**Disclosure: This post is made possible by support from the We Can Stop HIV One Conversation at a Time campaign. All opinions are my own.**
In the Latino community when I was growing up, AIDS was NEVER discussed! The same way infidelity, homosexuality, and sex were thrown under the covers. When something was taking place we knew because we overheard bits and pieces of it – “los chismes” is what we liked to call it. When a family member would get in trouble with the law or go through something that was considered “unethical” we covered the sun with our hands because we didn’t want the word to get out. That would mean we were NOT perfect! Is there even such a thing?
As I sit back and think about when I was a young girl, I remember that sex wasn’t ever a topic of discussion. I learned what I needed to know from high school in sex education class. The words of my Abuelita burned in my brain, “now you are a young lady, your legs remained crossed until you’re married.” That was enough confirmation for me that it was NOT going to be discussed further! I read…and I learned about sex and anatomy myself! Did I want that dialogue from my mom? Of course! I just didn’t want it to be awkward and, because of the way the topic was so diligently avoided, I knew it would be!
Sadly, even the topic of homosexuality wasn’t discussed among us. I recall a close family member taking years to “come out of the closet” all because she felt that she wouldn’t be accepted. As I rewind our conversation I remember saying, “I know you’re not pregnant, what is it, you’re in love with a woman?” and her sobbing through her response, “Yes, but it won’t be accepted!” She would have rather lived her life enclosed, making herself sick because she wouldn’t be accepted by her family. I felt for her! I couldn’t have done it and in no way should she have faced this all alone. She was so uneducated that she didn’t even think she needed to use protection because she and her partner were of the same sex. “We can’t get diseases!” she’d say. So uneducated about this time in her life because it just wasn’t talked about!
As a mother of two boys I want my children to come to me and have better resources than I did. I don’t want them to have to continue on with their life uneducated and therefore at risk. I also don’t want them to be embarrassed and have verguenza! My boys will look to me for conversation and comfort or (this great new resource!) One Conversation to help them through any process that they may be faced with on this topic. A topic as important as this one should NOT be swept under the rug, covered up or ignored. As Latinos, if we educate ourselves, our offspring will benefit from the everlasting effect of being informed. With One Conversation we can educate a village and save many lives!
My boys will look to me for conversation and comfort or (this great new resource!) One Conversation to help them through any process that they may be faced with on this topic. A topic as important as this one should NOT be swept under the rug, covered up or ignored. As Latinos, if we educate ourselves, our offspring will benefit from the everlasting effect of being informed. With One Conversation we can educate a village and save many lives!
Be sure to follow One Conversation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Spread the word, the facts, and the videos. Let’s make this an open conversation and let’s make it one that we all feel comfortable discussing with the health of our children and the future in mind. Put an end to shaming and begin a conversation on sexual education.
Care to share: How will you educate your child on this important topic after reading this post?
**Disclosure: This post is made possible by support from the We Can Stop HIV One Conversation at a Time campaign. All opinions are my own.**