Last night I had the honor and pleasure to attend The Red Pump Projects 1st annual Rock the Red Fashion Show. Can I just say that this event was amazing!!! We are talking about an event hosted by a group of talented and energetic young women for the purpose of raising awareness of the havoc that HIV/AIDS is wreaking on our community. The night's honoree was the incomparable Rae Lewis-Thornton, a woman who has lived and thrived with AIDS for over 20 years.
While this event was inspirational and motivational, it is nothing if we do not each walk away fully aware of the impact that this disease is having and the steps that we can take to stop it.
1st. Know your status. I encourage you to go and get tested. It is scary, but SO NECESSARY.
2nd. Protect yourself. Use condoms/dental dams EVERY TIME. I know love, infatuation, and passion get in the way. However, when it's all said and done, your life is precious, and you must treat it as such.
3rd. Get involved in the business of fighting the spread of this disease. There are several wonderful organizations that are committed to remaining on the front lines each and every day. Support them with your time and your money, so that we can collectively have an impact.
The Red Pump Project
The Chicago Women's AIDS Project
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago