A wonderful day at the Inland Empire's 4th Annual HIV/AIDS Conference

On Tuesday, I had the great opportunity to speak at the Inland Empire's 4th Annual HIV/AIDS Conference, A Community Responding to HIV. It was a great experience for me. The community members and health department employees did a great job in creating a day of learning, sharing and recommitting themselves to the struggle against AIDS.

I was a key note speaker at the conference where I shared how the Latino AIDS epidemic looks like today. I also shared with them some of the work that The Wall Las Memorias does primarily with the Latino faith based community. I also had the opportunity to facilitate a work shop entitled "Latinos, Denial, Stigma and HIV/AIDS. In that session, we looked at how cultural denial, guilt and stigma play a role in HIV/AIDS. THe meeting room was full and the discussion was very meaningful.

Today's problem with the increase of HIV/AIDS among our people is a complex one. People respond differently to the epidemic and to the factors that contribute to it. Lowering the rate of HIV is a monumental task but it can be done. It is going to take a community of people working together. In doing this we have to learn more from one another, respect one another and love each other unconditionally Just like it was displayed at the conference.

The people of the Inland Empire are wonderful people and exemplified the leadership and compassion that it is going to take to end HIV. They are truly our role models!

Thank you for a great conference....