POZ January/February 2018

YOU MATTER AND SO DOES YOUR HEALTH

That’s why starting and staying on HIV-1 treatment is so important.

WHAT IS DESCOVY®?

DESCOVY is a prescription medicine that is used together with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people who weigh at least 77 lbs (35kg). DESCOVY is not for use to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. DESCOVY combines 2 medicines into 1 pill taken once a day. Because DESCOVY by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1, it must be used together with other HIV-1 medicines.

DESCOVY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses, you must keep taking DESCOVY. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about DESCOVY? DESCOVY may cause serious side effects: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DESCOVY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking DESCOVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

What are the other possible side effects of DESCOVY? Serious side effects of DESCOVY may also include: • Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking DESCOVY. • Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking DESCOVY if you develop new or worse kidney problems.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that

can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

The most common side effect of DESCOVY is nausea.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking DESCOVY? • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection.

• All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how DESCOVY works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take DESCOVY with all of your other medicines.

• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known if DESCOVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking DESCOVY. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about DESCOVY, including important warnings, on the following page.

Ask your healthcare provider if an HIV-1 treatment that contains DESCOVY® is right for you.

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IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about DESCOVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment. ®

(des-KOH-vee) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DESCOVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF DESCOVY

DESCOVY may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DESCOVY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking DESCOVY. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

DESCOVY can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About DESCOVY” section.

• Changes in your immune system.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

The most common side effect of DESCOVY is nausea.

These are not all the possible side effects of DESCOVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking DESCOVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with DESCOVY.

ABOUT DESCOVY • DESCOVY is a prescription medicine that is used together with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people who weigh at least 77 lbs (35kg). DESCOVY is not for use to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

• DESCOVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others.

BEFORE TAKING DESCOVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

• Have any other medical condition.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with DESCOVY.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about DESCOVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

• Go to DESCOVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit DESCOVY.com for program information.

HOW TO TAKE DESCOVY • DESCOVY is a one pill, once a day HIV-1 medicine that is taken with other HIV-1 medicines.

• Take DESCOVY with or without food.

DESCOVY, the DESCOVY Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: September 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. DVYC0085 11/17

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EVERYDAY

BY JENNIFER MORTON

JANUARY 16

20

4

HIV activist and UNAIDS staffer ERIC SAWYER carries the Olympic flame in Calgary, Canada, as part of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. (2010)

12

ACT UP NEW YORK ACTIVISTS enter the CBS Evening News studio and shout “AIDS is news.

Fight AIDS, not Arabs” during the opening broadcast. (1991)

A meeting in Larry Kramer’s apartment forms the nucleus of GAY MEN’S HEALTH CRISIS, the first community-based AIDS service provider, now GMHC. (1982) PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA addresses HIV in his final State of the Union Address. “Right now, we’re on track to end the scourge of HIV/AIDS.” (2016)

22

25

The musical RENT opens at the New York Theatre Workshop, the same day Jonathan Larson, its author and composer, dies. (1996)

FEBRUARY 14

4

The International Olympic Committee rules that ATHLETES WITH HIV are eligible to compete in the Games. (1992)

7 8

NATIONAL BLACK HIV/ AIDS AWARENESS DAY

Transdisciplinary artist DUDLEY SAUNDERS performs In These Boxes at Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, Louisiana. (2014)

14 POZ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 poz.com

NATIONAL CONDOM DAY

17

SHILTS, RANDY SHILTS the U.S. journalist who covered the AIDS epidemic and wrote And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic, dies of an AIDS-related illness at age 42. (1994)

24

Olympic goldmedalist GREG LOUGANIS announces on ABC’s 20/20 that he is living with HIV. (1995)

27

Doctor informs artist JOHN HANNING that he has six months to live. He survived. (1995)

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President George W. Bush announces the establishment of PEPFAR to address AIDS across the globe, specifically in Africa, in his State of the Union Address. (2003)

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WE WERE HERE, a documentary by David Weissman, premieres at The Castro Theatre in San Francisco. (2011) AIDS is an everyday experience. These dates represent milestones in the AIDS epidemic. Some dates are known globally; others commemorate individual experiences. AIDS Is Everyday is an ongoing art project produced in conjunction with Visual AIDS to help break down the silence, shame and stigma surrounding HIV. Add a date about your history with HIV to our online calendar at poz.com/AIDSIsEveryday.

(JOHN HANNING, I SURVIVED AIDS, 2012, DIGITAL COLLAGE, C-PRINT) COURTESY OF JOHN HANNING; (OBAMA, BUSH AND LOUGANIS) DREAMSTIME.COM; (TORCH AND CONDOM) ISTOCK EDIT

1

WARD 86, the world’s first dedicated outpatient AIDS clinic, opens at San Francisco General Hospital. (1983)

THE RYAN WHITE STORY first airs on television. (1989)

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WHAT IS PREZCOBIX®?

• It is not known if PREZCOBIX® is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

• When used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, PREZCOBIX® may help: ○ reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load.” ○ increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections.

• PREZCOBIX® is always taken in combination with other HIV medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults.

PREZCOBIX® should be taken once daily with food.

• PREZCOBIX® does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS, and you may still experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection.

You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.

• Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions on how to prevent passing HIV to other people.

• Please read the Important Safety Information below and talk to your healthcare provider to learn if PREZCOBIX® is right for you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

○ Chronic hepatitis B or C infection may increase your chance of developing liver problems. Your healthcare provider should check your blood tests more often. ○ Signs and symptoms of liver problems include dark (tea-colored) urine, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, pale-colored stools (bowel movements), nausea, vomiting, pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs, or loss of appetite. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms.

• PREZCOBIX® may cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions or rash. Sometimes these skin reactions and skin rashes can become severe and require treatment in a hospital.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash. ○ Stop taking PREZCOBIX® and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any skin changes with symptoms such as fever, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, blisters or skin lesions, mouth sores or ulcers, red or inflamed eyes like “pink eye” (conjunctivitis).

• PREZCOBIX, when taken with certain other medicines, can cause new or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

Your healthcare provider should check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking PREZCOBIX.® ®

Who should not take PREZCOBIX ? ®

• Do not take PREZCOBIX® with any of the following medicines: alfuzosin (Uroxatral®), carbamazepine (Carbatrol® Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®) cisapride (Propulsid®), colchicine (Colcrys®, Mitigare®, if you have liver or kidney problems), dronedarone (Multaq®), elbasvir and grazoprevir (Zepatier®), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Ergomar®,

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What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking PREZCOBIX®?

• About all health problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C, have kidney problems, are allergic to sulfa (sulfonamide), have diabetes, have hemophilia, or have any other medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking PREZCOBIX.® • About all medicines you take. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact with PREZCOBIX.® Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take PREZCOBIX® with other medicines.

What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX®?

• The most common side effects of darunavir, one of the medicines in PREZCOBIX,® include diarrhea, nausea, rash, headache, stomach area (abdominal) pain, and vomiting.

• Other possible side effects include: ○ High blood sugar, diabetes or worsening diabetes, and increased bleeding in people with hemophilia have been reported in patients taking protease inhibitor medicines, including PREZCOBIX.® ○ Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicines. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these changes are not known. ○ Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines.

Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time.

These are not all of the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX.® For more information, ask your healthcare provider.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Janssen Products, LP at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736).

Please read accompanying Important Brief Summary for PREZCOBIX®.

Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP © Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP 2017 07/17 068102-170627

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• PREZCOBIX may cause liver problems. Some people taking PREZCOBIX® may develop liver problems which may be life-threatening. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and during your treatment with PREZCOBIX.® ®

• Serious problems can happen if you take any of these medicines with PREZCOBIX.®

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What is the most important information I should know about PREZCOBIX®?

Ergostat®, Medihaler®, Migergot®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), methylergonovine (Methergine®), lovastatin or a product that contains lovastatin (Altoprev®, Advicor®, Mevacor®), lurasidone (Latuda®), oral midazolam (Versed®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125®, Phenytek®), pimozide (Orap®), ranolazine (Ranexa®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifater®, Rifamate®, Rimactane®), sildenafil (Revatio®) when used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), simvastatin or a product that contains simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) or a product that contains St. John’s Wort, or triazolam (Halcion®).

061037-161017

• PREZCOBIX® is a prescription HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1) medicine used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). PREZCOBIX® contains the prescription medicines PREZISTA® (darunavir) and TYBOST® (cobicistat).

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“RESISTANCE IS A RISK I TAKE SERIOUSLY.” Everyone is at risk of developing drug resistance. So when deciding on an HIV treatment, think long-term.

Once-Daily* PREZCOBIX® has a high genetic barrier to resistance, which may help.

PREZCOBIX® is taken in combination with other HIV medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults.

*

}

YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT DRUG RESISTANCE AND ONCE-DAILY

*

PREZCOBIX.com

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ASK

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Wisdom inspired by real people

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“Learning is part of my journey.

Asking questions helps me feel more confident.”

PREZCOBIX® (prez-koe-bix) (darunavir and cobicistat) tablets

What is PREZCOBIX® used for?

PREZCOBIX® is a prescription HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1) medicine used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). PREZCOBIX® contains prescription medicines PREZISTA® (darunavir) and TYBOST® (cobicistat).

PREZCOBIX® does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.

What are the most serious warnings about PREZCOBIX®?

• PREZCOBIX® may cause liver problems which may be life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms such as: • Vomiting • Dark (tea-colored) urine • Pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes • Loss of appetite • Pale-colored stools (bowel movements) • Nausea • PREZCOBIX® may cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions or rashes. Stop taking PREZCOBIX® and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any skin changes with symptoms below: • Blisters or skin lesions • Fever • Mouth sores or ulcers • Tiredness • Red or inflamed eyes, like “pink eye” (conjunctivitis) • Muscle or joint pain • PREZCOBIX,® when taken with some other medications, can cause new or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Some medications may prevent PREZCOBIX® from working or cause increased side effects. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider.

Who should not take PREZCOBIX®?

• Do not take PREZCOBIX® with any of the following medicines: alfuzosin (Uroxatral®), carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®), cisapride (Propulsid®), colchicine (Colcrys,® Mitigare,® if you have liver or kidney problems), dronedarone (Multaq®), elbasvir and grazoprevir (Zepatier®), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot ,® Ergomar ,® Ergostat ,® Medihaler,® Migergot,® Wigraine,® Wigrettes®), methylergonovine (Methergine®), lovastatin or a product that contains lovastatin (Altoprev,® Advicor,® Mevacor ®), lurasidone (Latuda®), oral midazolam (Versed®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125®, Phenytek®), pimozide (Orap®), ranolazine (Ranexa®), rifampin (Rifadin,® Rifater,® Rifamate®, Rimactane®), sildenafil (Revatio®) when used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), simvastatin or a product that contains simvastatin (Simcor,® Vytorin,® Zocor ®), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) or a product that contains St. John’s Wort, or triazolam (Halcion®).

• Serious problems can happen if you take any of these medicines with PREZCOBIX.® What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX®?

PREZCOBIX® may cause serious side effects including: • Diabetes and high blood sugar • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV-1 medications • Immune system changes (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen in people who start HIV-1 medications • Increased bleeding can occur in people with hemophilia who are taking PREZCOBIX.® The most common side effects are: • Diarrhea • Headache • Nausea • Stomach area (abdominal) pain • Rash • Vomiting Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX®.

For more information, ask your healthcare provider.

What should I know about this Brief Summary?

This information is not complete. To get more information: • Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist • Visit www.PREZCOBIX.com to read over the FDA-approved product labeling and patient information • Call to report side effects either to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or to Janssen Products, LP at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736). © Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP 2017 05/17 054195-170522

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• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. (It is not known if PREZCOBIX® will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking PREZCOBIX.®) • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take PREZCOBIX® because it is unknown if PREZCOBIX® can pass into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV to your baby.

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What do I need to tell my healthcare provider?

Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C • Have kidney problems • Are allergic to sulfa (sulfonamide) • Have diabetes • Have hemophilia • Have any other medical condition

PULSE

BY JENNIFER MORTON

Struggling With Stigma HIV stigma is one of the biggest challenges to ending the epidemic. It can affect a person’s ability to access HIV testing, counseling, education, care, support and treatment. You can help combat stigma by supporting those living with the virus and educating others about HIV.

How often do you face HIV-related stigma?

38% 29% 33%

..................................

..............................

Frequently

Occasionally

.........................................

86 71 62 60

Rarely

% of POZ readers say HIV-related stigma

%

%

%

has made dating/relationships more difficult. say HIV-related stigma has prevented them from seeking care, treatment or support. say HIV-related stigma has isolated them from their family or friends. say HIV-related stigma has adversely affected their career.

SOURCE: October/November 2017 POZ

“I got HIV from pasta.

Said no one ever.”

—Printed on some of the aprons worn by the HIV-positive chefs at a pop-up restaurant called June’s HIV+ Eatery. Casey House, a Toronto AIDS service provider, opened the restaurant as part of its “Break Bread. Smash Stigma” campaign to raise awareness and spark conversations.

26 POZ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 poz.com

2 The number of HIV tests Prince Harry has taken in public to promote HIV testing and help end stigma

(PRINCE HARRY) DREAMSTIME.COM; (CHEFS) COURTESY OF CASEY HOUSE

POZEY V SUR YS SA

Here’s to settling down and never giving up.

Let’s Grow Old Together See what life with HIV looks like from diagnosis through grandkids with a little help from Walgreens. Meet Peter and Kathleen and hear their story at Walgreens.com/LetsGrowOldTogether. ©2017 Walgreen Co. All rights reserved.

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INTRODUCING

Cancer Health TM

• A new resource for the cancer community • From Smart + Strong, publisher of the award-winning POZ magazine • Clear, comprehensive cancer treatment information • Personal stories, community forums, blogs and more • Make Cancer Health a part of your advocacy team today!

CancerHealth.com A SMART + STRONG PUBLICATION

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inclusive surveys further isolate trans men living with HIV. It also exacerbates stigma.

“When I first tested positive, I thought I was the only one. I didn’t see myself reflected in the data, and I also didn’t see myself in any campaigns or see other positive trans men speaking out,” he says. This prompted him to step out on faith in an attempt to fill that void.

“As I put myself out there sharing my story, other positive trans men have come to me saying they never thought they were at risk or that after they were diagnosed they felt alone.

It’s obvious that we have a lot more work to do.”

TO BEST ADVOCATE FOR inclusive data, substantial increases in funding and stronger trans leadership, advocates need to address how the intersections of transphobia, racism, sexism, classism and ableism in the HIV community harm trans folks.

As viewed from the outside, the AIDS community might appear to be a diverse snapshot of the marginalized. But a closer look makes clear that white (male cisgender) privilege often plays a huge factor in who and what gets prioritized.

Lewis is quick to point out the irony. “[In the early days] ACT UP built its entire movement on rage and demanding to be recognized and seen.

They were ‘passionate’ and ‘brave,’ but when Black trans folks do that now, demand data, we’re called ‘angry’ or accused of having an ‘attitude’ or that we feel entitled to extra rights,” she explains.

Advocates stress how important it is for cis leaders to check their own privilege, to be willing to have the difficult conversations about their own biases and to be better allies, but there is also a consensus that cis leaders need to leverage their privilege to truly advocate for trans people.

For example, Lewis explains, cis folks could ensure that

36 POZ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 poz.com

trans issues get brought up in every Achim Howard is founder of DC Trans Men Rising room they enter. and a board member of Positively Trans (T+).

“If you are really passionate about trans rights,” she says, “you need to be a voice for the people who can’t be at the table. Even better, demand that there be trans people present

Introducing the new and improved

POZ.com

WEBSITE FEATURES INCLUDE: • Responsive design optimized for smartphones and tablets • Faster site for quicker load times • Redesigned for easier readability and navigation • Improved search function

STOPPING THE VIRUS CAN START WITH YOU. Here are two resources that can help.

Watch videos, share information, and see how we can all help stop the virus.

HelpStopTheVirus.com YouTube.com/HelpStopTheVirus

Get the answers you need, privately, on your phone.

HIVanswers.com/app

© 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC3359 06/16

2018 HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAYS Annual awareness days help to educate the general public and specific communities about HIV/AIDS. Since the virus affects people from all walks of life, the number of awareness days has increased over the years.

Display this poster to remind you of upcoming awareness days, and use the hashtags shown to promote them on social media.

MARCH

FEBRUARY 10

7

APRIL

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day

#NBHAAD

#NWGHAAD

#NYHAAD

According to the CDC, nearly half of HIV diagnoses in 2014 were among African Americans. The goal of NBHAAD is to get people educated, involved, tested and treated.

According to the CDC, in 2014, women made up 19 percent of new U.S. HIV diagnoses. This awareness day recognizes the impact of HIV/ AIDS on women and girls.

This awareness day was started in 2013 to engage those under age 25 on the topic of HIV/AIDS. According to the CDC, about 22 percent of new U.S. HIV diagnoses in 2014 were among 13- to 24-year-olds.

20 National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day #NNHAAD This day honors American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians and is intended to empower these groups to get tested and bring HIV/AIDS awareness to their communities.

19

#HVAD Led by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, HVAD showcases the progress in the search for a safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine. It’s also an opportunity to educate communities about the importance of vaccine research.

7

10 20

National Transgender HIV Testing Day #NTHTD HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects the transgender population. NTHTD encourages local testing events and campaigns promoting testing and awareness in the trans community.

19

National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

MAR

18

MAY HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

FEB

10

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

18

JAN

National Hepatitis Testing Day

#NAPIHAAD

#NHTD

It’s estimated that nearly two thirds of Asians in the United States have never been tested for HIV, due in part to stigma. The goal of NAPIHAAD is to create environments that are accepting of Asians and Pacific Islanders living with HIV/AIDS.

One quarter of people living with HIV nationwide also have hepatitis C, and people at risk for HIV are also at risk for hepatitis B. NHTD aims to provide support and resources for those living with viral hepatitis, to increase awareness of the various types of the virus and to encourage testing.

APR 10 18

MAY 18 19

JUN 5

8

27

JUNE

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

27

5

JUNE JUNE

5 Long-Term Survivors HIV AwarenessDay HIV Long-Term Survivors #HLTSAD AwarenessDay

This awareness day #HLTSAD honors all longThis awareness day term survivors of honors all longHIV. HLTSAD raises term survivors of awareness about HIV. HLTSAD raises long-term survivors awareness about and makes sure they continue long-term survivors to be included in the ongoing and makes sure they continue HIV conversation. to be included in the ongoing HIV conversation.

27

AUGUST AUGUST

27 National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day National #NFHAADFaith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

HIV/AIDS #NFHAADaffects people of all faiths across the United States. The goal of HIV/AIDS affects people of all faiths NFHAAD is to bring together Muslims, across the United States. The goal of Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus NFHAAD is to bring together Muslims, and members of other religions to Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus fight HIV/AIDS. and members of other religions to fight HIV/AIDS.

8

HIV prevalence in the Caribbean is #NCAHAAD the second highest globally after HIV prevalence in the Caribbean is sub-Saharan Africa. NCAHAAD the second highest globally after brings HIV awareness to Caribbean sub-Saharan Africa. NCAHAAD communities through resources, brings HIV awareness to Caribbean education and testing. communities through resources, education and testing.

27 27 National HIV Testing Day #NHTD

National HIV Testing Day

NHTD is a call to people of all ages #NHTD to learn the facts about HIV and get NHTD is a call to people of all ages tested for the virus. According to the to learn the facts about HIV and get CDC, one in eight people living with tested for the virus. According to the HIV don’t know they have it.

CDC, one in eight people living with HIV don’t know they have it.

National HIV/AIDS and 18 Aging Awareness Day National HIV/AIDS and #NHAAD Aging Awareness Day

According #NHAAD to the CDC, people age 50 and older According to the CDC, accounted for an estimated 17 people age 50 and older percent of new U.S. HIV diagnoses accounted for an estimated 17 in 2014. NHAAD encourages HIV percent of new U.S. HIV diagnoses testing among older adults and HIV in 2014. NHAAD encourages HIV awareness for seniors. testing among older adults and HIV awareness for seniors.

27

National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS 27 Awareness Day National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS #NGMHAAD Awareness Day

OCTOBER OCTOBER

National Caribbean American 8 HIV/AIDS Awareness Day National Caribbean American #NCAHAAD HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 18

15 15 National Latinx

AIDS Awareness Day National #NLAAD Latinx AIDS Awareness Day

Latinos #NLAADmake up almost one quarter of new HIV diagnoses nationwide in Latinos make up almost one quarter 2014, according to the CDC. NLAAD of new HIV diagnoses nationwide in aims to get more Latinx people to 2014, according to the CDC. NLAAD join the fight to end the epidemic. aims to get more Latinx people to join the fight to end the epidemic.

According to the CDC, nearly one in #NGMHAAD seven gay and bi men living with HIV According to the CDC, nearly one in are unaware they seven gay and bi men living with HIV have the virus. are unaware they NGMHAAD have the virus. encourages NGMHAAD individuals encourages to get tested individuals and encourto get tested ages those and encourwho are ages those positive to who are engage in treatpositive to ment in order to improve their health engage in treatand reduce the likelihood of transmitment in order to improve their health ting the virus to their partners. and reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus to their partners.

DECEMBER DECEMBER 1

JUL JUL

AUG AUG 27 27

SEP SEP 18 27 18 27

OCT OCT 15 15

World 1 AIDS Day

#WAD

World AIDS Day

About #WAD 36.7 million people across the globe have HIV, according to UNAIDS. About 36.7 million people across the Every December 1, the world comes globe have HIV, according to UNAIDS. together to show solidarity in the fight Every December 1, the world comes against HIV, to show support for those together to show solidarity in the fight living with the virus and to remember against HIV, to show support for those those lost to it. living with the virus and to remember those lost to it.

NOV NOV

DEC DEC 1 1 (JUMPING FIGURES, LEI, VIAL, PALM TREE, RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS, FLAGS/CLASPED HANDS AND GLOBE) ISTOCK (JUMPING FIGURES, LEI, VIAL, PALM TREE, RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS, FLAGS/CLASPED HANDS AND GLOBE) ISTOCK

A HEALTHIER LIFE CAN START WITH HIV TREATMENT. Starting HIV treatment right after diagnosis can help stop the virus in your body. Because treatment helps lower the damage HIV causes to your immune system. Plus, doctors and scientists have found that it can help lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

TREATMENT ALSO HELPS YOU PROTECT OTHERS. HIV treatment can help lower the amount of virus in your body. It can get so low, it can’t be measured by a test. It’s called being undetectable. And it helps lower the chance of passing HIV on to others by more than 90%.

TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.

STOPPING T CAN START

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Have an open conversation. When you work together it helps your healthcare provider find the treatment that’s right for you.

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See how staying on treatment can help protect you and the people you care about.

YouTube.com/HelpStopTheVirus

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