Arya Jain’s Post

Imagine this: you're in a new relationship, things are going great, but the conversation about sexual health feels awkward and uncomfortable. This hesitancy to talk openly can be especially prevalent within the LGBTQ+ community, where concerns about stigma and judgment can create barriers to essential conversations. So, why are open conversations about HIV and sexual health so important? Prevention: Open communication allows partners to discuss risk factors, testing experiences, and prevention methods like condoms and PrEP. 🔹 Early Detection: Regular testing is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Open communication can encourage partners to get tested together and support each other throughout the process. 🔹 Building Trust: Honest conversations about sexual health can build trust and intimacy within a relationship. But how do we overcome the fear of judgment and have open conversations? 🔹 Start Small: Initiate conversations in a safe and relaxed setting. 🔹 Focus on Shared Goals: Frame the conversation as a way to ensure your and your partner's health and well-being. 🔹 Be Respectful: Actively listen to your partner's concerns and create a safe space for open communication. Remember: You're not alone! Many resources are available to help navigate these conversations. MIST can be a valuable resource specifically for the LGBTQ+ community for tips and support. #OpenConversation #LGBTQHealth #HIVPrevention To book a free HIV self Testing KiT - https://lnkd.in/ddfDVJfW PrEP consultation- https://lgbtq.co.in/prep/ For Mental Health consultation - https://lnkd.in/dtMf4bKJ

#LGBTQ communities around the world are disproportionately affected by #HIV. Did you know: -55% of new HIV transmissions in 2022 occurred among key populations and their partners—including #gay men and #transgender people. -The risk of acquiring HIV among #MSM is 23 times higher than the general population. -The risk of acquiring HIV among #trans women is 20 times higher than the general population. #Philanthropy plays a critical role in supporting LGBTQ health worldwide. In addition to the social and structural barriers that many LGBTQ people face, government criminalization often limits their access to essential HIV prevention and treatment services. Funders focused on LGBTQ issues must continue to fight #stigma, #discrimination, and #criminalization of these communities and fill gaps in public funding. This week, FCAA’s Masen Davis and Marvell Terry II will join hundreds of other LGBTQ human rights defenders at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) ,World Conference in Cape Town. If you fund LGBTQ communities, you too could fight HIV around the globe. Will we see you in South Africa? Explore the effects of HIV on the LGBTQ community in our latest data spotlight: https://lnkd.in/gwxksCFS

Anti-LGBTQ Laws are Propagating as Violence, Undermining Transgender Health As 2024 ends there is the painful reality that Donald J. Trump is returning to The White House, and with him promises of rolling back protections for LGBTQ people…and in some cases, even denying them care. The anxiety and fear are very authentic, and there is real world evidence of how discriminatory policies adversely impact already marginalized communities. One glowing example is how HIV prevention is undermined by LGBTQ-related attacks (legislation) and violence! Read more: https://lnkd.in/geHrZwDH

Minority Defenders Forum Founded in 2018 by Nasaala Doreen a proud lesbian living positive with HIV who is a 30 years old Ugandan LGBTIQ+ rights Activist and advocate for Hiv treatment is a Community based organization (grassroot) advocate for SOGIESC issues and SRHR for all prioritising LGBTIQ+ Community currently operating in Kenya and Uganda through joint partnerships. We are pleased to take pride in a membership of 500+ with a number of Ugandan Queer members at our safeshelters@minority-defenders-forum.org and others at Kakuma refugee camp, others still in ugandan hideouts and majority refugees in Kenya and South Sudan seeking asylum to safer countries. Fourty (40%) of its membership are living positively. Minority Defenders Forum is a women led organization in Kenya and Uganda, where disclosure is celebrated among the WSW,MSM/MSW, and there is no stigma for WSW, MSM or MSW living positively. This is particularly remarkable because of the high prevalence in stigma, discrimination and even harassment among the queer within the sex worker and gay community who disclose their HIV positive status.Minority Defenders Forum serves female sex workers, male sex workers and young men and women, WSW (Lesbian), MSM with practical knowledge on safe sex, preventive materials distribution, general information and also economic empowerment. Through our social media platforms members encourage each other into enrolling into and remaining on treatment. Mission: To promote health and human rights, while sustainably facilitating the economic empowerment of Lesbian and Gay and other sex workers including those living positively with HIV in globally. Vision: A universal advocate for SOGIESC issues and SRHR for all especially LGBTIQ+, sex workers, including those living positively with HIV, enjoying their human rights and access to stigma-free health care. OUR FOCUS AREAS; promotion and safeguarding of human rights; access to stigma-free health care; organisational development and sustainability, partnerships and linkages; and empowerment of LGBTIQ community members. To safeguard the human rights of our members, we are actively involved in sex work advocacy through media campaigns, on-the-streets protests and social action, as well as policy change and reform through strategic partnership with member organizations such as We for All Rwenzori-WEFORI and Foundation for Vulnerable Women-Fovuwag in Uganda. We also undertake social and community outreaches such as Queer Toto "SUPPORT MY EDUCATION " Project , Kick AIDS Foundation project and Know Your Viral Load Campaign. Together let's appreciate Diversity, Inclusion and equality and acknowledge beauty with zero discrimination. For details email us back at safeshelters@minority-defenders-forum.org or minoritydefendersforum@gmail.com or visit our website at https://lnkd.in/eNX4GjiT. Partnerships and Membership slots are open. Visit https://gofund.me/9048d52b to support our amazing work. #support

Phathisani Sibanda(Regional Key Populations officer: ARASA) and Thuthukile Mbatha (Regional Advocacy Lead: ARASA) share with us this inspiring article. As we reflect on this year's achievements, let us not overlook the barriers that threaten human rights, especially for vulnerable populations. Stigma, discrimination, and punitive laws continue to hinder access to essential SRH and HIV services for key populations like women, girls, LGBTQ+ individuals, and sex workers. Human rights must remain at the heart of addressing SRHR, HIV/AIDS, and UHC challenges. This #HumanRightsDay and beyond, let's advocate for: ✅ The protection of survivors of GBV. ✅ The removal of discriminatory laws. ✅ Access to SRH and HIV services for all. Together, we can create a future where dignity, equity, and respect prevail. 💪 #RightsNow #WorldAIDSDay #16DaysOfActivism #UHC

Did you know that 30% of transgender individuals become sexually active before the age of 18? And yet, HIV programs can only provide support after they turn 18. This alarming statistic, along with the fact that 7.5% of transgender women have HIV (IBBS 2014-2015), highlights the urgent need for awareness and action. At Naz Foundation, we strive to empower and support the LGBTQIA+ community, including transgender individuals, through our clinic and helpline. We understand the unique challenges faced by this community, such as higher HIV rates (11.2%) in those who cannot read or write, and 10% prevalence among sex workers and masseurs. It is also disheartening to note that the average age at which transgender people have sexual encounters is only 15 years. This further emphasizes the importance of early intervention and education.  Our Naz clinic offers confidential and non-judgmental services for those in need. From free consultation with medical professionals to access to resources and support, we are here for you. If you or someone you know is part of the LGBTQIA+ community and needs medical assistance, please visit the Naz Clinic. To make an appointment, call our Naz Dost Helpline at +91 8800329176 or +91 1140669411/12/13/14, Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  #NazFoundation #LGBTQIA+ #TransgenderAwareness #HIVPrevention #Empowerment #Equality #HealthEquity #healthcare #transgender #communitysupport #HIVawareness #inclusivehealthcare #queerindia #lgbtqindia #lgbtindia #transgenderindia #lgbtq

On World AIDS Day 2024, Black Trans Alliance pauses to remember the precious lives we've lost to AIDS within our community. As we honour their memory, we stand firmly at the intersection of racial justice, trans rights, and HIV advocacy. Our community faces unique challenges in accessing healthcare—from discrimination to lack of culturally competent care. Yet we persist, we organise, and we support each other. This year's theme, "Take the rights path: My health, my right!" resonates deeply with our mission. Healthcare isn't a privilege—it's a fundamental right. For Black trans people, accessing HIV prevention, testing, and treatment often means navigating multiple layers of discrimination and systemic barriers. We're working tirelessly to change this reality. Through community support, advocacy, and education, we're building a future where every Black trans person can access the healthcare they deserve without fear or discrimination—a future worthy of those we've lost. Join us in this crucial work. Support Black LGBTQ+ led organisations. Amplify our voices. Challenge discrimination wherever you encounter it. Together, we can create lasting change and ensure no more lives are lost needlessly. #WorldAIDSDay2024 #BlackTransLivesMatter #HealthcareEquity #EndHIVStigma #TakeTheRightsPath 🏳️⚧️🖤🔴

On this #WorldAIDSday, we join the global community in raising awareness and standing together in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We honor the progress made and remember the millions who have lost their lives to this epidemic. Yet, our work is far from done. Stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to healthcare access, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals and marginalized communities. We must continue advocating for comprehensive sexual health education, accessible healthcare, and the decriminalization of HIV status. Let's strive for a future where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live with dignity and receive the care they deserve. Together, we can end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 🌈 #rainbowplatform #lgbtqi #liberal #european #europe #politics #equality

In the 1980s, during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, many countries imposed lifetime bans on blood donations from transgender individuals and MSM (men who have sex with men).   According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), transgender individuals are about 13 times more likely to be HIV-positive than the general adult population. In regions like Asia and the Pacific, transgender women disproportionately represent 7% of new HIV infections.    World Blood Donor Day calls attention to the importance of safe blood donations and the need to end discriminatory donor eligibility criteria, fostering a more inclusive and efficient global blood donation network.  https://lnkd.in/dXGEGzAn #WorldBloodDonorDay #HIVAwareness #AIDSEpidemic #TransgenderHealth #BloodDonation #LGBTQ #EndDiscrimination #Healthcare #WHO #BloodDonations #Health #Awareness #Equality #Support #Community #GlobalHealth #Indiaspend

Celebrating Changemakers: Stories from the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community 2023-2024 There are an estimated 1.6 million transgender and non-binary people living in the United States. Many have found themselves facing discrimination, transphobia, and limited access to healthcare, education, and more, as the transgender and non-binary community faces a national emergency in state houses, and a rise in attacks and hate speech. At the same time, many transgender and non-binary people are living happy, healthy, and supported lives within their communities and (chosen) families. The Human Rights Campaign shared the stories of these changemakers not only to uplift their successes, but also to ensure there are positive representations of the transgender and non-binary community and its resiliency, further combating transphobia, stigma, and anti-trans violence.   Read on - https://lnkd.in/g9RpYMvJ.