What’s the point of having sex with someone if you don’t know his or her HIV/AIDS status? This was one of the tough questions Hydeia Broadbent, a HIV/AIDS activist, posed to her audience.
Speaking at the Culp Auditorium during the celebration of Black History Month, Broadbent said that in this era people should not be risking their lives.
“You know how AIDS is transmitted, and it’s a high time for everyone to be responsible enough to protect his or her life,” she said.
An emotional Broadbent said it saddens her to see many people, both young and old indulging in risky behavior.
“Don’t gamble with your health at this day and time. Practice abstinence because it’s the only sure way to prevent HIV infection,” she said.
“I don’t want people to get infected with HIV, because it makes one suffer very much both physically, emotionally and financially.”
Broadbent, who was infected with the virus at birth, said her mission and goal in life is to educate young people about AIDS.
“It’s an expensive disease to manage. That is why people should stay away from it and go for an HIV test so that they can know their status and plan for their lives,” she said.
“Even the HIV/AIDS medication doesn’t work for everybody, you can react to them and die very fast, and this is the main reason why people should not risk their lives.
“AIDS is a reality, and the only way to go about avoiding infection is through prevention and abstinence.”
Nonetheless Broadbent gave a message of hope to all those who are HIV positive.
“Being positive doesn’t mean your world has crumbled and come to a standstill,” she said. “No, you can still do a lot of things and lead a normal life, so long as you protect yourself.”
The renowned activist, who is only 20 years old and still active despite HIV, urged people to protect themselves and others no matter what their HIV status is, as this will help in the fight against the spread of the virus.
She said having AIDS doesn’t make someone a bad person, but it makes one see life in a different angle.
She challenged everyone to go for an HIV test and even if it comes out positive, take it in stride and live with a positive attitude toward life.

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