the net

“When you're young, your whole life is about the pursuit of fun. Then, you grow up and learn to be cautious. You could break a bone or a heart. You look before you leap and sometimes you don't leap at all because there's not always someone there to catch you. And in life, there's no safety net. When did it stop being fun and start being scary?” from Sex And The City

a couple of friends and i have formed an hiv organization called t-e-n and are currently filing for 501c3 status. in tandem with this we have also begun a peer-led support group for newly poz gay men.

last night was the new group's first meeting. there were 11 men there. all relatively newly poz looking for support. all but one stayed an hour longer than scheduled. we presume it was worth it. several are interested in heading another group (at least at this stage). hopefully all are interested in helping themselves.

this is an initial triumph for t-e-n. being a poz gay man in denver has a different complexion than in many larger cities. it is quite stigmatized here and also quite closeted. community is quite tribal and not always the friendliest. this allows a different perspective in to a rather large tribe of gay men. pozzies.

here's what the next SIN newsletter says about the group...

Fall Into The Net
By Rick Smith

Hearing the words “You are HIV Positive!” can be challenging and life changing. You probably are unsure how you should feel and find you want to isolate yourself from the world as you adjust to your new circumstances. If this sounds like you then you may want to fall into a (safety) NET to keep you more balanced and strong.

Beginning October 1, 2008 the Treatment Education Network (TEN) will be hosting a pilot project we are calling the NET, for newly diagnosed gay men in metro Denver who are newly POZ. We invite each of you, who have been diagnosed within the last 3 years and think that you might need or want a safety NET as well as peer support and education, contact Rick Smith and claim your place. This is an effort of TEN, a community organization in metro Denver which is peer operated for and by HIV positive people.

Our support series, the NET, will meet at Denver Infectious Disease Consultants, 4545East 9th Avenue, starting on October 1st and continue meeting the first and third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm. The curriculum will last 9 sessions and take place every other week. No fees. Be prepared for lively conversations, accurate information, candid questions and thoughtful answers. This program is designed to be success focused and will include the following ideas. Many experienced HIV positive men find that most of these are part of their experience throughout life.

• Dealing with Diagnosis
• Disclosure to Others
• Sex and HIV
• Big Treatment Questions
• Financial Considerations
• Social Networking
• Spirituality
• HIV Education
• A Personal Support Network
• Sharing What You Know


If you have any questions, are ready to fall into the NET and join me, then please call me to schedule an intake interview to reserve your spot in the NET. We are limited to 15 people so please be sure to call soon.