Here are some simple things you can do to be an ally and an advocate for people affected by HIV/AIDS in your community.
Fight HIV Stigma:
PCAF is dedicated to fighting stigma and to creating a safe community where those living with HIV and AIDS are treated with respect and dignity.
Social stigma is a persistent issue in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Stigma can often prevent people from accessing vital resources and receiving the treatment they need. Some sources report that up to 1/3 of Americans believe at least one myth about HIV/AIDS (POZ July/August 2014).
How can you fight stigma?
- Educate yourself about HIV facts and fiction – see our HIV 101 page
- Learn about how to fight stigma at The Stigma Project
- Speak up when you hear misconceptions about HIV
- Share your knowledge with friends and family
Fight Transgender Discrimination:
It is estimated that nearly a third of transgender Americans are HIV-positive. Transgender women are one of the communities most impacted by HIV/AIDS in our country. Due to many cultural, social, and economic barriers, transgender women often don’t know their HIV status. (Source: National Institutes of Health.)
PCAF is committed to helping ensure a safe community for our transgender clients, friends, and neighbors. That’s why we are a proud partner of the Washington SAFE Alliance and a proud endorser of Washington Won’t Discriminate. Both organizations were created in response to deliberate attempts to take away basic human rights from transgender people in our state including Initiative 1552, which would repeal our state’s 10-year old non-discrimination protections that have helped make sure our transgender community members are treated fairly and equally under the law.
PCAF believes that Washington State must continue to be a welcoming and safe place for all people. Please stand with us against discrimination by getting involved today.
How can you fight transgender discrimination?
- Register to vote!
- Join Washington SAFE Alliance, and ask your employer, school, faith community, and other groups you are involved with to sign on too.
- Have Washington SAFE Alliance come to your place of work, community organization, or other group to educate people about anti-transgender legislation.
