Role Model Stories
Carlos - Huntington park
In the heart of Los Angeles, specifically in Huntington Park, I once lived a life without boundaries or precautions. My name is Carlos, a young Latino man navigating the vibrant and chaotic streets of LA. My carefree attitude towards life extended to my relationships and my health. Growing up in a community where discussions about safe sex were rare, I often took unnecessary risks. However, a close friend’s battle with HIV made me realize the importance of protecting myself and others.
As a Latino gay man, my experiences and challenges reflect those faced by many in my community, dealing with cultural stigmas and lack of information about sexual health. In the past, I rarely considered using condoms during sex, engaging in casual encounters without protection.
My goal became clear: to always use a condom during any sexual encounter. This change was a commitment to my health and the well-being of my partners. I moved from Precontemplation to Contemplation, thinking seriously about the risks after my friend’s experience.
Witnessing my friend’s struggle with HIV was the primary determinant for my change. The support and information from local health workshops empowered me to make better decisions. A significant barrier was the stigma and embarrassment about discussing condom use with partners. To overcome this, I began carrying condoms and practiced ways to bring up the topic confidently.
By consistently using condoms, I gained peace of mind and a sense of responsibility. My self-respect grew, knowing I was taking steps to protect myself and my partners. The positive reinforcement from health advocates and seeing the difference in my life motivated me to maintain this practice. “Wrap It Right, Wrap it Tight.”
Andre - SkidRow
In South LA, specifically in the challenging environment of Skid Row, I found myself haunted by the specter of HIV. My name is Andre, an African American man facing many struggles. Living in one of the most impoverished areas of Los Angeles brought me face to face with the dangers of unprotected sex and the prevalence of HIV in my community.
As a gay African American man in a high-risk area, I face significant health disparities. The lack of resources and stigma associated with HIV and safe sex practices made it a battle to stay informed and protected. In the past, unprotected sex was common, due to the lack of proper sexual health education.
My goal became to always use a condom during any sexual activity and ensure my community had access to the same protective measures. This goal extended to educating others and distributing condoms. I moved from Contemplation to Preparation, preparing to take steps toward safe sex practices.
A workshop that provided information and empowerment was the turning point. Learning about HIV and how it could be prevented motivated me to change my habits. The support from community health workers was crucial. One main barrier was the availability of condoms and discomfort discussing their use. To tackle this, I carried condoms and distributed them at workshops and community events, practicing open conversations about their importance.
By adopting consistent condom use and spreading awareness, I saw a positive shift in my life and community. The fear turned into a drive to educate and protect others. Contributing to a healthier, informed community gave me satisfaction and pride. “Wrap It Right, Wrap it Tight.”