Positive Voices: Humphrey Gorriceta

Positive Voices: Humphrey Gorriceta

by Fridae Features Team

Positive Voices is a new ongoing series in which we will feature Asian LGBT individuals who are HIV-positive and are living positively.

Humphrey Gorriceta is one of the first Filipinos to publicly reveal his HIV-positive status after he was diagnosed in January 2008 while working as an operations supervisor in a business process outsourcing company in Manila.

The 34-year-old says based on personal experience “people are more accepting when they HIV literate” and so, he has made it his life’s mission to educate his family, friends, people he meets in his daily life and people he has yet to meet about HIV.

Humphrey recalled an incident where he tested positive during a drug test when he tried to renew his driver’s licence. When he was asked by the nurse to come back after a week as they were going to send his urine sample to the Department of Health, he decided to explain his HIV status and conducted an ART (Anti-Retroviral treatment) 101 on the spot with his mom, medical technician, nurse and doctor in attendance to account for the false positive. He got his driver’s licence in an hour.

“People discriminate because of their lack of knowledge about HIV. It’s human nature to be afraid of what we don’t know. That is why HIV educational advocacies are very important.” Said the spokesperson for the National Federation of Filipino Living with HIV and AIDS (NAFFWA) which represents PLHIV (People Living with HIV/AIDS) community-based groups in Philippines.

Humphrey tells Fridae what drives him in his advocacy work, his coming out journey and how coming out strengthened his familial bond and friendships.

æ: Who was the first person you spoke to after you received your initial positive test result? Why did you choose to tell this person?

Humphrey: When I got tested the first person to find out was the guy I was dating. He was with me when I got my HIV test results. He is a doctor so it was easy for me to tell him about my status.

æ: How has your HIV status affected your love and sex life?

Humphrey: The first year after finding out my status was a little difficult. I did not want to engage in any sexual activities because I felt that it was through unsafe sex that I got infected. Also there is the fear of accidentally infecting others. Although I’ve learned about safe sex and condom use, I still felt fearful engaging in sexual activities.

I came out to my friends about a year later and I started dating again. It wasn't an easy process but I was eventually able to tell the guys I dated about my status. It was amazing because I was never discriminated against. They understood and accepted me despite my being positive. But before I told them my status, I gradually educated them… I was giving them HIV 101 in instalments. I think that’s what made it relatively easy for them to accept my status.

æ: How do you decide whether to tell someone your HIV status?

Humphrey: I feel that people need to know about HIV and how to protect themselves. Coming out gives me the opportunity to educate people. More often than not, people ask a lot of question about HIV and I take advantage of the opportunity to change their mind if they have any misconception(s) about the virus.

I also feel that it’s right to tell people I care about, that I am HIV-positive. It shows respect and reinforces the fact that I care for them.

æ: What is one myth about living with HIV that you’ve now realise was incorrect?

Humphrey: When I learned that I am HIV-positive, I thought I was only going to have three years to live, five the most. But I was mistaken. I realised that there is still life after infection. For me it was a more productive and loving life.

æ: Has your relationship with your family and friends changed or evolved after you found out you are HIV-positive? If so, how?

Humphrey: It certainly did. I became closer to my family. The same is true with my friends. After I disclosed my status to my family, I realised that I’ve wasted so much time thinking about my self and despite what happened to me, my family still accepted me and understood what I was going through. It was hard for them at first but they were able to get through it. Of course I did my part educating and comforting them.

The same is true for my friends. I received the most loving words from friends and they stood by me and never judged me.

æ: Have you started Anti-Retroviral treatment (ART)?

Humphrey: Yes I am on antiretroviral drugs ever since I was tested positive. My CD4 was at 250 when I got my first count. I had a reaction with Nevirapine and I was hospitalised. I shifted to Efavirenze which gave a side effect. I get really dizzy an hour after I take it. But it was manageable since the effect only lasted more or less an hour.

æ: Tell us about one of your most memorable disclosure stories (friends, family, colleagues/bosses, doctors, partner or dates, etc).

Humphrey: All of my disclosure stories are memorable. I always get a smile, a hand shake, words of gratitude for sharing my story, a hug and loving words. Nevertheless, I would say that coming out to my family was the most memorable.

After disclosing to my family, everything changed for the better. I felt the bond of love and caring was strengthened. I started saying “I love you” to my parents and siblings, which I felt uncomfortable doing before I came out. Everything seemed beautiful and I found a purpose for my existence.

æ: How has living with HIV affected your current work?

Humphrey: Generally, living with HIV did not have a big impact on my work. I never had issues with my status and neither my co-workers and bosses. As a matter of fact, while I was still working as a General Manager in an art gallery, my female boss thanked me for coming out to them because they realised the importance of having a health insurance for their employees. She said that it doesn’t matter that I am HIV-positive as long as I do my job efficiently and effectively. They were all very supportive.

æ: Have you ever experienced discrimination on the basis of your HIV status from government agencies (eg. police, health workers, schools, employment officials, immigration agencies) or other areas (employers, businesses, clubs, etc). If so, please tell us what happened.

Humphrey: I never really got discriminated, although people usually get a surprise everytime I disclose to them. Usually the surprised reaction they have is due to their lack of knowledge about HIV.

There was one time when I was renewing my driver’s licence and I tested positive on the drug test. The nurse said I had to come back after a week since they need to have my urine sample confirmed with the Department of Health. I told them there is no need for that and I justified that the result is false positive due to the antiretroviral drugs I am taking. I showed them my meds. They don’t know what ART is and did not believe me at first. I had to conduct an ART 101 in the testing centre with my mom, medical technician, nurse and doctor as my audience. After an hour I got my licence.

People discriminate because of their lack of knowledge about HIV. It’s human nature to be afraid of what we don’t know. That is why HIV educational advocacies are very important.

æ: Can you share one humorous or odd thing about your life with HIV?

Humphrey: When I talk to people about my story as a person living with HIV, they always ask me how my sex life is. I find it funny how people always equate HIV with sex. What they don’t realise is that there is more to life than just sex. Sex is just a dot on a paper.

æ: What needs to happen in order for people living with HIV to feel more comfortable about telling people about their status?

Humphrey: For a PLHA (Person Living with HIV/AIDS) to feel comfortable about telling people about their status, there should be trust, respect and understanding. But amongst the three, “trust” is the most essential.

æ: Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV is often quite challenging for everyone. What is one simple thing that people could do to encourage more acceptance in the community?

Humphrey: People need be educated about HIV. What it is and what it is not. From my personal experiences, people are more accepting when they HIV literate. I can’t remember how many times I’ve disclosed my status and I’ve never been seriously discriminated. I’ve disclosed to my family, my friends, to a plenary of students and professionals. I’ve disclosed to strangers and not one treated me indifferently. But I make sure that before or after disclosure, I educate them about my status, my infection, about positive prevention and everything I can share about HIV.

æ: What is one thing that you want to do in the future to help the LGBT or PLHIV community?

Humphrey: There are lots of things I want to do to help the LGBT and the PLHIV community. But the top three on my list are: 1) come out to put a face on HIV, 2) share my story and 3) advocate to help educate people. All of these goals aim to eliminate stigma and discrimination, help stop infection and help LGBT and PLHIV live more productive and healthier lives.

æ: How do you feel about your future?

Humphrey: Sometimes I worry what the future holds for me. But I am optimistic that everything will be alright. I am currently doing HIV/ AIDS advocacy work and it gives me a certain kind of fulfilment knowing that there are good people working with me to ensure PLHIV receive treatment care and support, LGBT community are given education to help protect them from infection and working to reduce stigma and discrimination. However, the current HIV/ AIDS situation in the Philippines is making it more challenging living with the infection. The fear of losing ART is apparent. The government needs to be more supportive and give extra attention to the HIV prevention, treatment care and support program in the country. This is why we in the advocacy work double time to ensure that the LGBT and PLHIV community is protected and supported accordingly.

If you are HIV-positive and living in Asia, and want to share your story, please write to editor@fridae.com.

Look out for PositiveVoices.Net, a soon-to-be-launched social networking site for HIV-positive gay men and transgender people living in Asia built around their shared experience of living with HIV.

Source: http://www.fridae.com/newsfeatures/2010/11/12/10431.positive-voices-humphrey-gorriceta

Hello again :-)

Hi guys,

I’ve lost my self in the loop since I’ve been busy with advocacy and digging a deeper nich for my self. But I am back (again).

I’ve relocated in Cebu and there’s a lot of interesting stuff down here. A lot of good and some unfortunate stories to share.

Just bear with me and you will, once more, get a taste of the greenman diary.

I missed all of you guys.

Hugs!

Good Morning!

I woke at 5am today and felt extra extraordinarily happy. I felt that this day is going to be a good one.

I took advantage of the optimistic energy I have and started the day washing my car. Then I had a small breakfast and send a good morning message to all my loving friends.

I feel so lucky that I am surrounded by so much love. It’s an overwhelming feeling that words are not enough to explain it.

If you get this sort of feeling when you wake up in the morning, take advantage of it because in a cynical world, days such as this one rarely come.

I love you all.

Good morning!

Friday night and revelations

Image source: http://images.google.com.ph/imglanding?q=aura&imgurl=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2033/2367901363_ef0b8d2ac1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flickr.com/photos/petit_pierrot/2367901363/&usg=__n-Gvs-gto61CjDnJlunRmlq98s=&h=500&w=375&sz=27&hl=en&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=g0Z6OApNpplUqM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=98&prev=/images%3Fq%3Daura%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26newwindow%3D1%26sa%3DG%26rlz%3D1C1CHNY_enPH367PH368%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&newwindow=1&sa=G&rlz=1C1CHNY_enPH367PH368&tbs=isch:1&start=7

It was a Friday night and Joshua invited me to go out and unwind. We went to Malate with another friend, Carlo. I seldom go out and go to places such as Malate but being someone of a friendly nature, I am not surprised to expect and see friends their.

Beside the table we were seated, outside this bar called “O”, I saw Didit, One of my very close friends in UP. Didit and I were dorm mates. He just arrived a few weeks back from UAE, Dubai, I suppose. He was a fashion designer there but was imprisoned for posting his design and promoting his company’s brand online. But he’s back and we’re both glad he’s safe. He is with his lifetime partner that night. I joked about how our circle of friends have “series of unfortunate events”. Then he asked what my unfortunate event. I told him I don’t see it as an unfortunate event, really. And then I told him I am two year old Poz. He was surprised to here my news but kept that “I-am-ok-you‘re-ok-it-doesn’t-matter-because-we’re-friends” smile in his face. Then we hugged and said good night.

I was reintroduced to Kana. He’s Joshua’s friend who work for the European Union (EU). EU is one of the entities represented in the Country Coordinating Mechanism of Global Fund to the Philippines. Global Fund funds the program fighting to eradicate Tuberculosis, Malaria and HIV. I first met Kana at a gathering where I was invited by a close friend also working in the same advocacy. Kana is a nice, smart guy with a beautiful smile. We talked about HIV/ AIDS issues in the Philippines, fundings and stuff about marriage. He stayed with us until we called it an evening.

Then after a while, I saw Yayo. Another good friend, a dorm mate and a classmate back in UP, again. He smile broadened when he saw me. We hugged asked how each other’s doing. I said I am working as full time advocate against HIV/ AIDS. He said that’s cool and told me that he got tested and was negative. I told him I got my self tested to… then he asked for my results. I said I tested positive. I knew he was shocked with my revelation but was very supportive. He hugged me again and commented that I look healthy. I responded saying I’ve always been healthy. And we laughed. We talked for a while about his plans and my plans. He then told me that he needed my help because he has a friend who was recently diagnosed to be positive. I said I am all willing to help. Then he introduced me to another friend.

Rendell is a nice guy. Based on the way he talk, the way he approached me, I got the impression that he’s more intelligent than an average guy. We chatted a while about how I am willing to help their newly diagnosed friend, what sort of set-up would be ideal on meeting his friend and the fact that Yayo is still single. Without censorship,, he told me that I have a yellow aura and that my numerology number is 5. I asked what’s that supposed to mean. He said he is not sure but that’s what he sees in me. He also said that he sees the color green, like a leaf. And he thinks it represents money. I joked and said that I hope what he’s saying is true as we need money to fund out upcoming projects in the advocacy. We chatted a little more and bid farewell.

I was curious about what Rendell told me so I searched the net for the meaning of auras and numerologies. I came to a website called: http://www.thiaoouba.com/see_aura_color.htm and this is what I found…

A yellow aura means joy, freedom, non-attachment, freeing or releasing vital forces. People who glow yellow are full of inner joy, very generous and not attached to anything. Yellow halo around the head: high spiritual development. A signature of a spiritual teacher. Do not accept spiritual teachings from anyone who does not have such a yellow halo. Buddha and Christ had yellow halos extending to their arms. Today it is rare on Earth to find a person with a halo larger than 1 inch. Yellow halo appears as a result of a highly active brow chakra (which can be seen glowing with violet by many people at my workshops). Highly spiritual people stimulate the brow chakra continuously for many years, because they always have intensive spiritual thoughts in their minds. When this chakra is observed when highly active, a yellow (Auric pair) halo appears around it, surrounding the entire head. Yellow thought indicates a moment of joy and contentment.

Then another website called http://www.spiritual-numerology.com/numerology-number-meaning/numerology-meaning-of-number-5.html defined some interesting facts about the characteristics of the numerology number 5. It says…

Number 5 is the most flexible of all numbers. You most likely have some of the following strengths and talents at your disposal if the number 5 appears in your numerology chart. You make friends easily, you are versatile and multi-talented, upbeat and inspirational and a good communicator and motivator. You have great verbal skills and you are very dynamic, persuasive, adaptable, versatile and curious, courageous, bright and quick-witted. You are an explorer and adventurer who want to experience all of life, you also like to perform in front of audiences and you like to do several things at the same time.

Some of the following weaknesses, which are associated with the number 5, could slow down or even prevent your progress. But don't worry; it's very unlikely that all of the listed characteristics are part of your personality. Most probably, only one or a few of them will belong to you. It is difficult for you to commit to one relationship and you have difficulties to finish projects. You lack discipline and order, you are impatient, restless, easily distracted and you can be very impulsive. You might also be susceptible to overindulgence in sensual pleasures. Discipline and focus are the keys to your success.

That night was a night filled with revelation and coincidental proof that there is a bigger plan for me. I don’t have any idea what it is, but I am hopeful that it’s for the best of everything.

Living Advocacy

Humphrey Gorriceta

Spokesperon, National Federation of Filipino Living with HIV and AIDS (NAFFWA)

Living Advocacy

By Mikee dela Cruz

PUBLISHED: APRIL 2010

A former partner involved in GLBTQIA/human rights advocacy introduced Humphrey Gorriceta to, yes, GLBTQIA/human rights advocacy – “I was able to see and become aware of the concerns faced by (GLBTQIAs, as I) joined out of town activities and mobilization, (and did) some volunteer work like production work and minor graphic designs (for the group),” he recalls.

"There are a lot of things I am proud of. But the one thing that tops my list (of achievements) is having been able to come out with my HIV status, and (starting to) work to help eliminate the stigma and discrimination experienced by the positive community through educational advocacies.” The “part-time participation” was, for a while, the extent of Humphrey’s participation in GLBTQIA advocacy. At least until after 2008.

“I was diagnosed to be infected with HIV back in 2008. It was after I started on anti-retroviral medication that my HIV related health situation started to sink in. I realized that since I will be HIV positive for the rest of my life, I might as well be productive with the remaining time I have,” Humphrey recalls. “I didn’t know exactly how… I want to believe it was because of divine intervention, but I woke up one morning and realized I feel fulfilled doing advocacy work against HIV/AIDS and help the GLBTQIA community (as) my line of work.”

And so an advocate was made. Humphrey is now the spokesperson of the National Federation of Filipino Living with HIV and AIDS (NaFFWA).

CHANGING LIVES

“Working and living as an advocate gave me a new purpose in life. I learned to be humble in all my dealings and it taught me to care even to those people not related to me. I learned to look at things objectively and see the goodness in every person and situation and find a way to magnify that goodness,” Humphrey says. Becoming an advocate “affected my life in ways I never imagined it would. I used to manage an art gallery and living a lucrative lifestyle. When I decided to became an advocate, I lost all that but gained something better. I learned a lot of things, I heard a lot of inspiring stories and, I’ve seen the different faces of life.”

Humphrey admits that “full-time advocacy/volunteer work don’t pay as much as a corporate job – that’s one of the challenges I faced when I decided to take on this responsibility,” he says. Adding that “I also have to get used to working outside of the regular corporate schedule and environment.”

Facing these challenges, nonetheless, was manageable “by redesigning my spending habit and prioritize only those basic and what is important. I also learned to live a healthy lifestyle that enabled me go through the fast paced, changing the schedule I have. In general, with the determination and renewed purpose at hand, I was able to manage these challenges.”

It helps, of course, that Humphrey has “a very loving family. My family has always been supportive with what I do, as long as it’s productive and does not do anything not good towards others. They are very vocal about their feelings towards what I do. They feel that what I am doing is good and that I am helping educate people about HIV and AIDS. They always encourage me to do well with my work and continue to be a good example towards others. They always remind me how proud they are of me that I did not resort to hiding my HIV status and I was able to manage to find a purpose on the adversity bestowed upon me.”

Humphrey adds: “However, like every concerned family, they never missed to remind me that I should still take care of my health, be mindful of what I say and how I treat other people, and that I have a big responsibility towards myself and others.”

FACING CHALLENGES

“There are a lot of things that continue to be challenges for me. But the one I consider as most challenging is dealing with people who see my good and sincere intention as something deterrent to their own purpose. I work to help people but there are those who see me (and the people who I work with) as enemy/ies,” Humphrey says.

This is disappointing, true, ditto “the discrimination that exists within our community. If dealing with the stigma and discrimination from the society is difficult enough, imagine how challenging it is to manage the same concern within the HIV/AIDS and GLBTQIA community.”

As an advocate against HIV/AIDS, Humphrey believes “we have to focus on educating as many people as we can on the issues concerning the seropositive community and the GLBTQIA community. Doing this will help eliminate stigma and discrimination that most of our friends in the community are experiencing. Eradicating stigma and discrimination will help our community live a safer, healthier, and more productive life. And this will definitely have a ripple effect in the progress of our nation.”

Humphrey, nonetheless, remains positive. “It inspires me to see people in our community sharing, helping and working to reach the same goals. I’ve always believed that there is more love and hope in this world than we think there is. This thinking helps me continue to have the drive to keep going and do better with my advocacy work,” he says.

SEEING THE GOOD

At 34 years of age, Humphrey, who says “I am half way through my life,” acknowledges that there are “a lot of things... I am proud of. But the one thing that tops my list (of achievements) is having been able to come out with my HIV status, and (starting to) work to help eliminate the stigma and discrimination experienced by the positive community through educational advocacies.”

Humphrey adds: “I plan to continue doing advocacy on HIV/AIDS. I aspire to be able to go around, travel here and abroad as an inspirational speaker, helping people realize how great they can be and the heights they will reach if they put their hearts and minds together.”

And after all is said and done, how does Humphrey want to be remembered? Simply, “as Humphrey Gorriceta, the Poz guy who believed that hope is never lost and did what he can to make this world a safe, healthy, and better place to live in for people living with HIV, the GLBTQI community, and their family and friends.”

And, yes, he has already started attaining this.

Article source: http://www.outragemag.com/web/HumphreyGorriceta.html

Copyright © 2010 re:define Publishing

2010 AIDS Summit Closing Remarks from the Positive Community

HIV Summit 2010

Call to Action for Broad Based Response to HIV/ AIDS by Leaders

Closing remarks from the positive community

Presented By: Humphrey Gorriceta

Spokes person for The National Federation of Filipino

Living with HIV & AIDS (NaFFWA)

12 April 2010

Manila Diamond Hotel

Ermita Manila

-----------------------------------------------

Good afternoon everyone. I am Humphrey Gorriceta, spokes person for the National Federation of Filipino Living with HIV and AIDS. A national peak body representing PLHIV community-based groups in Philippines.

In behalf of the positive community, I would like to express my utmost gratitude to all of you for prioritizing this significant event.

(asked the audience to give themselves a round of applause for self-affirmation)

The fight against HIV/ AIDS is one of the greatest challenges our country is facing today. In the course of human history there has never been a greater threat than the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The epidemic is made worse by the unbearable stigma and discrimination that continues to exist in everyday life.

As a recall, first case of HIV infection in the Philippines was reported back in 1984 and since then the Filipino has suffered tremendously. Nevertheless, we have achieved a number of important breakthroughs and mile stones:

• More than two decades ago, HIV was identified.
• More than ten, the first therapies were discovered, saving thousands of lives and giving new hope to millions of people living with HIV.
• Right now, we have the potential for mobilizing the necessary medical and financial resources to defeat the epidemic. What is lacking is the political will of our leaders and full support from the religious community to save lives.
• And today we are all gathered here to unite and reach the same goal of putting a stop to the spread of HIV.

All of us will definitely be criticize ruthlessly if we do not respond with all the efforts and resources that we can mobilize in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We should stay focused and determined to put a stop to this disguised enemy. As we agree on the conclusion of this important gathering we should all ensure that the national response is sufficient to change the direction of the epidemic.

Before we come to a close, I would like to leave the following messages to:

NATIONAL & LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS
As the people seated in the position, you hold the biggest bundle of our hope for our survival. I urge all the national and local leaders to push for the HIV/ AIDS treatment plan to a higher level and put it to action. I call to FORWARD A FILIPINO PEOPLE’S HIV/AIDS SUSTAINABLE TREATMENT PLAN! IT IS OUR CONSTITUTIONAL AND HUMAN RIGHT.

I know it is easier said than done. It would mean that we have to allocate more budgets to health. The health care infrastructure will need to be improved in many areas. The inequity between the private and the public health-care sector needs to be reduced. And there should be a stronger political will. But with the right attitude and a stronger political will, we will be able to achieve this. As the cliché goes: “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” Allow me translate that it Filipino…”Kung gusto may paraan, kung ayaw may dahlian.”

This is part of your responsibility and we trust you will not fail us on this.

CHURCH LEADERS
In many ways, we are proud that the church has a strong influence on our values. The sanctity of life is fundamental to all of us. And we also believe in strong families consisting of committed individuals. For this reason, we would like to recommend the church leaders to please continue with your promotion to instil positive values to the community as we see this as equally important weapon in our fight to stop HIV infection. However, please do not be a hindrance to the government’s advocacy to impart the further information to the same community as to how they can protect themselves from the dreaded virus. For only in having a clear understanding of what we are up against can one efficiently exercise the same values we’ve acquired from you. What use are the values you gave us if we don’t know how to use it?

MEDIA AND ACADEME
Media and academe is a powerful social agent of change. They have the widest coverage since every Filipino family, one way or another, has an access to any form of media source and most have access to education and some form of learning. For this reason, you play a very important role in the fight to stop HIV/ AIDS. I would like to take this opportunity to ask the media, to be more responsible in media coverage and continue to help us spread accurate information through your reporting. And the academe, please support sexuality education that is unbiased, informed and scientifically sound. And always search, research and teach what is true and what is needed.

We trust you will not fail us on this.

CIVIL SOCIETY AND FUNDERS
From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude for your unwavering support on our fight stop HIV/ AIDS, to eradicate the stigma and discrimination faced by PLHIV, their families and friends. Let us maintain our good partnership and build a stronger bond of friendship amongst ourselves. We hope that you continue to support us until we reach our goal and aspirations.

POSITIVE COMMUNITY

• We would like to remind all PLHIV to:
• Live positively and productively both towards yourself and to others.
• Continue to strive to be full members of our community and society.
• Continue to play an active role in education, advocacy, care and support in order to enhance our lives and the lives of others.
• Bring the voice of those infected, affected and those stigmatized in our society to the multi-sectoral response to HIV/ AIDS.
• Continue to strive for improvement of the quality of life of our infected and affected brothers and sisters.
• We should work together to ensure better coordination and communication between stakeholders and key players.

We owe nothing less to our to young people and future generations. This is our obligation, to show a spirit of responsibility, a spirit of partnership, a spirit of solidarity, to finally put an end to the dreadful experiences caused by the fatal and irreversible disease.

Let us all work together to make this nation a safer, healthier and better place to live in.

This is the message you own and for which I hope for, on behalf of the positive community.

Thank you.

Ingat lagi.

The Delicate Rabbit

http://img.visualizeus.com/thumbs/09/02/01/cute,rabbit-94a6479a151629cfd3a4db9bd0ca211a_h.jpg

NAME: Humphrey

BIRTH DATE: November 26, 1975

CHINESE ASTROLOGY SIGN: Rabbit

THE DELICATE RABBIT

CHARACTER

The rabbit person is sociable, kind, compassionate and humble, and most probably artistic or at least creative in some way. The rabbit is one of the most delicate animals among all 12 animals. Rabbits are usually kind and sweet and of course, popular people. Nobody ignores them, for they are good company and know how to make the best of themselves.

Rabbits are sensitive souls, rather mercurial, with the gift of foresight and intuition, and are born to live rich and fortunate lives. Traditionally this is also the fertility symbol of animal signs, and it is said that the rabbit is also the symbol of immortality.

A rabbit's home is always a beautiful one because Rabbit people are famous for their artistic sense and good taste. They are also usually well dressed. Go check out your Rabbit friend's closet, I bet you will find many expensive and beautiful clothing there.

But even though they are popular and loved by their friends and family, rabbit people are also pessimistic. They are conservative and insecure, and that explains why most of them don't like changes.

They like traditional things. Anything new, including new people, can make them little nervous. Rabbits are the people you can always turn for understanding, and others will be drawn to them for this reason. Rabbit people are very discreet, and won't tell anybody something told to them in confidence.

Rabbits expect and adore good food, and a trip to any eating joint with a rabbit is likely to prove an expensive night or afternoon out. They also love to shop, especially for personal and expensive clothes. They will keep working towards their goal irrespective of any hurdles, despite the fact that they hate complications. They may dislike travel, but if planning to go abroad they will read up about their destination beforehand, and they want to see all the places, art galleries and cultural centers once they get there.

LUCKY NUMBERS - 1,3,5,9,15,19 and 35

COMPATIBILITY

(1 -at least compatible, 100 - most compatible)

Rat - 31 - Not compatible.

Ox - 65 - This could work.

Tiger - 44 - Difficult. Possible convenience marriage

Rabbit - 70 - Why not? As long as they have loads of money.

Dragon - 82 - Good team.

Snake - 60 - Think again.

Horse - 50 - Why not just be friends?

Goat - 81 - Nice couple.

Monkey - 71 - Amusing.

Rooster - 52 - Well, maybe not.

Dog - 74 - Fine, as long as they keep it cool.

Pig - 89 - Good, very good and everything will be fine.

Source: http://www.kamalkapoor.com/chinese/chinese-astrology-rabbit.asp

When, why, what & how

http://www.cmoe.com/blog/wp-content/images/question-mark.jpg

When and why did you become a LGBT/HIV advocate?

A few years back, I had a relationship with a guy who was doing LGBT/ Human rights advocacy and that’s how I was introduced to the work. I was joining out of town activities and mobilization. I was doing some volunteer work like production work and minor graphic design. I was able to see and become aware of the concerns faced by our LGBT friends.

I was diagnosed to be infected with HIV back 2008. It was after I started on anti-retroviral medication that my HIV related health situation started to sink in. I realized that since I will be HIV positive for the rest of my life, I might as well be productive with the remaining time I have. I didn’t know exactly how… I want to believe it was because of divine intervention, but I woke up one morning and realized I feel fulfilled doing advocacy against HIV/ AIDS and help our LGBT community within my line of work.

How did this decision of becoming an advocate affect your life?

It affected my life in ways I never imagined it would. I used to manage an art gallery and living a lucrative lifestyle. When I decided to became an advocate, I lost all that but gained something better. I learned a lot of things, I heard a lot of inspiring stories and, I’ve seen the different faces of life.

Working and living as an advocate gave me a new purpose in life. I learned to be humble in all my dealings and it taught me to care even to those people not related to me. I learned to look at things objectively and see the goodness in every person and situation and find a way to magnify that goodness.

What are the challenges you had to face in this decision? How were these challenges faced?

Full-time advocacy and volunteer work don’t pay as much as a corporate job. That’s one of the challenges I faced when I decided to take on this responsibility. I also have to get used to working outside of the regular corporate schedule and environment. I was able to manage these challenges by redesign my spending habit and prioritize only those basic and what is important. I also learned to live a healthy lifestyle that enabled me go through the faced paced, changing schedule I have. In general, with the determination and renewed purpose at hand, I was able to manage these challenges.

What continue to be challenges for you now?

There are a lot of things that continue to be challenges for me. But the one I consider as most challenging is dealing with people who see my good and sincere intention as something deterrent to their own purpose. I work to help people but there are those that see me (and the people who I work with) as enemy.

How did your family react to your advocacy?

I am very lucky to have a very loving family. My family has always been supportive with what I do, as long as it’s productive and does not do anything not good towards others. They are very vocal about their feelings towards what I do. They feel that what I am doing is good and that I am helping educate people about HIV and AIDS. They always encourage me to do well with my work and continue to be a good example towards others. They always remind me how proud they are of me that I did not resort to hiding my HIV status and I was able to manage to find a purpose on the adversity bestowed upon me.

However, like every concerned family, they never missed to remind me that I should still take care of my health, be mindful of what I say and how I treat other people, and that I have a big responsibility towards my self and others.

What are your achievements you are proud of?

I am thirty four years old right now and I am half way though my life. I have a lot of things to share as achievements I am proud of. But the one thing that topped my list is being able to come out with my HIV status and work to help eliminate the stigma and discrimination experienced by the positive community through educational advocacies.

What, for you, are the issues we should focus on now? Why so?

I work on advocating against HIV/ AIDS. Some of the people I meet belong to the LGBT community. I feel that in my line of work, we have to focus on educating as many people as we can on the issues concerning the positive community and the LGBT community. Doing this will help eliminate stigma and discrimination that most of our friend in the community are experiencing. Eradicating stigma and discrimination will help our community live a safer, healthier and more productive life. And this will definitely have a ripple effect in progress of our nation.

What are your disappointments in the LGBT community?

The only thing that I feel sad about the LGBT advocacy is the discrimination that exists within our community. If dealing with the stigma and discrimination from the society is difficult enough, imagine how challenging it is to manage the same concern within the HIV/ AIDS and LGBT community.

What inspires you in our community?

It inspires me to see people in our community sharing, helping and working to reach the same goals. I’ve always believed that there is more love and hope in this world than we think there is. This thinking help me continue to have the drive to keep going and do better with my advocacy work.

What are your future plans of?

I plan to continue doing advocacy on HIV/ AIDS. I aspire to be able to go around, travel here and abroad as an inspiration speaker helping people realize how great they can be and the heights they will reach if they put their hearts and mind together.

After all is said and done, how do you want people to remember you?
This is a very interesting question. I’ve never been ask this one before. But if all have been said and done, I just want to be remembered as Humphrey Gorriceta. I am the Poz guy who believed that hope is never lost and did what he can to make this world a safe, healthy and better place to live in for People Living with HIV, the LGBT community, their family and friends.

Making a positive change in another person’s life

[Original images @ http://rlv.zcache.com/trend_setter_tshirt-p235160115781879058c2mc_400.jpg]

I was confirmed HIV positive last January 2008. I thought living with HIV was the worst thing that could happen to me. I was mistaken. It is living with HIV, not knowing that I have it, and not being equipped with the right information is much worse.

Part of the process of finding out your HIV status is Voluntary Counseling and Testing or commonly referred to as VCT. As a rule, VCT require two counseling sessions: A “pre-testing counseling” is conducted before taking the HIV test and a “post-test counseling”, regardless of the outcome, is done after the HIV test results has been given. These counseling focuses mainly on the medical aspects of HIV and AIDS, the tests and positive behavior change.

I was one of the unfortunate who did not receive counseling when tested for HIV. Otherwise it would have been easy for me to come to term with my situation. I was referred to, and was tested in a small private clinic in Manila, which did not seem to have the capacity to conduct the required counseling. I did not know the importance and the need for a counseling until I was referred by a friend to an infectious disease specialist in The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and met people from AIDS Society of the Philippines (ASP), who unconditionally accepted me when I expressed my intentions to engage in their advocacy.

With ASP’s guidance, I got involved with VCT workshops and other activities as a community representative doing testimonials and as a resource speaker providing basic information about HIV and how it is like to be a person living with the dreaded virus. My involvement gave me a deeper perspective and understanding of the importance of counseling and how it effectively helps in eliminating stigma and discrimination.

I recall in one of the VCT workshops I’ve attended, where most of the participants were doctors and health workers, a female participant approached me after I came out with my HIV status and gave shared my story. She asked how a normal looking guy, like me, be a person living with HIV. I was humbled by her comments and realized that regardless of a one’s educational background, profession and stature in life, a person’s appearance, at some point, is still being used as a basis in judging a person’s HIV status. Nevertheless, I felt assured that her participation in the VCT workshop will help give her a renewed perception towards people like me.

As I gain further understanding in the importance of counseling, in providing guidance to people getting tested for HIV and in the efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination, by involving my self in activities such as VCT workshops, I am confident that the workshop participants also gained the same awareness. This is one of the reasons why I have devoted my self in educational advocacy towards helping people understand HIV and how they can protect themselves and the people around them.

We are all connected in ways we can only imagine. One person’s actions and decisions affect another person’s quality of life. Therefore, activities such as Voluntary Counseling and Testing workshop is one of the effective means of empowering people involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS to make a positive change in other people’s lives. This also help eliminate stigma and discrimination that will aid in making our nation a safe, healthy and a better place to live in for People Living With HIV and AIDS, their families and friends.

Situation of the HIV & AIDS Epidemic in the Philippines - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:
Situation of the HIV & AIDS Epidemic in the Philippines
Source: PNAC (Philippine National Aids Council) Feb 2010


The DOH-NEC noted 4,424 HIV positive cases in the country since the first documented case in 1984 to the end of 2009. For 2009 alone, there were 832 HIV positive cases recorded in the Philippine National AIDS Registry. To date, an average of about two (2) new HIV cases are reported per day in the Philippines. The Health Department warns that this number only represents the tip of the iceberg from the actual number of cases since some may be unaware of their status or some are still not reporting their infection due to the stigma attached to the disease.

Who in the population are most affected?
Anyone who engages in behaviors, such as:
1.having multiple sex partners;
2.practice of unprotected penetrative sex (Vaginal, Anal or Oral) without the use of a condom; and,
3.injecting drug use and sharing injecting equipment
are considered most-at-risk and has the highest possibility to contract the disease.

Specifically, population groups who are considered most-at-risk are:
1.people in prostitution and their clients;
2.injecting drug users;
3.males having unprotected sex with other males; and,
4.people who are practicing unprotected sex and peculiar sexual practices such as anal sex.
On the other hand, several segments of the populations are considered vulnerable due to the nature of their work and exposure to several unique environments. These are OFWs and young people.

Should the Filipinos be alarmed with this situation?
Yes, the number of cases doubled in about two years. From one (1) new case reported every day in 2007 to two (2) new cases per day in 2009. It is also increasing in parallel to urbanizing communities.

How has the Government addressed the Situation?
CURRENT CONCRETE ACTIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT TRHU PNAC
1.Emphasize targeted prevention practices (information campaign, safer skills like negotiation skill, access to commodities and services, vulnerability reduction and empowerment)
2.Focus on most at RISK populations (esp. freelance Female Sex Workers and Men having Sex with Men and Person Who Injects Drug)
3.Partner with LGUs develop their local response on STI, HIV and AIDS through the provision of technical assistance
4.Prioritise intervention actions in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao
5.Inform high level PNAC members to formulate appropriate action
6.Formulation of a PNAC Communication and Advocacy Plan
7.Intensify partnership with NGOs and LGUs
8.Conduct a geographic mapping to determine most at risk and vulnerable areas for STI and HIV in the Country

Since 1988, a multi-sectoral approach to HIV and AIDS has been the main mechanism of the country. This means that a systematic interaction between several sectors of the society (including local and international stakeholders – from the line agencies of the government, the civil society, the academe, faith-based groups, and specific sectors of labor, the community of HIV positives, and the international community) are moving to target the multi-faceted concerns of HIV and AIDS prevention and control.

Republic Act 8504 or the AIDS law reinforced this mechanism and formalized these engagements by setting-up structures as part of the national response to HIV and AIDS. Work is continuous at various levels and targeted at specific beneficiaries.

Who else should be involved in addressing the HIV Epidemic?
Intensifying the campaign at various levels of collaboration can help significantly in reinforcing education of the people about prevention and control measures. On the program and services-delivery side, both the national and local government and specific sectors of the Philippine society have mandated duties to fulfill in order to halt and reverse the spread of HIV and AIDS in the country. More importantly, individual responsibility over their health is the most important.

What should Filipinos do in face of this epidemic?
HIV and AIDS is considered as a global pandemic and its impact is both a biomedical as well as a social issue in the country and worldwide. This alarm should be transformed to behavior change and accountability of one’s actions – taking charge of our own sexual health is required from all of us.

Each should take an active part by accessing reliable information from valid sources – such as members of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) and advocacy and services groups in this line. Becoming more self-aware and responsible in terms of handling sexual relations are also vital to ensure a protected population. The role of family and parental guidance with strong Filipino virtues/values are significant prevention efforts starting from home.

What is the HIV test? How could one avail of the test?
HIV can be detected through the HIV Antibody test - an indirect test measures the response of one’s body to the presence of HIV. This test is given for free in government health service delivery units. There are also private initiatives supporting this line of advocacy.

By Law (R.A. 8504), HIV TESTING IS VOLUNTARY, CONFIDENTIAL AND ANONYMOUS. The test requires pre and post-test counseling. A test may yield negative during the first three (3)- six (6) month after the infection due to the phase of HIV infection where the body has not produced adequate anti-body against the virus to be detected by such test. To this end, anyone who underwent HIV testing must repeat the test after six (6) months. During this period, the person must refrain from practicing any risky behaviours.

There is NO vaccine and NO cure for HIV. Anti-retroviral medication (ARVs) may only slow down the replication of the virus.

Who should be tested for HIV?
Anyone may submit for HIV testing, particularly those who engage in behaviors, such as:
1.Having multiple sex partners;
2.Practice of unprotected penetrative sex (vaginal, anal or oral) without the use of a condom; and/or
3.Injecting drug use and sharing injecting equipment.

What will happen to people who find out they're HIV positive?
An HIV positive individual must take cooperate with support groups and service providers to ensure that his/her health and immediate family and community are well-protected from complications and mitigate the disease’ impact in his/her life. Person Living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) must seek assistance from designated health facilities and support groups who can assist the individual and his/her family copes with the disease. The overarching goal of the national response is to aid the PLHIVs continue on with their lives as normal as possible, still be productive, and not to be discriminated against in Philippine society.

Where should people go for more information on HIV and AIDS?
They can access local information online via www.pnac.org.ph; Department of Health, members of PNAC, and support groups and advocates nationwide. They can also call the following numbers for support and related information:

-San Lazaro Hospital 743 3776 – 8 loc 212
-STI and AIDS Cooperative Laboratory (SACCL) 309 9528 – 9 loc 206
-PNAC Secretariat 743 8512
-Department of Health- National STI,HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP)
743 8301locals 2350 – 2352

Or the nearest Social Hygiene Clinics, Treatment Hubs, and Information and Counseling Centers by government and civil society organizations.

How could mass media help in addressing the HIV epidemic?
Dissemination of accurate information is vital for the success of the campaign, to demystify the myths and to fight spread of stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV. Behavior change can also be achieved by educating the public and the specific sectors of society and enabling them to take charge of their own health. Collaboration with the specific service delivery units is also vital for the success of the prevention and control program.