In Ontario, women account for 27% of all new infections. We are certain that this number is higher, as women face different barriers related to issues such as power imbalances in romantic relationships, domestic violence, and the gender roles that have always been imposed on Latin women.
Latinos Positivos identifies Latina women as a marginalized population within the Latino community itself. When we refer to women here, we include women of all sexual orientations and gender identities: trans women, heterosexual women, lesbians, and queer women. At Latinos Positivos, we have been providing services to Latinas since 2006 and recognize the barriers and challenges Latina women living with HIV face in accessing services.
Here we are committed to providing you with multiple options for help and support, offering women programming focused on your physical, mental, and sexual health. We hope that Latina women living with HIV know that this organization is for you.
If you identify as a Latina woman living with HIV and need support, please don’t hesitate to contact Claudia, who will provide confidential information and counseling. Call 416.920.9587, extension 230.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
While many viruses can be controlled by the immune system, HIV attacks and infects the same immune system cells, which are supposed to protect us from disease. These are a type of white blood cells called CD4 cells (sometimes called T cells).
HIV invades CD4 cells and turns them into real factories that produce thousands of copies of the virus. As the virus grows, it damages or kills CD4 cells, weakening the immune system.
Most people do not know if they’ve been exposed or infected. Symptoms may appear within two to four weeks after exposure to HIV and may include fever, swollen glands, muscle pain or rash. Some people do not recognize the symptoms are mild or because they think they have a cold or flu. The only way to know for sure if you are infected is to be tested for HIV.
Most people do not know if they’ve been exposed or infected. Symptoms may appear within two to four weeks after exposure to HIV and may include fever, swollen glands, muscle pain or rash. Some people do not recognize the symptoms are mild or because they think they have a cold or flu. The only way to know for sure if you are infected is to be tested for HIV.
It is estimated that approximately 25% of HIV positive people are unaware they have the virus. Many of these people look and feel healthy and do not think they are at risk. But the truth is that anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation or social or economic class can become infected.
Answer the following questions:
• Have you ever had vaginal, anal or oral sex without condom?
• Have you ever shared needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids or hormones)?
• Do not have certainty of the HIV status of your partner or if your partner is HIV positive?
• Are you pregnant or are planning to become pregnant?
• Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• Do you have hepatitis C virus (Hep-C)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should absolutely get tested for HIV. You can find more information the following pages:
Why should I get tested?
We don’t want to minimize what you’re going through. You may feel that receiving a diagnosis confirming HIV infection is the worst thing that has ever happened to you. Anger, fear, numbness, confusion, depression… these are all natural reactions to receiving news like this.
Don’t try to block these feelings. Don’t punish yourself or feel like you have to be strong. You don’t have to be anything. This is about your life, your body, and your health. Take the time you need to decide what you want to do, and then do it.
But pay attention: After receiving a positive diagnosis, life goes on.
Take a deep breath: Even if you feel alone right now, know that there is a large community in Ontario ready to provide you with information, support, advice, and many other resources.
At Latinos Positivos Toronto, there are men and women who hope to help you combat the fear, ignorance, and prejudice that, unfortunately, still exist in relation to HIV and HIV-positive people.
You shouldn’t face an HIV diagnosis alone. So, no matter what your reservations are, be sure to reach out to us, because we are a community of people living with HIV. Contacting us will be a key step in addressing your emotional and practical challenges of living with HIV.
HIV infection is serious. But today, the outlook for people with HIV/AIDS is better. If you are HIV-positive, there are many things you can do to ensure you live a longer, healthier life. One important thing is to take your medication. Make sure you have access to healthcare professionals who know how to treat HIV. You may want to join a support group. Learn as much as you can about the disease and its treatment. Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly—things we should all strive to do.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
While many viruses can be controlled by the immune system, HIV attacks and infects the same immune system cells, which are supposed to protect us from disease. These are a type of white blood cells called CD4 cells (sometimes called T cells).
HIV invades CD4 cells and turns them into real factories that produce thousands of copies of the virus. As the virus grows, it damages or kills CD4 cells, weakening the immune system.
Most people do not know if they’ve been exposed or infected. Symptoms may appear within two to four weeks after exposure to HIV and may include fever, swollen glands, muscle pain or rash. Some people do not recognize the symptoms are mild or because they think they have a cold or flu. The only way to know for sure if you are infected is to be tested for HIV.
Most people do not know if they’ve been exposed or infected. Symptoms may appear within two to four weeks after exposure to HIV and may include fever, swollen glands, muscle pain or rash. Some people do not recognize the symptoms are mild or because they think they have a cold or flu. The only way to know for sure if you are infected is to be tested for HIV.
It is estimated that approximately 25% of HIV positive people are unaware they have the virus. Many of these people look and feel healthy and do not think they are at risk. But the truth is that anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation or social or economic class can become infected.
Answer the following questions:
• Have you ever had vaginal, anal or oral sex without condom?
• Have you ever shared needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids or hormones)?
• Do not have certainty of the HIV status of your partner or if your partner is HIV positive?
• Are you pregnant or are planning to become pregnant?
• Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• Do you have hepatitis C virus (Hep-C)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should absolutely get tested for HIV. You can find more information the following pages:
Why should I get tested?
We don’t want to minimize what you’re going through. You may feel that receiving a diagnosis confirming HIV infection is the worst thing that has ever happened to you. Anger, fear, numbness, confusion, depression… these are all natural reactions to receiving news like this.
Don’t try to block these feelings. Don’t punish yourself or feel like you have to be strong. You don’t have to be anything. This is about your life, your body, and your health. Take the time you need to decide what you want to do, and then do it.
But pay attention: After receiving a positive diagnosis, life goes on.
Take a deep breath: Even if you feel alone right now, know that there is a large community in Ontario ready to provide you with information, support, advice, and many other resources.
At Latinos Positivos Toronto, there are men and women who hope to help you combat the fear, ignorance, and prejudice that, unfortunately, still exist in relation to HIV and HIV-positive people.
You shouldn’t face an HIV diagnosis alone. So, no matter what your reservations are, be sure to reach out to us, because we are a community of people living with HIV. Contacting us will be a key step in addressing your emotional and practical challenges of living with HIV.
HIV infection is serious. But today, the outlook for people with HIV/AIDS is better. If you are HIV-positive, there are many things you can do to ensure you live a longer, healthier life. One important thing is to take your medication. Make sure you have access to healthcare professionals who know how to treat HIV. You may want to join a support group. Learn as much as you can about the disease and its treatment. Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly—things we should all strive to do.