Submitted By: Darren Allwood
If someone had asked me a year or two ago about my interest in advocacy, I probably would have said zero, because advocacy wasn’t something I had considered because I didn’t see examples of what that looks like. Today, I am a full-fledged advocate for HIV and homelessness due in large part to my experiences over the past year. I was more exposed to policy and advocacy by working with partner organizations like Thrive SS and GE and being a part of Georgia Equality’s Youth HIV Policy Advisors Program. I also attended AIDS Watch in Washington, D.C. which granted me the opportunity to gain knowledge around HIV policy, network with other advocates, and expand my personal advocacy.
On the first day of the conference, we heard from CDC Director Robert R. Redfield. During his talk, Dr. Redfield pointed out how treatment and access to care helps those “infected.” After saying “infected” several more times, activists interrupted him and spoke to the importance of using “people first language” which eliminates generalizations, assumptions, and stereotypes. This was a powerful moment for me. I later had the chance to attend a workshop on the power of storytelling in advocacy. I utilized what I learned when we met with our congressional representatives and I shared my story as a person living with HIV who has been housing unstable. AIDS Watch was an informative opportunity and I appreciate Georgia Equality and Thrive SS to have had the experience.