End the Stigma

MashUp is a safe space that wants to ensure LGBTQ people of color know their rights when faced with discrimination. Visit Lambda Legal (https://www.lambdalegal.org/know-your-rights) for more information about your legal protections.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): is a virus that breaks down an individual immune system and affects the capability of the body protecting itself from viruses such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites. HIV can progressively develop into AIDS if not treated by a medical professional. The symptoms include but not limited to fever, fatigue, sore throat, headache, pain within the muscles and joints.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome): is an individual that has minimal cells in their blood or has at least 27 AIDS listed under the CDC conditions such as recurrent pneumonia and lymphomas.

→ https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/msm/bmsm.html

HIV/AIDS cannot be spread by saliva, sweat, urine, casual contact, touching, or spread through the air. 

We want our friends and partners to be aware of knowing the status in order to  educate others to end the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. The symptoms are not always known. Many people are highly contagious around their first week of contracting the disease. Our friends, men of color that identify as LGBT, have an even higher imbalance with receiving health care to ensure adequate care.   

If diagnosed with HIV/AIDS that individual needs to seek medical help immediately. Treatment can allow the individual to continue to enjoy a normal life.

Inclusivity

We believe trust is important to create an open dialogue with our friends and volunteers. Health care can be a sensitive topic, but is crucial to have longevity and a desire for life. We value conversations and hold group sessions in a safe space to discuss various topics that affect our friends. In our sessions, we are able to connect and guide our friends to health care providers to live a healthier lifestyle.