#HIV Test Center

[dshseodelhi]

Ensuring Your Health: Book an HIV Test with Drsafehands Pan India

Regular health check-ups and screenings are essential for maintaining a healthy life. One crucial test that everyone should consider is an HIV test. Early detection can make a significant difference in managing this condition, and Drsafehands, with its pan-India presence, offers a convenient and reliable way to get tested for HIV. In this blog, we’ll explore why it’s crucial to get tested for HIV, the services offered by Drsafehands, and how you can book an HIV test with them nationwide.

The Importance of HIV Testing

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, which help the body fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which can be life-threatening. Early detection is crucial because it allows individuals to start treatment promptly, leading to better health outcomes and preventing the virus from spreading to others.

Why Choose Drsafehands?

Pan-India Presence: Drsafehands is a renowned healthcare provider with a presence across India. Whether you reside in a metropolitan city or a remote area, you can access their services, making it convenient for people from all walks of life.

Confidentiality: Drsafehands understands the sensitive nature of HIV testing. They prioritize confidentiality and ensure that your personal information and test results are kept private.

Experienced Healthcare Professionals: Drsafehands employs experienced healthcare professionals who are well-versed in HIV testing and counseling. They provide support and guidance throughout the testing process.

Variety of Testing Options: Drsafehands offers various types of HIV tests, including rapid tests and laboratory-based tests. They can help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

Online Booking: Booking an HIV test with Drsafehands is easy and can be done online. This convenient feature saves you time and ensures a hassle-free experience.

How to Book an HIV Test with Drsafehands Pan India

Visit Their Website: Start by visiting the official Drsafehands website.

Choose Your Location: Drsafehands offers services across India, so select your location or the nearest city where you want to get tested.

Select the Test: Browse through the available HIV testing options and choose the one that suits your preferences and needs.

Book an Appointment: Once you’ve selected the test, you can book an appointment online. Provide your contact details and preferred date and time.

Payment: Pay for the test securely online through their platform. Drsafehands offers various payment options to make the process convenient for you.

Confirmation: After booking, you will receive a confirmation email or SMS with all the details of your appointment.

Visit the Testing Center: On the scheduled date, visit the designated testing center. Be sure to carry your appointment confirmation and any necessary identification.

Receive Your Results: Depending on the type of test you chose, you will receive your results within the specified timeframe. Drsafehands will provide guidance on how to interpret your results and any necessary next steps.

Conclusion

Booking an HIV test with Drsafehands pan India is a responsible step towards taking control of your health. With their wide network of testing centers, experienced healthcare professionals, and commitment to confidentiality, you can trust Drsafehands to provide reliable HIV testing services. Don’t delay — take charge of your health and book an STD test today to ensure a healthier future.

[vipblogposting]

Understanding the Importance of Free STD and HIV Testing Clinics

Sexual health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked. Regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV plays an essential role in maintaining both personal health and public health safety. Many people are unaware of their status due to a lack of symptoms, making it easier for infections to spread unintentionally. That’s why Free STD and HIV Testing Clinics are vital to helping individuals stay informed and safe. These clinics provide essential services that are not only accessible but also affordable, allowing more people to take control of their sexual health.

In this blog, we’ll discuss why Free STD and HIV Testing Clinics are necessary, particularly in Fort Lauderdale. We will also highlight how visiting a reliable STD Testing Center Fort Lauderdale, like Wellview Care, can support you in maintaining your sexual health with ease and confidentiality.

Why Regular STD and HIV Testing is Important

Many people mistakenly believe that STDs or HIV will always present with symptoms. However, that’s not always the case. STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or even HIV can be asymptomatic for a long time, silently affecting your health. Without regular testing, you could unknowingly pass the infection to others or face long-term health issues, such as infertility, organ damage, or an increased risk of contracting HIV if you already have an STD.

That's where Free STD and HIV Testing Clinics come in. They provide a no-cost, confidential, and efficient way to check your status. These clinics eliminate the financial barrier that often prevents people from getting tested, ensuring that cost is never an excuse to neglect one’s sexual health. The clinics also offer education, counseling, and resources that allow individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

Services Offered by STD Testing Clinics

A comprehensive STD Testing Center Fort Lauderdale will usually provide a wide range of services. Testing often includes screenings for common STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis, and HIV. Each of these tests can be conducted through blood, urine, or swab samples, depending on the infection being screened for. Clinics like Wellview Care also offer counseling services, providing patients with an understanding of their results and what steps they should take next.

Some clinics also provide treatments if a test comes back positive, while others may refer patients to partner healthcare providers for further management. The primary goal of these centers is to ensure that everyone has access to safe, confidential testing and receives the necessary information and support regardless of their financial situation.

Convenience and Confidentiality

One of the main concerns people have when visiting an STD Testing Center Fort Lauderdale or any other location is confidentiality. Understandably, sexual health is a private matter, and many people feel anxious about their information being exposed.

However, Wellview Care and other reputable clinics take patient confidentiality very seriously. All medical records, including test results, are protected by law and only shared with healthcare providers who are directly involved in your care. Moreover, many clinics allow you to receive your results digitally, providing even greater discretion. The convenience of walk-in services and quick results ensures that you can take control of your sexual health without the stress of long waits or exposure to public scrutiny.

Who Should Get Tested?

The short answer is everyone who is sexually active should get tested regularly. This is particularly important if you have multiple partners, are entering into a new relationship, or have had unprotected sex. According to healthcare guidelines, individuals between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. However, those at higher risk, such as people with multiple partners or those who inject drugs, should get tested more frequently.

Regular testing helps protect not only yourself but also your partners. By getting tested at an STD Testing Center Fort Lauderdale like Wellview Care, you can ensure that you’re staying responsible and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

How to Prepare for Your Test

If it’s your first time getting tested for STDs or HIV, you might feel nervous or unsure about what to expect. Don’t worry! Visiting a Free STD and HIV Testing Clinic is a simple, straightforward process. To prepare for your appointment, consider the following:

Know what you want to get tested for: Different STDs require different types of tests, so it’s important to communicate with the healthcare provider about any symptoms or exposures you’ve had.

Avoid urinating right before your test: If you’re getting tested for certain STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea, you may be asked to provide a urine sample. Holding off on urinating for at least an hour before your appointment can ensure more accurate results.

Be honest: While it can feel uncomfortable to discuss your sexual history with a healthcare provider, being honest is the best way to get appropriate care. They are there to help, not to judge.

Take the First Step Towards Sexual Health Today

When it comes to sexual health, prevention and early detection are key. Whether you’ve had multiple partners, recently started a new relationship, or just want peace of mind, regular testing is an important part of staying healthy. Clinics like Wellview Care provide convenient and confidential services so you can take that first step toward responsible sexual health management.

By visiting an STD Testing Center Fort Lauderdale, you can access comprehensive testing and counseling services that are tailored to your needs. With affordable and sometimes even free options available, cost should never stand in the way of your health.

Make an Appointment Today!

Don’t wait until you notice symptoms—by then, it could be too late to prevent complications. Take control of your sexual health by visiting a Free STD and HIV Testing Clinic or the nearest STD Testing Center Fort Lauderdale. Schedule your confidential appointment with Wellview Care today, and put your mind at ease knowing you’ve made the responsible choice for yourself and your partners.

Take the next step in protecting your health—whether it’s for prevention or early detection, regular testing can make all the difference.

[wellviewcareorg]

STD Testing in Fort Lauderdale: Promoting a Healthy Community with Wellview Care

In a rapidly changing world, maintaining good health is of utmost importance. This is particularly true when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Wellview Care has emerged as a leading healthcare provider dedicated to offering comprehensive STD testing and HIV care services. This blog post explores the crucial role of Wellview Care in promoting a healthy community and highlights the importance of accessible and reliable STD testing and HIV care centers.

Wellview Care: A Trusted STD Testing Provider: At Wellview Care, the well-being of their patients is their top priority. They understand the importance of early detection and timely treatment of STDs, which is why they offer a wide range of confidential and reliable testing options. Whether you require testing for common STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis or need an HIV test, Wellview Care is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced healthcare professionals to ensure accurate results and prompt medical attention. Their commitment to maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality makes them a trusted destination for those seeking STD testing in Fort Lauderdale.

Emergency STD Testing Services: Understanding the urgent nature of certain situations, Wellview Care also provides emergency STD testing services. They recognize that unexpected circumstances may arise, necessitating immediate testing. By offering expedited services, they help individuals make informed decisions regarding their sexual health without delay. The availability of emergency STD testing at Wellview Care in Fort Lauderdale ensures that individuals have access to reliable and convenient services during critical moments.

HIV Care Center: Comprehensive Support: Beyond STD testing, Wellview Care also serves as an HIV care center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They offer comprehensive support and treatment for individuals living with HIV. The team of compassionate and experienced healthcare professionals at Wellview Care works closely with patients, providing medical expertise, counseling, and resources to manage HIV effectively. Their holistic approach to care aims to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living with HIV in the community. Wellview Care stands as a pillar of support, guiding patients through the complexities of HIV care with empathy and understanding.

Promoting Sexual Health Education: Wellview Care believes that prevention is key to maintaining a healthy community. In addition to their testing and treatment services, they actively promote sexual health education. They offer counseling sessions, educational materials, and resources to increase awareness about STDs, HIV, and safe sexual practices. By equipping individuals with knowledge and resources, Wellview Care empowers the community to make informed decisions and engage in responsible sexual behavior.

Conclusion: Wellview Care plays a vital role in the Fort Lauderdale community by offering accessible and reliable STD testing services and comprehensive HIV care. Their commitment to patient privacy, emergency testing options, and holistic support for individuals living with HIV demonstrates their dedication to promoting a healthy community. By providing essential healthcare services and prioritizing sexual health education, Wellview Care contributes to the prevention, early detection, and effective management of STDs and HIV. Whether it's routine testing, emergency situations, or ongoing care, the compassionate healthcare professionals at Wellview Care are ready to support individuals in their journey towards optimal sexual health and overall well-being.

[labeasy7]

HIV Test In Hinjewadi

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to infections and other diseases. HIV test in Hinjewadi determines whether a person has been infected with the virus. HIV testing is vital for anyone engaging in high-risk behavior or pregnant women to ensure early detection and proper treatment. 

[gaytaipei2012]

坐也不是、站也不是：少年得「痔」大不幸？痔瘡藥品怎麼挑一次搞懂 https://blog.coolhealth.com.tw/2022/11/07/hemorrhoid-medicine

[crossdreamers]

CDC Orders Mass Retraction of Research Over 'Forbidden Terms' Affirming Transgender People

In an unprecedented move, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has instructed its scientists to retract or halt the publication of research manuscripts under review at medical and scientific journals, Inside Medicine reports.

The directive, aimed at ensuring compliance with new language policies, requires CDC-authored studies to remove references to terms related to gender and sexual identity before publication.

A leaked email to CDC employees reveals a list of banned terms, including "gender," "transgender," "pregnant person," "LGBT," "assigned male at birth," and "biologically female."

The sweeping censorship applies to manuscripts already accepted for publication but not yet released.

This policy expands on a previously reported halt on the CDC’s own publications, such as the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which has experienced its first publication gap in 60 years. The directive also extends beyond a general communications gag order, further restricting CDC scientists from sharing new findings with the public.

This means the end of open, critical and free science at the CDC. Uncertainty and fear now grip researchers, with many unsure whether studies mentioning gender disparities or demographic health data will be allowed.

Censored website

CDC also removed or edited references to transgender people, gender identity and equity from its website Friday, the Washington Post reports. Pages about HIV testing for transgender people, guidelines for use of HIV medication and information on supporting LGBTQ+ youth health were gone. They had also removed international research data, including data regarding health disparities among transgender youth.

In a Jan 29. email from Charles Ezell, the acting director of the U.S. office of personnel management titled “Defending Women,” CDC employees were told that they are no longer to make references to or promote “gender ideology” (i.e. the rightful existence of trans people) and that they are to recognize only two sexes, male and female, NBC News reports.

A war against trans people

This censorship is part of the Trump-administration's attempt at removing all language and arguments that confirms the legitimate existence of transgender people. This is a fascist policy of erasure.

This policy follows up a transphobic executive order published Wednesday, barring federally funded schools from recognizing transgender students’ names and pronouns.

Teaching of racism and gender variation is now seen as "indoctrination”, “anti-American, "subversive”, “harmful” and “false”, and is to be replaced by "patriotic education" (meaning white nationalism). See our article Trump presents plan for using K-12 schools for racist and transphobic propaganda for more.

More abut the CDC ban here.

See also: Erasing Trans Lives: Inside Trump’s Federal Website Purge

Jack Molay.

Main image: Getty

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

would you like to tell us about your research on virginity?

but also...wdym STIs aren't as scary as we think??? I was told most of them are incurable? I know you can make aids untrasmittable and that they've even succeded in curing it a couple times but that's about it. I would love to be educated about this

yeah, the basic idea with the virginity project was that the whole concept of virginity is pretty bullshit in the context in which it was initially significant, namely cisgender women being penetrated by cisgender men, so as soon as you take it outside of that context by introducing gay and trans sexuality it totally falls apart. I mean, hell, it stops working if you even look at two cishet people doing literally anything OTHER than penis-in-vagina sex. I tripped up so many people initially when I started asking questions like "okay, so you don't think a woman loses her virginity from a man going down on her. so what if it's two women? what's the difference?" and just really getting people to face down their very penis-centered view of the sex, to the result of several people telling me that it kind of made them reevaluate what they actually think of as the first time they had sex. it's also fascinating to either read other people's accounts or discuss firsthand how queer people have either tried to make themselves fit into the binary of virginity - queer man disagreeing over whether or not you have to have penetrative anal sex to lose your virginity or oral sex is sufficient, a fascinating case of a lesbian who felt that have sex with other cis women didn't "count" and asked a cis male friend to have sex with her just so she could feel satisfied that she'd lost her virginity - or abandon it entirely. Hanne Blank's book Virgin was a formative starting point, and it really exploded for me from there.

as for the STIs - hey, bad news! you fell victim to the scare tactics used to make people afraid of sex! almost all sexually transmitted infections are very easy to treat and cure with the right medicine, which is why it's important to get tested regularly and check in with your healthcare provider at the first sign of something amiss. pubic lice, scabies, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis - all of those are pretty easy to get rid of with some help from your doctor and a run to the pharmacy!

the major exceptions are the 4 H's: herpes, HIV, HPV, and hepatitis B.

herpes is with you forever but is an incredibly mild companion to share your body with, considering most people never experience any notable symptoms and those who do can curb the severity with medicine.

it's also worth noting that herpes is so common as to be virtually ubiquitous; the World Health Organization consistently estimates that somewhere around 80% of the world's adult population is carrying herpes simplex virus 1 or herpes simplex virus 2. a great deal of those people don't even get it from having sex, but rather by catching HSV-1 from a parent or other people they come is close contact with as a child.

you're actually thinking of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) when you mention AIDS becoming untransmittable, but that's still a very good thing! the care available for people with HIV has come incredibly far since AIDS first became known and claimed so many lives, and today it's more than possible for people infected with HIV to live long, healthy lives by taking the proper medication to manage their viral load.

with management, people with HIV will not develop AIDS (which happens when the immune system is sufficiently depleted by HIV) and by consistently taking their medication people with HIV can become undetectable (the viral load in their body is too small to be detected or measured in tests), at which point they are unable to transmit the virus to other people.

HPV (human paillomavirus) comes in many different strains, most of which are absolutely harmless and go away on their own after a couple of months or years of freeloading in your body. I cannot emphasize this enough: HPV is so common that virtually everyone who has sex has, will have, or has had it in their lives, and the vast, VAST majority of those people will never be troubled by it literally at all.

the trouble comes from a few strains of HPV that can cause genital warts, and a few others that can cause cancers in the throat, anus, cervix, vulva, vagina, and penis. while HPV can't be treated, you can reduce your risk of developing cancer by getting the HPV vaccine if you haven't already and, if you have a cervix, getting regular Pap smears to catch early warning signs of cancerous developments.

hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver. in rare cases it can cause chronic health problems that can be very dangerous, but I have to emphasize that's not common. in most adults who get hep B, there will be no symptoms and it will resolve itself in a matter of weeks. the infection is riskiest in children, but at least in America most people have received vaccines against hepatitis B as babies since the 90s.

in conclusion: get your shots, take your medicine, use protection, get tested, and talk to your doctor, but know that if there's one thing humans are good at it's figuring out how to manage STIs. we've been doing it for a long time - most sexually transmitted infections and parasites have been with us since before we we became modern humans - so we're really good at it!

[genderkoolaid]

HIV research and monitoring has historically excluded transgender men, creating blind spots in understanding this group’s sexual well-being and happiness. Two recent studies—one out of New York and the other from Germany—suggest that transgender men who have sex with other men have a higher prevalence of HIV than the general population. The German analysis further finds that transgender men who have sex with other men face a host of inequities compared to cisgender gay and bisexual men, including reduced access to sexual healthcare and less satisfying sex lives. [...] Almost three quarters of trans MSM reported their income was insufficient for them to live comfortably, compared to about half of cis MSM. The researchers note that the income disparity could be due to the trans MSM participants being younger on average, but they also suggest discrimination could play a role. In terms of mental health, survey scores indicated both groups experienced various degrees of depression and anxiety from mild to severe. However, trans MSM were almost four times as likely to suffer from severe anxiety and depression compared to cis MSM (15% vs 5%). Furthermore, trans MSM indicated far more suicidal ideation than their cisgender counterparts (41% versus 16%). The survey results also pointed to gaps in sexual satisfaction, with more trans MSM being unhappy with their sex life than cis MSM (34% versus 22%). Trans men more often disagreed that sex was as safe as they wanted (18% versus 11%) and indicated less ability to say no to unwanted sex (23% to 12%). Trans MSM reported fewer sexual partners than cis MSM, and the study authors propose that difficulties in finding partners due to stigma may contribute to less happiness in their sex lives. On the whole, trans MSM also had poorer access to healthcare compared to cis MSM. Fewer had ever received either an HIV test (41% versus 24%) or an STI test (55% versus 45%). Drawing on other research, the authors suggest that one reason for this may be discrimination in healthcare settings, which may cause trans men to avoid seeking sexual health services. The authors go on to say that stereotypes, such as assuming trans men only have sex with cisgender women, may also interfere with providing adequate care. Finally, although trans MSM had higher rates of HIV than the general population, this was lower than amongst cis MSM (2.5% versus 10.7%). A different study conducted in New York City by Dr Asa Radix and colleagues of the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center also found that HIV prevalence is higher in transgender men. In this retrospective analysis, the authors identified a racially diverse group of 577 transgender men who sought care at the facility between 2009 and 2010. Among this group of men (mean age 32 years), less than half (n=250) had ever had an HIV test. Out of the 250 individuals who had, 2.8% (n=7) tested positive for HIV, a significantly higher rate of HIV than the current US national prevalence of 0.41%. Of the 18 trans men who had sex exclusively with cis men and tested for HIV, two (11.1%) were positive.

[letters-to-lgbt-kids]

(TW: Sex - educational context) 

My dear lgbt+ kids, 

This was a requested topic: let’s talk about HIV risk and oral sex. 

First things first: It’s not considered completely risk-free, but the risk of getting HIV from receiving or giving oral sex is considered low. 

Now, in some more detail: 

Giving oral sex may be a bit riskier than receiving. This is because of the potential contact with your partners bodily fluids (vaginal fluids, menstrual blood or semen), and also because you may have small cuts or sores in your mouth without even being aware of them) but both giving and receiving oral sex is still lower risk than vaginal or anal sex. 

Mouth-to-penis sex is thought to be riskier than mouth-to-vagina sex. 

Mouth-to-anus sex is also considered low-risk. 

Something that is important to consider is that many people have oral sex AND vaginal/anal sex in the same session, which may make it harder in retrospect to say during which sexual activity exactly an infection occurred. 

While oral sex is a lower risk in general, your personal risk may be higher. For example if: 

you have sores or small cuts on/in your mouth or genitals 

you have bleeding gums

there’s menstrual blood present 

you have another STD 

As with any sexual activity, it goes here too: You can reduce the risk by practicing safer sex! For oral sex that means using a condom (penis) or dental dam (vagina or anus). You can also cut a condom length-wise and use it as a dental dam. Use a new one every time you have sex (and also if you switch from oral to vaginal or anal sex, or the other way around, during the same session).

A condom or dental dam will also lower the risk of other STDs (such as chlamydia or herpes) and infections (such as hepatitis, which you can get from mouth-to-anus sex). 

If you both have a negative HIV test, and you both do not have other STDs and neither of you has sex with other people, it’s generally considered safe to not use condoms or dental dams. But if you are not 100% sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and use one. 

The same goes for testing: if you recently had oral sex and you worry you were potentially exposed to HIV during it, you probably don’t need to freak out since it’s a lower risk - but for your own peace of mind, it’s still a good idea to talk to a doctor about getting tested. (If you don’t feel comfortable going to your regular doctor or you worry about costs, there may be testing sites near you that offer free and confidential tests. For example in community health centers, pharmacies or mobile clinics. Look it up online! You may also be able to buy a self-testing kit online.) Keep in mind that HIV isn’t an automatic death sentence anymore if it gets diagnosed and treated early on! 

With all my love, 

Your Tumblr Dad 

[androgynealienfemme]

At the direction of the Trump administration, the federal Department of Health and Human Services and its agencies are purging its websites of information and data on a broad array of topics — from adolescent health to LGBTQ+ rights to HIV.

Several webpages from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with references to LGBTQ+ health were no longer available. A page from the HHS Office for Civil Rights outlining the rights of LGBTQ+ people in health care settings was also gone as of Friday. The website of the National Institutes of Health’s Office for Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office disappeared. (Most of these pages could still be viewed through the Internet Archive.)

The changes at the CDC and NIH are examples of a broad push by the Trump administration on gender issues under an executive order titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government." That order directs agencies throughout the government to stop offering "gender identity" as a choice on government forms and to end funding of “gender ideology.”

Another order, signed by Trump, takes aim at “diversity, equity, and inclusion” across the federal government.

On Friday, however, many pages that did not seem related to “gender” or “diversity” had also been taken down, such as AtlasPlus, an interactive tool from CDC with surveillance data on HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs and TB. Also gone missing: a page with basic information about HIV testing. The CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index, a tool that assesses community resilience in the event of natural disaster was also taken down.

“The removal of HIV- and LGBTQ-related resources from the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health agencies is deeply concerning and creates a dangerous gap in scientific information and data to monitor and respond to disease outbreaks," the Infectious Disease Society of America said in a statement. "Access to this information is crucial for infectious diseases and HIV health care professionals who care for people with HIV and members of the LGBTQ community and is critical to efforts to end the HIV epidemic. This is especially important as diseases such as HIV, mpox, sexually transmitted infections and other illnesses threaten public health and impact the entire population."


What the fuck is going on.

[dshseodelhi]

DrSafeHands: Pioneering HIV Testing and Care

In the realm of healthcare, advancements have been made over the years to combat various diseases, including the notorious Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is a global health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. The importance of timely testing and diagnosis cannot be overstated, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. One pioneering name that has been at the forefront of HIV testing and care is “DrSafeHands.” In this blog, we will explore the innovative approach of DrSafeHands to HIV testing and how it is making a positive impact on the fight against HIV.

Understanding HIV Testing

HIV testing is the cornerstone of HIV prevention and treatment efforts. It allows individuals to know their HIV status, which is critical for their health and for preventing the spread of the virus to others. Traditional HIV testing methods involve drawing blood, which can be intimidating and discouraging for some individuals. This is where Dr. SafeHands steps in with its revolutionary approach.

DrSafeHands: Redefining HIV Testing

DrSafeHands has redefined the HIV testing experience by offering convenient, private, and reliable testing options. Here’s what sets DrSafeHands apart:

Home-Based Testing: DrSafeHands provides individuals with the option to take an HIV test from the comfort and privacy of their own home. This approach eliminates the need for a clinic visit, reducing the stigma associated with HIV testing.

Confidentiality: Privacy is a top priority for DrSafeHands. Test kits are discreetly packaged, and results are communicated securely, ensuring that an individual’s HIV status remains confidential.

Rapid Results: Traditional HIV tests often require individuals to wait several days for results. DrSafeHands offers rapid HIV tests with results available in as little as 15 minutes, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.

Expert Guidance: While the testing process is simple and can be done independently, DrSafeHands also provides access to expert guidance and counseling for those who need it. This support is invaluable for individuals who receive positive results, helping them understand their condition and navigate the next steps in care.

Accessible and Affordable: DrSafeHands is committed to making HIV testing accessible and affordable. This approach encourages more people to get tested regularly, ultimately reducing the transmission of HIV.

Why Dr. SafeHands Matters

Early Detection: Early detection of HIV is crucial for starting treatment promptly. With Dr. SafeHands, individuals can test themselves whenever they feel ready, ensuring that HIV is detected as early as possible.

Reducing Stigma: The convenience and privacy of DrSafeHands’ home-based testing approach help reduce the stigma associated with HIV. This can encourage more people to get tested and seek treatment if necessary.

Preventing Transmission: By making testing easy and accessible, DrSafeHands plays a vital role in preventing the transmission of HIV. When individuals know their status, they can take measures to protect themselves and their partners.

Support and Counseling: DrSafeHands goes beyond testing by offering support and counseling services. This ensures that individuals living with HIV receive the guidance and emotional support they need to manage their condition effectively.

Conclusion

DrSafeHands is a game-changer in the field of HIV testing and care. Its innovative approach removes barriers to testing, promotes early detection, reduces stigma, and ultimately contributes to the global effort to combat HIV. As we continue to battle this virus, DrSafeHands serves as a beacon of hope, providing accessible and confidential testing options for individuals worldwide. It’s a testament to how technology and compassion can come together to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by HIV.

[duckprintspress]

Queer Book Recs for Speak Your Language Day!

Once a year on Tumblr on May 7th, the account @spyld organizes Speak Your Language Day, a day to encourage people on such an English-centric platform to speak their native languages instead. Duck Prints Press works with creators from over the world, many of whom speak languages other than English as their native tongues (French and German are most common among our folks, but they’re far from the only mother tongues) and so we wanted to join in the celebration for the day by highlighting some of our favorite queer works originally published in languages other than English. Six people contributed to this list (half themselves not native English speakers.). Original language blurbs used when possible!

Where We Go from Here (Você Tem a Vida Inteira) by Lucas Rocha. Original language: Brazilian Portuguese

As vidas de Ian, Victor e Henrique se encontram de uma forma inesperada. Ian conhece Victor no dia em que recebe o resultado de seu teste rápido de HIV. Os dois são universitários. Victor está envolvido com Henrique. Ian está solteiro. Os três são gays.

Dois deles têm a vida atingida pela notícia de um diagnóstico positivo para o HIV. Um não tem o vírus. Um está indetectável. Dois estão apaixonados. Henrique é mais velho e, depois de Victor, pensou que poderia acreditar de novo em alguém.

Victor têm medo do que o amor pode trazer para a sua vida.

Ian sequer sabe se será capaz de amar.

Os três são, ao mesmo tempo, heróis e vilões de uma história que não é sobre culpa, mas sim sobre amor, amigos e sobre como podemos formar nossas próprias famílias.

Guardian (镇魂/Zhen Hun) by priest. Original language: Chinese

Zhao Yunlan heads up a covert division of the Ministry of Public Security that deals with the strange and unusual, blurring the line between the mortal realm and the Netherworld. His cocky, casual attitude conceals both a sharp mind and an arsenal of mystical tools and arcane knowledge. 

While investigating a gruesome death at a local university, Zhao Yunlan crosses paths with the reserved Professor Shen Wei. Zhao Yunlan is immediately intrigued by Shen Wei’s good looks and intense gaze, and the attraction between them is immediate and powerful, even as Shen Wei tries to keep his distance. Shen Wei and his secrets are a puzzle Zhao Yunlan feels compelled to solve as mysterious circumstances throw them together, and their connection becomes impossible to deny.

The Center of the World (Die Mitte der Welt) by Andreas Steinhöfel. Original language: German

Was immer ein normales Leben auch sein mag – der 17-jährige Phil hat es nie kennengelernt. Denn so ungewöhnlich wie das alte Haus ist, in dem er lebt, so ungewöhnlich sind auch die Menschen, die dort ein- und ausgehen – seine chaotische Mutter Glass, seine verschlossene Zwillingsschwester Dianne und all die anderen. Und dann ist da noch Nicholas, der Unerreichbare, in den Phil sich unsterblich verliebt.

Journey Home (A Caminho de Casa) by May Barros. Original language: Brazilian Portuguese

Amara e Luiza are two witches that live in a queerplatonic relationship. When Luiza decides to embark on a journey throught the galaxy in a quest for the lost fortress of Laura, the Dragon Queen, she ends up finding more than expected, while Amara follows her footsteps, hoping it’s not too late.

Roze Brieven by Splinter Chabot. Original language: Dutch

Op zijn verjaardag op 3 maart 2020 debuteerde Splinter Chabot met CONFETTIREGEN. Het boek werd al snel omarmd door de boekhandel en media. En daar bleef het niet bij. Sinds de verschijning krijgt Splinter dagelijks reacties op zijn openhartige verhaal over zijn coming-out. Reacties van ouders, van jongeren die met dezelfde worsteling kampen, van ouderen die zichzelf herkennen in het verhaal, van mensen uit de LGBTQ+-gemeenschap, van docenten en nog vele anderen. Ontroerende, grappige, gekke, treurige en hoopvolle reacties die Splinter stuk voor stuk beantwoordt.

In Roze brieven zijn de meest bijzondere brieven verzameld door Splinter zelf met daarbij de reacties die hij heeft gestuurd. Voor alle lezers van CONFETTIREGEN en voor iedereen die worstelt met zijn of haar identiteit zal Roze brieven een waardevolle bron van herkenning zal zijn. Een intieme en ontroerende bundeling waarin een belangrijke boodschap weerklinkt: Het wordt beter.

Silent Reading (默读/Mo Du) by priest. Original language: Chinese

Childhood, upbringing, family background, social relations, traumatic experiences…We keep reviewing and seeking out the motives of criminals, exploring the subtlest emotions driving them. It’s not to put ourselves in their shoes and sympathize, or even forgive them; it’s not to find some reasons to exculpate their crimes; it’s not to kneel down before the so-called “complexity of human nature”; nor to introspect social conflicts, much less to alienate ourselves into monsters.We just want to have a fair trial – for ourselves and for those who still have hope for the world.

Favorite (Preferida) by May Barros. Original language: Brazilian Portuguese

(no blurb available)

Amatka by Karin Tidbeck. Original language: Swedish

Av ren slump har människor hamnat i en parallell värld. Det är en instabil plats, där orden hela tiden formar verkligheten. Den dagliga kampen för att överleva har skapat ett samhälle fyllt av regler, där kollektivet alltid går före individen. Vanja skickas till det avlägsna samhället Amatka. De människor hon möter där ruskar om i hennes sorg och ensamhet. Hon gör häpnadsväckande upptäckter, som förändrar inte bara henne, personligen. I en instabil värld kan en förändring spridas hur långt som helst.

Thieves (Voleuse) by Lucie Bryon. Original language: French

Arriver à l’heure en cours et étudier ? Très peu pour Ella. Ce qu’elle aime ? Regarder à la dérobée la douce et mystérieuse Madeleine et, bien sûr, faire la fête. Un peu trop, même.

Un matin, elle se réveille avec une gueule de bois carabinée : c’est le blackout. Et la panique. Chez qui a-t-elle passé la soirée ? Et pourquoi son lit est jonché d’objets luxueux qui ne lui appartiennent absolument pas ?

Here the Whole Time (Quinze Dias) by Vitor Martins. Original language: Brazilian Portuguese

Felipe está esperando esse momento desde que as aulas começaram: o início das férias de julho. Finalmente ele vai poder passar alguns dias longe da escola e dos colegas que o maltratam. Os planos envolvem se afundar nos episódios atrasados de suas séries favoritas, colocar a leitura em dia e aprender com tutoriais no YouTube coisas novas que ele nunca vai colocar em prática.

Mas as coisas fogem um pouquinho do controle quando a mãe de Felipe informa que concordou em hospedar Caio, o vizinho do 57, por longos quinze dias, enquanto os pais dele não voltam de uma viagem. Felipe entra em desespero porque a) Caio foi sua primeira paixãozinha na infância (e existe uma grande possibilidade dessa paixão não ter passado até hoje) e b) Felipe coleciona uma lista infinita de inseguranças e não tem a menor ideia de como interagir com o vizinho.

Love Me for Who I Am (不可解なぼくのすべてを/Fukakai na Boku no Subete o) by Kata Konayama. Original language: Japanese

男の子？女の子？『ぼく』らの青春にはナゾがいっぱい!

女子の制服を着て学校に通う高校生、もぐもはある日、カフェのアルバイトに誘われる。 可愛い制服を着て働ける仕��に、最初は喜ぶもぐもだったが、このカフェが『男の娘カフェ』であることを知って…。

This Is Our Place (Se a Casa 8 Falasse) by Vitor Martins. Original language: Brazilian Portuguese

O terceiro romance de Vitor Martins, autor de Quinze dias e Um milhão de finais felizes Ambientado e narrado pela mesma casa em três décadas diferentes, Se a casa 8 falasse é um romance sobre jovens lidando com mudanças drásticas, conflitos familiares e primeiros amores, que mostra que, apesar das gerações mudarem, algumas experiências são capazes de atravessar a barreira do tempo. Algumas casas guardam histórias especiais. A que fica no número 8 da rua Girassol tem muito para contar. 2000: Ana recebe a notícia de que vai se mudar e será obrigada a deixar para trás tudo o que conheceu até agora, inclusive a parte mais dolorida de todas: sua namorada. 2010: Enquanto os pais de Greg passam por um divórcio complicado, ele é enviado para a casa da tia, que é dona de uma locadora em tempos de internet e odeia companhia – e muitas outras coisas. 2020: Beto sempre quis se mudar e seguir o sonho de ser fotógrafo em São Paulo. Só que uma pandemia aparece para obrigá-lo a ficar trancado em casa com a mãe protetora e a irmã aparentemente perfeita. Esta é uma história sobre uma casa e seus moradores, incluindo um vira-lata de três patas chamado Keanu Reeves

Heaven Official’s Blessing (天官赐福/Tian Guan Ci Fu) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. Original language: Chinese

Born the crown prince of a prosperous kingdom, Xie Lian was renowned for his beauty, strength, and purity. His years of dedicated study and noble deeds allowed him to ascend to godhood. But those who rise may also fall, and fall he does–cast from the heavens and banished to the world below. 

Eight hundred years after his mortal life, Xie Lian has ascended to godhood for the third time, angering most of the gods in the process. To repay his debts, he is sent to the Mortal Realm to hunt down violent ghosts and troublemaking spirits who prey on the living. Along his travels, he meets the fascinating and brilliant San Lang, a young man with whom he feels an instant connection. Yet San Lang is clearly more than he appears… What mysteries lie behind that carefree smile?

Golden Hue (Aura Dourada) by May Barros. Original language: Brazilian Portuguese

(no blurb available)

The Way Spring Arrives and Other Stories (no Chinese title) ed. by Regina Kanyu Wang & Yu Chen. Original language: Chinese

In The Way Spring Arrives and Other Stories, you can dine at a restaurant at the end of the universe, cultivate to immortality in the high mountains, watch roses perform Shakespeare, or arrive at the island of the gods on the backs of giant fish to ensure that the world can bloom.

Written, edited, and translated by a female and nonbinary team, these stories have never before been published in English and represent both the richly complicated past and the vivid future of Chinese science fiction and fantasy.

Time travel to a winter’s day on the West Lake, explore the very boundaries of death itself, and meet old gods and new heroes in this stunning new collection.

There are so many wonderful queer books being published in languages other than English. What are some of your favorites, available in translation or not?

View this list, and other books we’ve previously recommend that were originally published in languages other than English, on this Goodreads shelf!

[wellviewcareorg]

How to Get Prep/pep in Wellview Care

How to Get Prep/Pep in Wellview Care: A person must first be tested negative for HIV and have a current undetectable load in order to be eligible for PrEP. Additionally, only those who have unintentionally come into contact with a potential HIV infection are eligible for PrEP. After a possible transmission, the patient is given PEP while their virus load is still too low to be seen.

[intheholler]

Appalachia & Southeastern USA LGBTQ+ Resource Masterpost

Under the cut, you'll find queer-focused resources sorted by state.

I have a sister post with donation links for those outside of the region who'd like to help us grow.

If you aren't from the region, I encourage you to find the organization that speaks to you the most, put your money where your mouth is and help us be better.

If you are from the region, I sincerely hope this can help you or someone you know in some way.

This list is inexhaustive as Tumblr is only permitting 100 links (which is also what necessitates the sister post and is why you may not see your contribution unfortunately).

Disclaimer: I do not (necessarily) personally endorse these organizations, nor have I vetted them thoroughly. If I have included anything you know to be detrimental or harmful in any way, please DM immediately me so I can rectify it.

General Regional Resources

Appalachian Outreach organizes events and provides access to resources for the queer community all across Appalachia.

STAY (Central Appalachia) is a youth-led activist organization in central Appalachia.

Trans in the South is a directory for gender-affirming healthcare in the south.

Southerners on New Ground (SONG) is a queer liberation group funding projects, protests, and campaigns to build a queer-friendly south.

Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project (STYEP) connects trans youth affected by anti-trans legislation with gender-affirming healthcare providers in the southeast; they offer grants up to $500 to individuals for emergency support.

Trans Health Project helps trans folks understand, access and utilize their medical insurance. They provide grants for gender-affirming surgeries.

Campaign for Southern Equality provides funding, training and resources for/to queer individuals and activists.

Not region specific, but important all the same: Help suspected transgender John and Jane Does regain their identities.

Resources by State

Alabama

AIDS Alabama helps provide housing to vulnerable individual and families, including helping queer youth find housing.

ALTGO’s list of local resources for gender-affirming care, legal services and generally queer-friendly physical/mental healthcare.

The Knights & Orchids Society provides housing, healthcare, and general support to the Black queer community.

Based in Birmingham, Magic City Acceptance Center offers supportive safe spaces and direct support to 52 counties in Alabama.

Medical Advocacy and Outreach in southern Alabama provides HIV+ care, as well as HIV & hepatitis C testing.

Prism United funds free therapy and hosts gatherings for queer individuals along the Gulf Coast.

Shoals Diversity Center is a Florence-based group that offers mental health services, support groups and other resources for the queer community in the Shoals area.

T.A.K.E. Resource Center provides direct support, grants, housing advocacy and other services for trans women of color in Alabama.

Thrive Alabama facilitates access to queer-focused healthcare services in North Alabama.

Georgia

Carollton Rainbow organizes queer-focused social events in West Georgia and provides tools for advocacy in the community.

Emmaus House is a soup kitchen in Savannah also providing laundry and shower facilities.

Emory is an Atlanta-based, queer-focused law firm.

Feminist Women’s Health Center (I know the name isn’t necessarily ideal, sorry) in Atlanta offers trans-inclusive, affordable medical care. They also provide access to abortions.

First City Network in Savannah provides referral services for healthcare, advocacy, education and mutual aid for queer Georgians.

List of housing assistance in the Savannah area

Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia serves the queer community’s legal needs in Georgia.

Kentucky

AIDS Volunteers of Lexington (AVOL) provides housing and assistance to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS.

Arbor Youth Services provides emergency shelter to queer youth in Louisville, up to age 24.

Berea Human Rights Commission offers free investigations into claims of housing or employment discrimination with a focus on queer folks.

Kentucky Health Justice Network provides referrals to gender-affirming providers, as well as financial assistance for trans healthcare and abortions.

Kentucky Youth Law Project provides free representation to queer youth.

Massive Kentuckian LGBTQ resource list provided by Lexington Pride Center, broken down into easy-to-browse categories.

Louisville Youth Group strives to give queer youth the tools and skills they need to grow personally and facilitate positive change in their communities.

Sweet Evening Breeze helps queer young adults in Kentucky between the ages of 18-24 obtain emergency housing.

Trans Kentucky’s list of gender-affirming healthcare providers across the state

Guide on changing your name following gender-affirming surgeries in Kentucky, and a tool to help you do so.

Louisiana

AcadianaCares supports folks living with HIV/AIDS while providing support to houseless and impoverished individuals.

ACLU Louisiana website.

Community resources in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette (much of it only provides addresses and emails, so it’s hard to link individually here).

Directory of trans-focused healthcare providers

List of in-person and online queer support groups. In-person groups are based in Monroe, Lafayette and Baton Rouge.

Mutual aid in Shreveport

Out of the Closet provides clothing for the queer community with multiple locations throughout the state.

OUTnorthla is a queer film-festival hosted by PACE Louisiana.

Queer-forward healthcare in Louisiana.

QUEERPORT is a grassroots org offering a platform for queer creatives.

Tulane Drop-In Clinic provides free medical and social services to runaway and otherwise houseless youth.

Guides for legal name changes in Louisiana.

Mississippi

Capital City Pride hosts pride events, meet-ups and book clubs for the queer community around Jackson.

Gulf Coast Equality hosts drag shows, food drives and other events for the Gulf Coast area.

The Spectrum Center in Hattiesburg offers a community closet, short-term emergency housing, free HIV testing and scheduled support groups/events for the queer community in Hattiesburg.

Violet Valley Bookstore is a queer feminist bookshop owned by a published lesbian author in Water Valley.

Guide for name changes in Mississippi.

North Carolina

Charlotte Transgender Healthcare Group (CTHCG) connects trans folks with gender-affirming care.

Down Home NC helps rural working class communities organize to advocate for their rights.

Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center provides financial support to queer nonprofits and activist groups in NC to fight anti-queer legislation.

Ladies of the T is provides resources and support to trans and gender non-conforming women of color in the Tri-City area. .

North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Attorneys (NCPMB) provides attorney referrals, visibility, and support for the queer community.

Pitt County Aids Service Organization (PICASO) provides HIV prevention and testing services in Eastern NC, as well as support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Asheville-based Tranzmission’s compilation of trans-focused medical, social and legal resources in WNC.

Triad Health Project provides free HIV testing, contraceptives, prevention outreach, daycare and access to their food pantry in Guilford County.

Durham-based Triangle Empowerment Center provides the queer community with emergency housing, access to PrEP, as well as support groups and other events.

South Carolina

Harriet Hancock Center is a community center offering social support for queer individuals in the Midlands area.

Free gender-affirming gear to South Carolinians!!!

Alliance for Full Acceptance (AFFA), a queer-focused social justice group

List of queer-friendly medical providers across the state

Uplift Outreach provides safe spaces for queer youth in Spartanburg.

Charleston Black Pride serves the queer POC community in the low country area.

We are Family Charleston’s community center hosts support groups and provides direct support to the queer community around Charleston. They offer microgrants to trans individuals in the state as well as in-person support groups and aforementioned free stuff for trans folks.

Closet Case is a thrift store by and for queer individuals, operated by We Are family, offering safe and affordable clothes shopping.

T-Time holds support groups for trans individuals, based in Myrtle Beach.

Palmetto Community Care provides confidential HIV testing and support as well as free contraceptives.

South Carolina based community support network for the trans community

Legal assistance in Columbia, SC/Midlands area

Guide on changing your name in South Carolina

List of queer-safe, gender-affirming care providers in Columbia, SC

Tennessee

CHOICES provides low-cost LGBTQ healthcare, among other services, such as abortions.

Emergency housing in Tennessee for those living with AIDS

Launch Pad helps queer youth among others obtain emergency shelter in the Nashville area.

Metamorphosis provides transitional housing and other emergency support for queer youth between 18 - 24.

Mountain Access Brigade provides abortion funding across the state.

My Sistah’s House in Memphis provides emergency housing and support for queer people of color, as well as access to health services for sex workers.

The Seed Theatre in Chattanooga provides free resources such as binders for the trans community and hosts safe, social spaces.

Tennessee HIV Prevention & Care

Trans Empowerment Project provides support to trans and gender-nonconforming folks around Knoxville.

Youth Villages provides emergency housing for youth under 18.

List of trans-focused healthcare providers across the state.

Virginia

Counseling, free hygiene products, temporary housing and more provided by Side by Side VA

Virginia Home for Boys and Girls partners with Pride Place to provide temporary housing for queer young adults (18-25).

Side by Side VA provides temporary housing for queer youth for up to 6 months.

Nationz, based in Henrico, provides free STI/HIV testing, food pantry, PrEP, and notary services for the queer community.

Justice 4 All provides legal aid for low-income Virginians.

Virginia Rural health Association’s list of gender-affirming healthcare providers

General rural healthcare resources in Virginia

West Virginia

Dr. Rainbow connects folks with queer-friendly care in the state.

Fairness West Virginia’s list of gender-affirming care providers.

Harmony House West Virginia provides queer-friendly shelter for houseless people.

Holler Health Justice is a queer- and POC-led mutual aid organization based in WV, though they seem open to serving all Appalachians.

Holler Health Justice also provides financial/logistic support to West Virginians seeking abortions.

WVFREE connects West Virginians with birth control providers.

Nearby gender-affirming care for trans youth at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Transgender Health Center.

[moontyger]

At the direction of the Trump administration, the federal Department of Health and Human Services and its agencies are purging its websites of information and data on a broad array of topics — from adolescent health to LGBTQ+ rights to HIV.

Several webpages from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with references to LGBTQ+ health were no longer available. A page from the HHS Office for Civil Rights outlining the rights of LGBTQ+ people in health care settings was also gone as of Friday. The website of the National Institutes of Health's Office for Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office disappeared. (Most of these pages could still be viewed through the Internet Archive.)

The changes at the CDC and NIH are examples of a broad push by the Trump administration on gender issues under an executive order titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government." That order directs agencies throughout the government to stop offering "gender identity" as a choice on government forms and to end funding of "gender ideology."

Another order, signed by Trump, takes aim at "diversity, equity, and inclusion" across the federal government.

On Friday, however, many pages that did not seem related to "gender" or "diversity" had also been taken down, such as AtlasPlus, an interactive tool from CDC with surveillance data on HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs and TB. Also gone missing: a page with basic information about HIV testing. The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index, a tool that assesses community resilience in the event of natural disaster was also taken down.

"The removal of HIV- and LGBTQ-related resources from the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health agencies is deeply concerning and creates a dangerous gap in scientific information and data to monitor and respond to disease outbreaks," the Infectious Disease Society of America said in a statement. "Access to this information is crucial for infectious diseases and HIV health care professionals who care for people with HIV and members of the LGBTQ community and is critical to efforts to end the HIV epidemic."

Data on adolescent health missing

One striking example of the vanishing information: The CDC pulled down the website that houses data collected by the nation's largest monitoring program on health-related behaviors among high schoolers.

Pages related to the CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health, which administers the program, were also unavailable.

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System tracks key metrics on nutrition, physical activity, tobacco and drug use, sexual behavior and other areas. The program was created 35 years ago and includes a national survey that researchers rely on to measure how behaviors influence health and design prevention measures.

"It's the way the nation understands adolescent health," says Stephen Russell, a sociologist at the University of Texas at Austin who studies adolescent health. "The disappearance of that data is stunning."