SOGIE & HIV-AIDS AWARENESS: STOP DISINFORMATION & THE DISEASE

The first SOGIE & HIV-AIDS Awareness Campaign was held on August 27, 2022 at the HAPI Headquarters in Malolos, Bulacan. HAPI Pride Ambassador, Steven Cross, delivered a SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression) presentation and discussion for the attendees. This was followed by a short snack break and then an HIV-AIDS 101 presentation by Ms. Panama from HASH - HIV&AIDS Support House, Inc. As the discussions continued inside, Ms. Paris and Mr. Nathan, also from HASH, set up testing stations in a different area for those who wished to be tested before going home. The speakers were met with sincere interest about the topics, and many of the attendees did voluntarily choose to be tested before going home. With roughly 30 in attendance, the majority stayed after the event to continue discussions and learn more about the testing. The surprisingly high number of people who were willing to be tested was very promising and proved the event was indeed successful. It is the goal of HAPI Pride, Steven Cross, and the HASH team to spread more awareness about these topics throughout the HAPI chapters. Removing the stigma that is associated with HIV and explaining SOGIE to the members and volunteers is of the highest priority. By starting internally, the information campaign can be shared throughout the localities.