HIV and Profound Visibility

Rimming: A Love-Hate Relationship

2010-10-08T05:02:00.000-07:00

Rimming: A Love-Hate Relationship

March 23 Update - HPV

2010-03-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

TeachAIDS and Training

2010-02-24T09:05:00.001-08:00

Something really phenomenal is about to happen.

2010-02-20T08:28:00.001-08:00

Hello, friends!

Something really phenomenal is about to happen. Something so monumental that a huge shift in awareness might even take place.

In light of my 13 years of surviving with HIV and the current social stigma surrounding HIV in this country, I am about to embark on something pretty huge and scary.

On June 22nd, 2010, my mom's 70th birthday, I am going to run 336 miles from Syracuse, NY to the GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Center), NYC.

You see, I want to initiate a change. A change where people, who are living with HIV, see themselves as being whole. Knowing that they are beautiful and important people regardless of their status, and that they are NOT their status. Also, that, although there has been amazing breakthrough in medicine, they are expensive and pretty toxic.

"We can fight stigma. Enlightened laws and policies are key. But it begins with openness, the courage to speak out. Schools should teach respect and understanding. Religious leaders should preach tolerance. The media should condemn prejudice and use its influence to advance social change, from securing legal protections to ensuring access to health care." Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations

http://hivandprofoundvisibility.blogspot.com

The deal is, HIV scares the heck out of me and until yesterday, I was awakened by my heart, that I have been living the past 13 years feeling like I was going to die at any time. As if I had an expiration date that was soon approaching. That is far from the deal, because I am incredibly healthy. Besides, we all have a short time on this beautiful planet and anyone could go at anytime.

That's just a fact.

What the deal isn't: because of what HIV/AIDS represents in this country, I went through a pretty frightening downward spiral into self-destructive behavior. Even though, I have the spent the better part of the last 6 years in self improvement work, there was still one painful thorn left in my side. This thorn was a biggie. This thorn was HIV.

All of my decisions throughout the past 13 years have been made under the influence of being HIV positive and it's stigma; from being afraid to tell people, hiding it from friends, family and co-workers to spending the past 13 years getting medical services in HIV/Aids clinics and feeling like I was just another infected person; ashamed, alone and a another statistic.

To make this happen, I am going to need support and I mean big support. Whether that is in the form of donations for my 15-20 day running journey, a tent, spreading the word, writing emails to the media and media publications to sponsorship.

http://hivandprofoundvisibility.blogspot.com

Well, of course, much of my thinking and attitude towards HIV and myself have changed dramatically. I’m living quite happily. I would like to see clinical procedures change. That means, I would like to see medical institutions who offer medical services for HIV infected people, create better programs and support outlets for those who need that extra support with disclosure and self-acceptance.

Thank you for reading this and as this movement evolves, so will the collectiveness consciousness of this country. Remember, it starts with one person. If you know someone who is HIV positive and might be struggling, reach out to them in a way that could make a difference.

Your friend,

Greg Halpen
www.TheGayGuysLoveCoach.com

How I was showing up

2010-02-20T06:21:00.000-08:00

Yeah. It's interesting what comes up when you're most vulnerable. Vulnerability, to me, is the most delicious place I can be. So, lesson learned: To be aware of when my strong expectations start to rear their funky little heads and keep them at bay. I can't expect everyone to be as pumped as I am about this project. ;)

Being Present While I Wait

2010-02-16T03:39:00.000-08:00

Gold's Gym is on Board!

Also, something really big popped up in my heart yesterday.

In awe of how people show up

2010-02-12T05:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm sitting here feeling quite in awe. Since I opened the door to this sensitive cause, I have received amazing support. People are showing their hearts and it's phenomenal.

Someone has even donated an iTouch for my 336 Mile walk. This will definitely come in handy as I am Twittering about my progress and outreach.

After some serious calculations, this walk will probably take me 2-3 weeks to accomplish. So, that means sleeping in a car, maybe a motel room and even a tent that I will hitch along the way. It scares the crap out of me, but deep down inside, it feels like to most appropriate thing I have ever done in my existence.

336 Miles of Love

2010-02-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Many of you know me as Greg Halpen, dating expert for single gay men and as The Gay Guy's Love Coach from www.TheGayGuysLoveCoach.com.

Well, it's time to come clean.

It's time to stop hiding behind my own status and initiate some change in the world of HIV and AIDS.

For me the first step is towards a 336 mile walk/run.

You see, on June 22nd (my mother's birthday) I am running/walking 336 miles, from Syracuse, NY to Central Park, NYC in light of creating powerful awareness around HIV/AIDS, by letting people know they don't have to hide their HIV status.

Three of my goals are:

1) To help shed any social stigmas around HIV,

2) Create social unity one person at a time.

3) Raise funds for a Syracuse organization called Aids Community Resources.

HIV is something that lives close to my heart. I've been positive for almost 13 years and I can honestly say, that those years have been a process of profound grieving and acceptance.

And why on my mom's birthday? well, my mom was accepting of me from day one of me coming out both as gay and as being HIV positive. She is one of the most resourceful and talented people I know and I am proud to be like her!

This is the site where I will document all of the progress. From my 4.5 month training to the actual event on June 22nd (through however many days it will take me to get there)

Eventually, I will post a link to where you can donate money towards this event.

Thank you for reading!

Love,

Greg