village andwas assigned a counselor. I started volunteering and doingspeaking engagements for them. The experience allowedme to speak openly about my HIV status for the first time,and to educate others. The staff helped me learn to trulyvalue myself. They keep everything real, but with respectand honesty.

My husband was released from Territorial in Decembe2004, and we were married. Weve moved to two differencities since then, but always return to Aurora, whichis where we have the most support. Ive received helpwith understanding more about HIV, financial & housingassistance, substance abuse treatment, support groupparticipation, and one-on-one counseling. Everyone isfamily at It Takes a Village, and each participant receiveswhat is needed to overcome lifes obstacles. This year, was told I would need to begin HIV medication. I was cryingand overwhelmed by the thought of it. A volunteer peeeducator talked with me about the reality of my need fo

these meds, what they do, and how they would impact mylife. I will be taking her to my appointment when I receivemy prescription, if for nothing else but to hold my hand.

I want other trans women, who are living with HIV to knowthat you can be HIV positive, have a long-term relationshipaccomplish personal goals, and stay healthy. There areresources available to help. I am looking forward to enrollingin school to become a cosmetologist. My advice to othersBe a woman about yours! Get tested and stay healthy.

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TEN Spring Newsletter 2011

Documents

Transcript of TEN Spring Newsletter 2011