Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
It may be no coincidence that while Washington, D.C., continues to reel from news of its "generalized and severe" HIV epidemic, membership in D.C. Young Poz Socials, a networking and support group, has swelled to more than 700 gay men. A devastating 120-page report by the district's AIDS office has revealed that at least 3% of Washingtonians older than 12 -- more than 15,000 city residents -- are HIV-positive. Actual infection rates may be as high as 5%, some experts note, and that puts D.C. on par with some hard-hit African nations. Despite having the highest HIV prevalence of any locale in the country, stigma and discrimination run so high in D.C. that many HIVers there remain essentially closeted and isolated, afraid to reveal their serostatus to even family members and close friends. The group is focused specifically on breaking that isolation by connecting HIV-positive gay men with each other for support, friendship, and camaraderie through social activities that include bowling nights, white-water rafting trips, and jaunts to Atlantic City, N.J. Shawn Henderson, who has led the group since 2004, says it is vital for him and his peers, since living and working in the nation's capital poses distinct challenges for gay men. "Everybody's connected politically," says 35-year-old Henderson, who is working for the Department of Homeland Security while pursuing studies in religion. "It's a very conservative town." This makes the disclosure to others of one's living with HIV -- even to other gay men -- "like having to come out all over again," says Henderson, whose own grandparents severed their relationship with him upon hearing that he is HIV-positive. Edward Cooper, who is 36 years old and a member of the group since 2004, says he finds comfort in socializing with people who also experience the same issues he deals with on a daily basis. As an example, he points to the ability to discuss with other group members the side effects of his anti-HIV medications. These sorts of connections and conversations allow young HIV-positive men to truly be themselves, says Cooper, perhaps "even more so than in their own network of friends." For Henderson, the most meaningful moments with the social group aren't planned. Tearing up, he shares that at almost every gathering, a newly diagnosed -- and scared -- young man will break down crying, thinking that he "won't be able to continue." Henderson adds, "Within 10 minutes he's surrounded by other members and laughing."
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
The freedom of disclosure: David Anzuelo's journey through HIV, art, and advocacy
August 02 2024 12:21 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, an HIV-prevention drug, reduces risk by 96%
October 15 2024 5:03 PM
How fitness coach Tyriek Taylor reclaims his power from HIV with self-commitment
September 19 2024 12:00 PM
Out100 Honoree Tony Valenzuela thanks queer and trans communities for support in his HIV journey
September 18 2024 12:00 PM
Kentucky bans conversion therapy for youth as Gov. Andy Beshear signs 'monumental' order
September 18 2024 11:13 AM
Why activist Raif Derrazi thinks his HIV diagnosis is a gift
September 17 2024 12:00 PM
Creator and host Karl Schmid fights HIV stigma with knowledge
September 12 2024 12:03 PM
Study finds use of puberty blockers safe and reversible, countering anti-trans accusations
September 11 2024 1:11 PM
Latinx health tips / Consejos de salud para latinos (in English & en espanol)
September 10 2024 4:29 PM
The Trevor Project receives $5M grant to support LGBTQ+ youth mental health in rural Midwest (exclusive)
September 03 2024 9:30 AM
Introducing 'Health PLUS Wellness': The Latinx Issue!
August 30 2024 3:06 PM
La ciencia detrás de U=U ha estado liberando a las personas con VIH durante años
August 23 2024 2:48 PM
Tratamiento y prevención del VIH por inyección: Todo lo que necesita saber
August 23 2024 2:41 PM
Sr. Gay World quiere asegurarse de que estés bien
August 23 2024 2:30 PM
Eureka is taking a break from competing on 'Drag Race' following 'CVTW' elimination
August 20 2024 12:21 PM
With a new case in Sweden, what is the new mpox outbreak and should you be concerned?
August 15 2024 4:48 PM
From ‘The Real World’ to real life: How Danny Roberts thrives with HIV
July 31 2024 5:23 PM