HIV, AIDS AND TEENS

VOXATL.COM | VOL. 23 ISSUE 1 NOTE TO READERS

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Connect with VOX DEAR FACEBOOK.com/voxrox @VOXROXATL on Twitter + Instagram YOUTUBE: bit.ly/voxatlvideo SNAPCHAT: voxatl READERS VOX INVESTIGATES FALL 2015 VOX ADULT STAFF TEEN TEAM JEFF ROMIG As some of you know, VOX recently rebranded itself and reconstructed our entire program so we may best represent Sharah Hutson, Intern, Mays High School EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RACHEL ALTERMAN WALLACK, MSW the voices of Atlanta’s teenagers. Along with this reconstruction was the birth of the VOX Investigates team. Jason Crichton, Therrell High School FOUNDER Jada Jackson, North Atlanta High School SUSAN LANDRUM, MSW PROGRAM AND OUTREACH DIRECTOR This team of teenagers took a semester-long journey into stories to produce print media, videos, audio stories, open Lizzie Likness, homeschooled ALLISON HOOD, MSW dialogue sessions, photography and other journalistic platforms. The fall semester was dedicated to creating content Kriti Lodh, Wheeler High School DEVELOPMENT MANAGER RICHARD L. ELDREDGE that pertains to how HIV and AIDS plays a role within the city of Atlanta. We selected this topic due to the fact that the Nahila Louis-Charles ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR RAISA HABERSHAM HIV and AIDS rates in Atlanta are reaching an all-time high. We are very gracious toward the Community Foundation Miranda Mullins, Duluth High School NEWS AND FEATURES EDITOR for Greater Atlanta and the Elton John AIDS Foundation for funding special coverage. Jahleelah Shaheed, Creekside High School JOSIE FOOTMON-SMITH Kayla Smith, DeKalb School of the Arts PROGRAM ASSISTANT, MSW INTERN KIMBERLY POWELL Everyone on the team, the teens and their mentors, have been working diligently to create the issue you are holding, MSW INTERN plus more content you can fnd online at voxatl.com. Through the process of shaping these stories, the entire Thalia Butts, Co-editor in Chief, DeKalb School of the Arts team faced challenges with securing interviews, giving multiple perspectives of situations and long hours of research. Sebastian van Erk, Co-editor in Chief, Grady High School VOX ADVISORY BOARD RACHEL ALTERMAN WALLACK, VOX FOUNDER While researching our topics, we discovered a great amount of information about HIV and AIDS we did not know VOX INVESTIGATES FALL 2015 PETER CANFIELD, JONES DAY before. As the intern, I have been able to watch each teen develop a new set of interviewing skills, communicate with ADULT MENTORS & VOLUNTEERS KRISTINA CHRISTY, GRADY HEALTH FOUNDATION MATT CRENSHAW, OUTBRAIN their mentors and each other, and learn so many new facts about HIV and AIDS. Gwen Anderson Warren, CNN WHITNEY DEAL, KILPATRICK TOWNSEND Jim Burress, WABE JOCELYN DORSEY, WSB-TV This issue features stories that tackle topics such as HIV within the transgender community, access to HIV testing, HIV Tess Malone, Atlanta Magazine AMY GLENNON, THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION and AIDS in pop culture, myths and truths, profles of people impacted by HIV, and more. We are also publishing Eliott McLaughlin, CNN CATHY HAMPTON, CITY OF ATLANTA regularly online. We hope everyone reading our special coverage walks away with a deeper knowledge of how HIV Sean Powers, GPB JASON HOCH, HOW STUFF WORKS and AIDS play a role in the city we call our home. Read the complete story about how HIV and AIDS affects Atlanta’s Lee Smith, CNN Digital HANK KLIBANOFF, EMORY UNIVERSITY teenagers at voxatl.com/category/vox-investigates/. MARC RICE, SOUTHERN COMPANY VOX BOARD OF DIRECTORS STANLEY ROMANSTEIN, GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY KALEB ANDERSON, B.E.S.T. ACADEMY SIMIT SHAH, GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Thank you, VASHTI AVEIRLS, CHAMBLEE HIGH SCHOOL Sharah Hutson, VOX Investigates Teen Intern SUSAN BRADBURY, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF ATLANTA LINDSEY CALDWELL, COXE CURRY & ASSOCIATES VOX IS AN INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER AND WEBSITE KATE CARTER, COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER PRODUCED BY AND ABOUT ATLANTA-AREA TEENAGERS. VOX VOX INVESTIGATES FALL 2015 SUPPORT THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION JESSICA CASEY, JONES DAY IS DISTRIBUTED BY VOX TEEN COMMUNICATIONS, INC., A TURNER BROADCASTING TANIA DOWDY, SUNTRUST, VOX ALUMNA NONPROFIT YOUTH-DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION. THE VIEWS ELIZABETH FAIST, SUTHERLAND FULTON COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS PAPER ARE THOSE OF THE KATE FROST, PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP INDIVIDUAL AUTHORS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT UNITED WAY OF GREATER ATLANTA ALEXES HARRIS, SOUTH ATLANTA HIGH SCHOOL THE ZEIST FOUNDATION ALCIDE HONORE, HOOPER & HONORE VOX TEEN COMMUNICATIONS, ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ELAINE HUDSON, HANDS ON ATLANTA STAFF OR SUPPORTERS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © VOX TEEN MAILCHIMP GARRETT JOHNSON, POPEYE’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN COMMUNICATIONS, INC., 2015. THIS PAPER IS PRINTED ON GOOGLE JIMMY KIM, WEISSMAN, NOWAK, CURRY & WILCO, RECYCLED PAPER USING SOY INK. BLOOMBERG VOX ALUMNUS LINDSEY KNOX, CNN ARBY’S FOUNDATION JACQUELINE LASCALA, J. ALEXIS GROUP, INC. KILPATRICK TOWNSEND NAHILA LOUIS-CHARLES VOX TEEN COMMUNICATIONS AVENUE REALTY TERRELL MCCOLLUM, SOUTHERN COMPANY 229 PEACHTREE ST. 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to have contact with somebody who is HIV-infected and who is not on therapy [i.e. taking daily medications], because HIV if somebody is on therapy [and has an undetectable viral load] then they are not transmitting. But if somebody is HIV-infected and is not on therapy, then they have detectable virus in their genital secretions. Q&A It can also be transmitted because you got exposed to blood.

Do we know why HIV attacks the immune system? Widely known HIV ... targets the immune system cells, what we call the CD4 cells. It attaches and but not widely multiplies in those sites, and when it does that, it also kills them. It starts a process understood called programmed cell death, and it causes them to kill themselves.

By Jahleelah Shaheed How does HIV affect the body, and how does it VOX Investigates weaken the immune system? HIV damages the body by destroying the n sex-education classes, teens learn HIV immune system. is a virus that, if untreated, develops into AIDS, and the best way to prevent Can HIV cause any observable physical changes? contracting it is to practice safe sex or HIV, itself, does not; the infection Inot have sex at all. In most cases, I fnd that’s associated with HIV [does]. The vast majority the extent of the information taught on the of people with HIV, who are not sick, have subject, leaving many in the dark to what HIV the virus in their blood and don’t know it. truly is. To help teens understand the virus, I You can’t tell if somebody has HIV just from interviewed Dr. Carlos del Rio, co-director of the looking at them. Emory Center for AIDS Research, about what HIV actually is. Once someone is diagnosed as having AIDS, can Human immunodefciency virus (HIV) is they go back to just being HIV-positive with the aid spread by bodily fuids (excluding saliva) of medication, or is it permanent? through unprotected sex and sharing drug No one is just HIV-positive. Once you have equipment, such as needles. The virus is the virus, it is multiplying. We can give you incurable, and if not treated, can lead to therapy and suppress the virus in your blood, acquired immunodefciency syndrome (AIDS). and you won’t have the infection or disease, COMIC BY MIKAEL TRENCH | VOX STAFF but you will still have HIV. HIV is classifed as a lentivirus. What is a lentivirus, it integrates into the cell. So the challenge to HIV doesn’t/won’t affect them? and why is HIV classifed as one? Is HIV a terminal illness? create a cure is, “How do we extract that?” HIV is real. HIV continues to infect millions A lentivirus is a virus that can stay in HIV is not a death sentence [with proper We’ve never been able to do that. of people around the world. There are still, in the body for extensive periods of time. treatment] but is a life sentence. You will be many communities, people getting infected Lentiviruses, including HIV, do this by in therapy for the rest of your life. You will How do medications suppress the virus? every day and we should not take it lightly. meshing their DNA or RNA with our own. need to take drugs for the rest of your life. What the medications primarily do is HIV is a real disease and a real infection and interfere with the virus replication [when the it kills people. How is HIV transmitted from person to person? Do we have any idea as to why HIV is currently virus copies itself to grow in numbers]. They HIV is transferred primarily through sexual incurable? control the virus, but they don’t cure it. Jahleelah, 15, is (presumably) a human being contact, [or] contact with infected secretions. Well, it is incurable because it incorporates who attends Creekside High School and is What people don’t realize is that you need itself into the genetic material, and therefore Do you have anything to say to teens who believe passionate about art. PORTRAITS OF HIV

PAGE 4 D’JONA, 19 YOUTH HIV POLICY ADVISER

"I was born with HIV, but I didn't know until I was 15. In 10th grade I caught pneumonia and got really sick. My legs swelled up, and I couldn't breathe, eat or

sleep. We went to the doctor, and they clothes they had to bleach them. asylum called the Serenity Prayer. I still rushed me to the hospital. I passed out “Finally, I couldn't take it. I called a good remember to this day the moment that I saw friend and stayed with her for a good two it and how it made me feel. in the ambulance and woke up a couple months. During that time, my friend [the girl “I knew there was God somewhere, and who had me stay with someone she knew] I wanted to fnd him and fgure things out. I days later … with tubes in my chest and got angry at me and posted on Facebook got in touch with my faith and started to feel that I had AIDS and was passing it around a little better about myself. I went back to mouth. to other people. A hundred people saw her school. At frst, it was dicult because I felt If I had waited to go to the hospital for a few more days, I would have died. My post, but I didn't know about it. A couple like all eyes were on me, but after a while it mom told me I had something I would have to live with for the rest of my life and days later, I went to school and had random didn't matter. I wanted to get my education take medicine for, but I could still live a happy, normal life. I thought I had a heart people coming up to me asking if I had AIDS so I could continue to be a better person. disease. and telling me they heard I was sleeping with “I ended up graduating high school At a follow-up appointment there were four doctors sitting around a big, round people and infecting them. in 2014. Now I am in school for table. They asked if I was aware of my status and I said yes, still thinking I had a “High school was horrible. I was bullied at communications at Liberty University. This heart disease. And then they asked if I was aware that I was HIV-positive and I school, at home and online. No matter where is just the beginning: I plan to continue in lied and said yes, but in my head I wanted to break down and cry. I went, people were telling me I should die school until I get my Ph.D. Most of all, I aim I tried to take the pills for a week, but I got nauseous and dizzy so I stopped and that people like me shouldn't be alive. to be a motivational speaker and role model taking them. I was in and out of school, and then my house got robbed. My dad “I tried to kill myself a few times. My dad for the disabled, LGBTQ and those living thought I set it up so he kicked me out. For a week, my friend and I stayed in put me in a mental asylum for a week and with HIV [and] AIDS.” abandoned apartments. a half. I was 18, and the youngest person “My friend had me stay with someone she knew, but after a week my friend there, besides me, was 30. Read more portraits of HIV on page 14. called the girl I was staying with and told her I had AIDS. Her family started being “It was at the asylum that I realized I Photo and story by Lizzie Likness, VOX really mean to me: Everything I touched was either thrown away or bleached. I wanted to do right and go back to school. Investigates. had my own plastic silverware. I had to sleep on the foor, and if they washed my There was this prayer on the wall in the EXTRAS

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MYTH MYTH HIV is a disease that only afects the I can get HIV from mosquitoes. LGBT community. REALITY REALITY According to the Centers for Disease HIV doesn’t discriminate; it is a Control and Prevention (CDC), human immunodeficiency virus. mosquitoes do not inject blood when they bite. As a result, mosquitoes do not transmit the virus. CLICK HERE: Did you know HIV is a big problem among teens in Atlanta, and that Atlanta has the ffthhighest rate MYTH Teens who become sexually active will MYTH among metro areas of new cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nationally, become infected with HIV. TALK If I stay healthy, I can’t get HIV. the CDC says in , nearly , youth were diagnosed with HIV, and more than half of those infected REALITY REALITY don’t know they’re infected. Health eperts believe misconceptions about HIV contribute to such statistics. Anyone who is sexually active will It doesn’t matter if you’re the have a higher risk of contracting HIV if healthiest person on Earth, HIV is a For VOX Investigates, iranda ullins and Jason Crichton report on the myths surrounding HIV among virus that attaches itself to your cells they don’t use a condom. and prevents them from doing their teenagers in Atlanta. Listen to their full report then test your knowledge at VOXATL.COM. job for the immune system, making you open to infections, disease and other viruses.

MYTH HIV can be spread through eating after, kissing or hugging someone with HIV. MORE ONLINE

REAL MORE TRUTHS AND MYTHS REALITY HIV cannot be spread through hug- ONLINE AT VOXATL.COM ging; HIV is spread through blood and semen, for example, but you cannot become infected through ordinary contact — hugging, kissing, dancing SOURCES: or shaking hands — with someone AIDS CLINIC AT OREHOUSE COLLEGE GREATER THAN AIDS LAAR YARBOROUGH who has HIV or AIDS. HIV can’t be transmitted through the air, water or AT HYPE TO EPOWER AYO CLINIC LOREEN KRUG AT AID ATLANTA. insect bites. Graphic above by Jason Crichton, VOX Investigates DEBUNKING THE MYTHS THE DEBUNKING HIV TEST YOUR HIV AND AIDS KNOWLEDGE ON OUR PLAYBU UI http://bit.ly/hivquiz COMMON TERMINOLOGY Helpful terms to understand HIV and AIDS

AIDS Antiretroviral therapy (ART) PEP in prejudice and discrimination aimed toward Acquired immunodefciency syndrome is a Treatment against retroviruses, like HIV; Post-exposure prophylaxis is anti-HIV people with HIV or AIDS. condition that results in serious damage to the drugs that keep HIV from progressing. medication taken as soon as possible (but immune system. It is caused by the HIV infection. within three days) after possible exposure to T CELL HIV HIV to try to reduce the chance of becoming Also called CD4 cell, these cells trigger the Antibody Human immunodefciency virus weakens infected. The word “prophylaxis” means the body’s immune system to fght o infection. An antibody is a protein produced by the the immune system over time and can cause prevention or control of the spread of an HIV attacks these cells. body’s immune system when it detects harmful acquired immunodefciency syndrome. infection or disease. antigens. Your body makes a protein to try to Sources and more information fght o something harmful. Immunodeficiency PrEP The body’s inability to protect or defend Pre-exposure prophylaxis is a medicine . AIDS Education onth aidseducationmonth.org/ Antigen itself against infections and disease. people who are at high risk for HIV infection . AIDSinfo aidsinfo.nih.gov An antigen is a foreign substance that can take every day to prevent HIV infection. . Healthline healthline.com triggers a reaction from the immune system. Pathogen . U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hiv.va.gov Pathogens are disease-causing micro- Stigma Antiviral organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, Disgrace connected to a particular — Compiled by Nahila Louis-Charles, Treatment (medicine) used to prevent the protozoa and worms. They make you sick. situation or circumstance. Stigma can result VOX Investigates growth or replication of viruses.

HIV IN ATL

PAGE 6 HIV RISING IN ATLANTA Thousands of 13- to 24-year-olds don’t know they’re infected

By Jason Crichton and You’ve got to know what HIV is Miranda Mullins “One of the things the epidemic is VOX Investigates showing is how badly we need to increase and improve our education,” said Craig arch 28, 2010, was LaMar Washington, prevention programs manager Yarborough’s 18th birthday, with AID Atlanta, a nonproft that provides and he was laying in the prevention, testing and treatment. “We need intensive care unit at Grady realistic sex education that deals with the MMemorial Hospital, where he learned he was HIV- realities about young people having sex and positive and later found out he developed AIDS. being in relationships, and also being able “They told me I was diagnosed with AIDS to have intimacy and a solid connection with with only fve T cells. I didn’t know what this each other. This is a natural human way of is,” recalled Yarborough, now . “I was so being. ” sick they thought I was going to die.” Washington said he believes sex ven though he heard about AIDS in education should start as early as middle movies, his sex education at home and in school. school was limited. Loreen rug also works at AID Atlanta as “In my family, we were pretty open with the group’s information services program sex and things of that nature...but it [was] manager. She said she has had a -year-old more so done in a heterosexual way,” he reach out to her, concerned about becoming explained, noting that he grew up in a infected with HIV because he was sexually religious household. active. Yarborough said at the time he was “Teenagers do this; that’s normal,” rug sleeping with both men and women and said. “We need to make certain the frst thought “If I’m not going to get a girl education is at home. oms and dads pregnant, why use a condom?” should not be afraid to talk to their children Had Yarborough known earlier about his about sex. We can all get [HIV] just in the HIV diagnosis, there is a chance it would not blink of an eye.” have progressed to AIDS. Some school districts, like ulton County determinants of health like poverty and household According to the Centers for Disease Schools, emphasize an abstinence-only AIDSVU.ORG income. The maps above Atlanta and at right maor Control and revention, “an estimated , education. (See related story page .) U.S. cities show the prevalence rates among to youth (ages to 4) were diagnosed with uadir Thomas, who was at the AIDS AIDSVu.org provides a comprehensive search tool yearolds. Use the key above to see the differences. HIV infection in the nited States in .” Walk in Atlanta this fall, lost his aunt to AIDS for users to flter HIV and AIDS rates by state, Eample In , Union City saw between That’s percent of all people who were when he was a young boy. city, county, race, age range, se and other social people living with HIV or AIDS per , residents. diagnosed. “When she passed away, it was quick,” he Health experts point to poor sex education said. “I always wondered, Why did it have to as one major factor for the large number of happen to my aunt?’” elementary school. Accessing health care HIV diagnoses among youth. Thomas said there needs to be more of a “If you’re going to engage in that roper education is one way of cutting “I think the reason I didn’t have a big focus on abstinence education in schools, activity, I can’t tie a ball and chain around down on the stigma and rates HIV infections. breakdown [when I was diagnosed] is but he also said it is up to parents to educate his ankle, but I try to give him the best Health experts say having access to health because I didn’t know what the virus was,” their kids about sex. He started talking to his knowledge to make the best decisions,” coverage is another. According to the aiser Yarborough admitted. -year-old son about it when his son was in Thomas stated. amily oundation, edicaid is the largest HIV+ AIDS+ ATL HIV IN ATL BY THE NUMBERS PAGE 7 Atlanta is the source of insurance coverage for people with among youth. fifth-highest HIV in the .S. But many states in the South, “Younger people are becoming less 5 U.S. city for including eorgia, did not expand edicaid bigoted. I think there’s less homophobia,” under the Aordable Care Act, the federal Washington said. “Younger generations are CARLA the rate EDICAL CASE health care law signed by resident Obama a refection of that. At the same time, the of new HIV ANAGER, in . stigma is still there, but I think you have AID ATLANTA Nic Carlisle, the executive director of a greater possibility of reaching folks as diagnoses the Southern AIDS Coalition, told eorgia conversations about race, sexual orientation ublic Broadcasting that people in these and gender identity become more normal of new infections are states who do not have access to edicaid and can free up some attitudes about HIV.” among 13- to 24-year- coverage may not develop a doctor-patient While treatment and prevention are better one olds. Half don’t know relationship to prevent the spread of HIV and than they once were, the virus is still a real in 4 they’re infected. AIDS. problem, especially in eorgia, which leads Laar Yarborough has relied on the Ryan most states when it comes to cases of new White CAR Act for access to his care. ive HIV diagnosis, according to Douglas Brooks, 26,743 68% “I have a cousin who years after his diagnosis, Yarborough is the director of the Oce of National AIDS Number of people of people living working to make sure teens in Atlanta never olicy at the White House. living with an with HIV diagnosis is HIV-positive. He HIV or AIDS in Atlanta in 2012 “We can’t were black, 19% contracted HIV forget that diagnosis in were white and despite our 2012 in Atlanta 6% were Latino when I was a kid, best eorts, HIV [and] AIDS BOYS+ GIRLS+ HIV but there was such a remains a very real threat here stigma around HIV to yearolds in Los Angeles in eorgia,” of people to yearolds in Washington D.C. Brooks told living with and AIDS that he a crowd this 80 an HIV fall at the % diagnosis in wasn’t comfortable th Annual 2012 in Atlanta telling our family AIDS Walk were men at Atlanta’s 62% that he was HIV- iedmont ark. of HIV cases in “I’m excited positive, or even that to be men were to yearolds in New York City to yearolds in San Francisco from from working with 54% he was gay. all of you male-to- SCREENSHOTS FROM AIDSVU.ORG I was in my s when I found out, and I have to go through to change the face of HIVAIDS in male sexual contact was shocked. I used to think you could catch what he has experienced. This past summer, America.” HIV just by touching someone who was HIV- he started an organization called H.Y... To Hear from Brooks and several Atlanta- positive. Once, right after I found out about mpower, aimed at raising awareness about area teens in our audio story at voxatl.com his status, I had to ride in his car, but I didn’t HIV and AIDS among youth. His group is categoryvox-investigates. of HIV cases in 2012 in ATL women were from want to touch anything because I thought focused on areas of Atlanta with the highest I would contract it. It wasn’t until I learned concentration of infection rates. Miranda and Jason recorded most of their heterosexual contact more about HIVAIDS that I realized how “HIV was the best thing that happened to interviews at the 25th Annual AIDS Walk. you actually contract it, and I realized how me,” he said. “I know that sounds crazy, but of ATL women amazing it was that he had been living with I think to a certain extent it empowered me contracted HIV HIV for so long. I felt sorry that he couldn’t through injection to empower others and empowered me to 9% share with us that he had been living with love myself more.” drug use in 2012 this virus for over years. I was sad that he Craig Washington of AID Atlanta said SOURCE: CDC, AIDSVU.ORG felt he had to keep it a secret.” attitudes about HIV and AIDS are shifting PHOTO AND STORY BY LIZZIE LIKNESS | VOX INVESTIGATES HIV TESTING HIV TESTING

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GO! TESTINGSITES:ATL These nonproft locations are ARTAaccessible and receptive to teens.

3. Mister Center 4. STAND KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: WHO Teens years and older can receive a free WHO Teens age and older can receive a free HIV Test. Support groups are available and linkage to oral swab HIV test minutes test. No ID or other medical care. offered through Positive Impact Health documents are reuired. Centers. WHAT Teens who test positive receive posttest WHERE West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia, counseling to get links to care and other supports. TESTING FOR HIV AND AIDS WHERE Covington Hwy., , Decatur, Georgia, WHEN ondayThursday, a.m. p.m. Friday, a.m. p.m. WHEN ondayFriday, a.m. p.m. By Nahila Louis-Charles You have privacy. CONTACT . Walkins welcome CONTACT , ask for testing. Walkins Jahleelah decided to see how HIV VOX Investigates The Privacy Rule under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 mistercenter.org positiveimpacthealthcenters.org welcome standinc.com (HIPAA) basically states that no one can use your health information or tell someone else Text your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948), and you will receive a text back Step 1: testing works. AID Atlanta is one of many teens can get tested for free. sites where o one is responsible for your HIV status but you. You’re responsible for knowing it, about your status without your permission. with a testing site near you. taking care of it and staying HIV-healthy — and that comes frst and foremost from It’s important to understand, though, that whenever someone is infected with a sexually knowing your status,” says Kendall Boone, a Greater than AIDS national ambassador transmitted infection or disease, that information may be reported to the local or state instant test. seconds to wait for the results if you have an Step 4: who works with Emory University’s clinical trials where medications get tested for health department, says Raymond Duke, who is responsible for prevention education, treating HIV and AIDS. health and safety and training at STAND, a nonproft serving teens and adults. When

N Just a little fngerstick and 60 Testing for HIV status may seem someone gets tested, a form that scary or even unnecessary, but it includes demographic information — is vital in stopping the growing HIV but not names — goes to Georgia’s epidemic among teens in Atlanta. It’s Department of Public Health to important to know your status. report on birthdate, race, gender, zip Boone says, “People have HIV code and HIV status. That’s how the — or they live in silence with it — numbers get compiled. because they don’t talk about it. So I would really encourage teens in You’re not alone.

Testing can feel intimidating. A front can feel intimidating. A front Testing Atlanta in becoming advocates … It’s never just an HIV test. Someone become involved in conversations will help you and counsel you before

Step 2: tool desk attendant will hand you a screening and have you go to a waiting area. around HIV. Join conversations about and/or after testing, according to it … (and) know your status and take hivdent.org. The State of Georgia

responsibility for yourself.” requires counseling for everyone. for anyone who tests HIV-positive. Step 5: TESTINGSITES:ATL To get tested, here’s what you Pre-test counseling and post-test need to know. counseling with a confrmed HIV- Counseling awaits and is required These nonproft locations are ARTAaccessible and receptive to teens. positive test result are required. 1. AID Atlanta 2. ANIZ, Inc. You don’t need a parent. WHO Anyone and up can get a free HIV test independently. WHO Teen females, ages to , can get It is not required for teens 13 and Step 3: Get the test from a phlebotomist (a It’s a crime to knowingly spread HIV. Teens who test positive are referred to Grady Infectious Diseases free HIV tests. Parental consent is needed to older to get parental consent for HIV person who draws blood). In 39 states, Georgia included, it Program. treat minors. and AIDS testing (and other sexually is a crime to have sex if you are HIV- WHERE Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA WHERE itchell Street, Suite , transmitted diseases), according to positive or have AIDS without letting WHEN Testing center is open ondayThursday a.m. p.m. Atlanta, Georgia, AID Atlanta. However, each testing facility has its own rules regarding age requirements and your partner know. It’s also a crime if that person donates fuid, organs or human tissue. and Fridays a.m. p.m. Try to arrive minutes prior to WHEN ondayThursday, a.m. p.m. parent consent for treatment in case teens test HIV-positive. The person could be imprisoned up to 10 years, according to the American Civil Liberties closing. Friday, a.m. p.m. According to the Center for HIV Law and Policy, doctors can, but are not required to, Union’s State Criminal Statutes on HIV Transmission. CONTACT , aidatlanta.org CONTACT for an notify a teen’s parents of the HIV test result. “Although roughly a third of the states permit AID Atlanta also offers HIV testing through community outreach appointment, ani.org healthcare providers to inform a minor’s parents that their child is seeking STI-related Travel with teen Jaleelah to AID Atlanta for an HIV test in a video report on VOXATL.COM. events. Contact communitytestingaidatlanta.org to bring services, none require it.” All photos on this page by Lizzie Likness, VOX Investigates. DONE! testing to a school, organiation or event. ORE TESTING SITES ON PAGE SEX ED

PAGE 10 HOW IS HEALTH BEING TAUGHT IN METRO ATLANTA? Atlanta has many school systems but few options for comprehensive health education skills-based trainings By Kayla Smith for professionals related VOX Investigates to reproductive health, eective sexual health ince sixth grade, my mother made education curricula, and it her mission to keep me informed other topics that enhance about everything concerning me adolescent health. “The at the time. That included having state law says that the SThe Talk every morning on the way to school, course can include topics which was 15 minutes every day. Though I was such as: human biology, miserable enduring her conversations about the conception, pregnancy, human anatomy and body functions, she was birth, STDs/AIDS … but [the more informative than my ninth grade health state board of education] class. All I remember is failing my CPR test, doesn’t say very much on people shouting “penis!” randomly, and Coach things that shouldn’t be Carr’s words from “Mean Girls:” “Don’t have sex included.” So, what do because you will get pregnant and die … just metro Atlanta’s counties and don’t do it, okay, promise?” city schools teach? Seeing that I didn’t have a high-impact or informative health class, I wanted to FLASH in DeKalb investigate and see if times were changing Last summer, DeKalb and students were getting the information County adopted the related to sex education and disease FLASH curriculum for prevention they need. their K-12 health courses In Georgia, the local board of education for this school year. has the most power over what goes in a FLASH is an “interactive school sex education curriculum, according and comprehensive to Lauren Barineau, training and technical science-based sexual assistance coordinator for the nonproft Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP). She designs and delivers More HEALTH on page 11 SEX ED

PAGE 11 health education curriculum designed to The theory targets teens to create beliefs and Abstinence- philosophy of prevent teen pregnancy, STDs, and sexual health habits that reduce sexually transmitted based health education violence.” Schools can use the curriculum diseases, pregnancies and abusive programs are is “…to support or its activities to shape the learning in relationships. DeKalb requires K-12 students rooted in the students’ the classroom, but they’ll still be following to have a parent sign a waiver of consent, notion that development of their state or county standards. This which acknowledges the course and the teens will keep skills and habits curriculum can be applied to state and parent’s choice to opt their child out of it. their pledge that contribute national standards and can serve as guide to Not all of the local school systems are to remain to overall health tackling specifc topics that arise throughout using this widely known curriculum. In the abstinent, but and well-being. the course — meaning: Schools use the past, Cobb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties young adults Emphasis is placed curriculum’s activities to shape classroom only had overviews of health that focused on ages 16 and 24 on safety, nutrition, learning, while following their state or county meeting the Georgia performance standards make up about mental health, standards. through equipping students with the skills to 50 percent of substance abuse According to the curriculum publisher’s make lifelong healthy choices from textbook all the new prevention, disease website, “FLASH lessons prepare students to: publishers like Harcourt and Glencoe. Here HIV infections. prevention, healthy POLITICAL CARTOON BY Abstain from sex are the counties’ general policies: The county decision-making MAGGIE MERRIFIELD, Use condoms and birth control when COBB: According to the county’s website, has been in 16, DEKALB SCHOOL and relationships.” they do have sex their motto is, “A student’s health directly the local news OF THE ARTS City of Decatur Confrm consent before engaging in infuences his or her success in school this fall for Schools emphasize sexual activity and beyond.” The curriculum focus allows considering a student’s healthy Communicate with their family about students to “…make decisions, become updates to its habits and how sexual health advocates of healthy living, and choose health curriculum. they will aect them in the long run. Nutrition Make decisions that minimize risk to healthy behaviors for life.” GWINNETT: Here, parents are the main values, the importance of exercise and CPR their sexual health FULTON: Although it is one of the health educator and can opt their student are a few examples of the healthy habits Seek medical care in order to take counties with the highest new HIV infection out of sex education. they want students to know. Each county care of their reproductive health.” rates among youth, Fulton County promotes or city school system is left to make its own According to FLASH, their program is physical education more than comprehensive Choosing the Best decision, and some seem to lack areas of based o the “Theory of lanned Behavior.” health for its high school students. According to the Atlanta Journal- health education that others provide. Constitution, “Choosing the Best” The more limited programs seem to (based in Atlanta) is one of the more be based on the assumption that parents widely used abstinence-centered will be the ones who will educate their sex ed curricula in the U.S. — used children about sexual activity and sexually in 47 states. Materials for “Choosing transmitted diseases — including HIV and the Best” have been revised several AIDS. Comprehensive programs seem times in recent years in response to tackle those specifc subjects from a to input and criticism. Unlike the science-based perspective. FLASH curriculum used in DeKalb However, even comprehensive programs County, this curriculum “does not allow parents to acknowledge the content provide information about how to use being taught and decide whether they contraceptives,” Tasha Guadalupe, want to opt their child out of the particular health and physical education unit due to personal reasons. Both types coordinator for Fulton Schools, told of programs come with their faws, but in the AJC in September. Even with the today’s society, should we let the statistics changes to the curriculum, such as or one’s morals guide the classroom? new statistics and visual aides, the main objective is to advocate that Kayla, 16, is a junior at DeKalb School of the students should wait until they are Arts. married to have sex.

Each system to its own COMIC BY LUCAS BERGER | VOX CONTRIBUTOR In , the GETTING TO ZERO

PAGE 12

THIS PHOTO INCLUDES VOX TEENS WHO COVERED THE GTZ PERFORMANCE AND WILL PHOTOS: PERFORMERS IN MOVING IN THE SPIRIT’S “GETTING TO ZERO” PRODUCTION IN OCTOBER 2015 SUPPORT A JOINT PROGRAM WITH MOVING IN THE SPIRIT AND AID ATLANTA ON DEC. 5

truthful to your the person that she trusted lied to her about partner about your their status. status and ultimately Occurring simultaneously, you can hardly GETTING TO ZERO making the best make out what each teen is saying, which decision to protect only synchronizes the feelings of chaos and yourself and others. frustration that these teenage characters are he “Getting to Zero” performance by My favorite part of this 20-minute facing and this is how teens in Atlanta who Teens dance to Moving in the Spirit’s teen dancers performance was when three of the teens have been diagnosed may be feeling right now. relays a series of short stories stood before the audience and as dierent The performance emphasized abstinence, inform, inspire revealing the hard-hitting reality of characters began shouting in discord about most notably during the frst scene, when Tthe presence of HIV and AIDS among young their experiences with learning that they a sergeant-like persona demanded his people in Atlanta. were HIV-positive. One teen was passively cadets train hard to “lock up” their sexual no new HIV The seven teens who performed in the trying to explain her confusion, laughing it feelings; some cadets weren’t so successful, group’s October 24 opening performance o as she went along. Another was truthfully thus making the audience aware of those infections utilized bodily strength and passionate perplexed and wondered how something who are interested in having sex and feelings to convey both the physical and like this could have happened, constantly providing information as to how to remain By Nea-Sa’Mon Wray emotional pressure that comes with the reminding himself that it wasn’t his fault. The safe (wearing condoms and getting tested VOX Investigates Contributor responsibility of getting tested for HIV, being third teen was in utter disgust, furious that regularly) in a humorous way. OPINION HIV+ TIME A BRIEF HISTORY PAGE 13

First case of AIDS is 1981 reported. Doctors at the Na- 1984 tional Cancer Institute HOLLYWOOD MAGIC discover what causes AIDS: the human immunodeficiency teen actors from Nickelodeon shows. These virus (HIV). Celebs can help spread the prevention commercials would be stronger Ryan White, a teenage message to get tested if we had more famous celebrities like 1990 boy diagnosed with Beyonc, Drake, Taylor Swift or Nick onas. AIDS, dies at age 18. All leaders follow by example and have some Congress passes Ryan So why is it that agic ohnson is one of type of inspiration, so celebs, let’s gear up White CARE Act. By Jada Jackson VOX Investigates few HIV-positive celebrities who has spoken and be the change we want to see. Earvin “Magic” out about it? Would it help if more celebrities Another thing that seems to be a great Johnson announces he 1991 is HIV-positive. ore than 1.1 million people in talked about the subject more? way to spread the message about HIV is the U.S. are living with HIV. through our favorite shows and movies. AIDS is the leading About 30 million people A show I recently started to get more into cause of death among have died from HIV and because of the crazy suspense and the 1994 Americans ages 25-44. MAIDS-related causes since its discovery in 1981. awesome features is “How to et Away with The CDC recommends Roughly 1.7 million died in 2011 alone. Of all urder” (ABC). I typically stick to the main regular HIV screen- the people who have HIV and AIDS, one case in drama of the show, but in a few episodes 2006 ing in U.S. healthcare settings. particular seems to stick out. there were scenes that talked about PrEP Earvin “Magic” Johnson was diagnosed (pre-exposure prophylaxis, a medicine that The CDC says a daily with HIV in when AIDS was known some people who are at high risk of getting medication (PrEP) may to kill people at a very young age. He has HIV can take to prevent infection) which was 2013 keep HIV from spreading from a managed to be healthy during the past 20 very informative while also entertaining. The positive person to a years since the day he announced he had main focus was not the character with HIV or negative person. the disease. his boyfriend, who was taking PrEP, but the Medicare expands cov- Unlike Johnson, other celebrities have episode did shine some light on the two. erage of annual HIV not been as open about their HIV or AIDS This is not the only time I have seen 2015 screening for people status. Other celebrities in Hollywood IMAGE COURTESY OF SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS characters with HIV or AIDS in television or ages 15-65. include deceased rapper and former movies. Tyler Perry also included the topic SOURCES: HENRY J. KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION, CDC member of N.W.A. ric Wright, better in one of his flms, “or Colored irls.” One known as “Eazy-E.” For a long time, a lot Celebrities have focused on advertising of the protagonists’ husbands in the flm GETTING TO ZERO, continued of celebrities did not come out about their to teens about staying drug free (mainly is closeted and transmits HIV to his wife. status, maybe because of what fans might tobacco). They often come up with really HBO also released a movie in 2014 called This is why creating HIV and AIDS think of them. eye-catching commercials or cartoons, in “The Normal Heart,” about HIV and AIDS awareness is so pivotal to our community: Also, a lot of the celebrities at that time which celebrities create Vine and Instagram in the s, starring ark Rualo and to shake the confusion, to shake the fear, who also had HIV or AIDS did not say so parodies of how smoking at a party usually Julia Roberts. This is great because even to shake the stigma and get that 70 percent publicly until nearly on their deathbed, or goes and how we can prevent smoking as celebrities who do not have the disease are spike in HIV diagnosis to zero. it was not disclosed to the press until after a whole. still supportive of the people who do. or a look at oving in the Spirit’s they died. Rock Hudson, Liberace, Robert Now that the tobacco usage has gone Using media as an outlet could be a big powerful moves and to hear from some of Reed of “The Brady Bunch,” and Freddy down among teens — one out of 10 teens advantage in making more people aware the dancers, see the video online at voxatl. ercury of ueen all had HIV or AIDS, and don’t smoke, according to .S. Department of HIV and AIDS, and it can help teens who com/category/vox-investigates/. Photos no one knew until it was announced they of Health and Human Services’ “The Real don’t know what to do or where to get help. on page 12 are from their performance on were dying or had already died. This shows Cost” campaign — the focus should shift to The message the media should convey is October 24, 2015 at The Beam. how the disease was viewed and how not teens getting tested regularly for HIV. If teens your HIV status should not make you feel sharing it was possibly for the celebrities’ watch their favorite celebrities talk about ashamed. Nea-Sa’Mon is a 19-lightyear-old own good. If they came out sooner about crucial issues, teens will follow. Also, when extraterrestrial from Venus studying art at their status, maybe it would have erased you see anti-tobacco commercials, you Jada is a junior at North Atlanta High School. Georgia State University, who enjoys a cup of some of the stigma that exists with HIV. don’t really see mainstream artists, but more hot tea and marathons of “The X Files.” VOICES

PAGE 14 LAMAR PHREDD DALORA President/CEO, H.Y.P.E. Participant, Counselor, (HIV Positive Youth that AIDS Walk 2015 AID Atlanta Pledge to Empower themselves and others)

“When I was 18, I got “I lost a brother and many “As a counselor for people super sick. I couldn’t friends to AIDS. I’m not who are HIV-positive, even walk from my door sure how to express what I’ve had experience to my mailbox without it’s like to lose someone you helping people from a lot being out of breath. love to AIDS. of diferent backgrounds. A couple of days before my birthday, I fainted in It sounds callous, but it did aect me dierently when But I’ve realized that every person is aected the shower and went to the emergency room. I was my brother passed away as opposed to when my friends by HIV. I’ve worked with a lot of people who feel diagnosed with AIDS. Growing up, I knew nothing passed. I grew up with my brother and I loved him, but he like they have to keep this part of their lives secret. about HIV or AIDS, so I didn’t understand how was always in and out of trouble, and I wasn’t as shocked Some even refuse to take care of themselves and serious it was. When they told me I was dying, the when he died. It was dierent with my friends. Losing one get treatment because they want to keep their only thing I could think about was the legacy I was friend in particular was very hard. When I met him, he was diagnosis a secret. On the other hand, I’ve seen that leaving behind. As I got better, I realized I didn’t want so vibrant and funny and full of life. He was the type of good can come out of a positive HIV diagnosis. I’ve anybody else to have to live with this disease.” person you really looked forward to seeing. I watched him seen so many people turn their lives around after deteriorate; toward the end of his life, it was like he wasn’t being diagnosed. A lot of people are able to fnd a even himself. He was a huge part of my life and I never got sense of community and try to educate themselves MORE VOICES: VOXATL.COM VOICES: MORE to tell him. You think that after years, the wounds would heal, but they never do, not completely. I don’t want other people to have to lose someone they love like that.” ALL PHOTOS AND PROFILES BY LIZZIE LIKNESS | VOX INVESTIGATES

By Sharah Hutson we have some members within the trans topics — including HIV, AIDS and more. JustUsATL VOX Investigates community who are really sensitive to those “ustsATL is a democratic social and activism things (HIV),” says Kayla Christ, 17, a trans girl group lead by queer youth, for queer youth," Breaks Down espite living in a more who lives in Atlanta. “I have taken notice to said Zaiah Phillips, the organization’s JusTeens progressive time period, when individuals are adjusted to being trans; and TransIt forum leader. "We are a strong Stigma for ATL conversations tend to be they become more at ease with conversing on community, and together we support each burdened by a mandate the topic of sexual intercourse.” other, tackle important topics, and have fun.” Dof silence when it comes to talking about ustsATL, a nonproft in midtown Atlanta, Transgender how HIV or AIDS impacts the transgender is one of a few support groups that encourage Read more about HIV and trans teens and community. trans teens with safe spaces and forums. other groups that are not often heard from at Youth “I think we avoid sex-talk because These forums include dialogues on various voxatl.com/category/vox-investigates/. RESOURCES

PAGE 15 #1 AID Atlanta #4 Center for Pan

Services: AIDS-awareness presentations for metro- Asian Community cpacs ® Atlanta middle and high schools; HIV community testing available for youth service organizations; and HIV and STI testing. Age of teens served: 13 and up Services Fees: No fees for HIV or STI/STD screenings or STI/STD treatment (appointment must be made for STI/STD treatment). Services: Linkage to HIV testing and counseling, as well as confrmatory HIV testing Contact: 1605 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, at CPACS’ health center. Also, safer sex workshops for youth, available by request. [email protected]; Cicely Richard, MSW, Youth Outreach Program Age of teens served: 13 to 19 Coordinator, 404-870-7700, aidatlanta.org Fees: ree rapid HIV testing and counseling, reduced rate for confrmatory testing at Georgia AIDS and STD Information Line: 800-551-2728 our ederally ualifed Health Center. Contact: Alnory Gutlay, programs manager, [email protected]; Eddie Vo, program coordinator, [email protected]; Web: icpacs.org/; health center website: cpacscosmo.org/; Phone: 770-446-0926 FIND RESOURCES #2 Atlanta 4 Coalition for #5 Grady Infectious LGBTQ Youth Disease Program 1 (ACFLY) Services: rady’s ediatric Clinic within the once de Leon Center serves all HIV- 5 positive youth under the age of 25 with comprehensive HIV care as well as STD testing 2 6 and primary care services. 3 Services: ACLY is a coalition and program of Fees: This is a Ryan White clinic, so you do not need insurance (although you can still Georgia Equality (georgiaequality.org), open to youth- come if you have it!). Most patients have medical visits and medicines almost completely serving providers in Atlanta who want to improve covered by Ryan White funds, with only a couple dollar copay out of pocket. their ability to serve LBT youth. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact: Emily Halden Brown, Phillip Rush Center, Contact: Address is 4 once De Leon Ave., N, Atlanta, A, . Arrive to #3 Center 1530 DeKalb Avenue, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30307; the Education Department on the P level of the building with proof of HIV+ status, a [email protected]; 404-523-3070; Facebook photo ID, proof of address and proof income. Contact Larisa Niles-Carnes with any for Black and Twitter TheATL questions: [email protected] or 404-616-2202. Women’s #6 Teen Services Wellness Clinic Adolescent Health Services: Provides HIV testing and referral, STD screening and treatment, full range of contraceptives — including IUDs and implants, exams, reproductive and sexual health education and care. & Youth Development Program Ages: Teens through age 19 Hours: Clinic is Monday and Wednesday afternoon (12:30 - 4:30 p.m.) and Services ofered to TEENS & HIV: Health education: life skills, leadership development, Saturday morning ( a.m. - p.m.). lexible scheduling oered. sexuality education. Rapid HIV testing. Fees: Insurance is accepted, and for those who do not have insurance, costs are Ages: 12-17 based on a sliding scale. You will never be turned away if you can’t pay. Contact: Keri M. Pridgeon; 477 Windsor Street SW, Suite 309, Atlanta, GA 30312; Phone: 404- Contact: rady Hospital, second foor; 44--; 688-9202 ext.124, [email protected]; cbww.org gradyhealth.org/facility/teen-center ABOUT VOX

PAGE 16 VOXATL VOXATL Where teens speak and Atlanta listens Where teens speak and Atlanta listens

This publication was created by VOX Investigates, where teens spend a semester working together to take a VOX is Atlanta’s home for uncensored deep-dive look at Teens First. teen publishing and self-expression. issues of critical Teens, ages 13-19 and living in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and importance to the Gwinnett counties can engage with VOX on four levels. VOX creates a level playing field where teens collaborate Atlanta community. directly with adults as peers. TEEN STAFF Each semester’s team Up to 50 teens in metro ATL who commit to consistent publishing for investigates and shares VOXAtl.com and semester-long content for VOX Investigates, as well as VOX partners with media professionals so teens learn teens’ voices about in-person leadership development at VOX’s downtown newsroom. critical thinking, writing and publishing skills to help hone one topic. their voice. TEEN CONTRIBUTORS This spring, VOX Up to 100 teens in metro Atlanta who publish consistent content for VOX connects a widely diverse group of teens from all VOXAtl.com and semester-long content for VOX Investigates. across metro Atlanta to one neutral space to share and Investigates will Invites to teen events at VOX. develop their voices together. cover dating and relationship ATLANTA TEEN VOICES VOX believes that the voice of young people is powerful violence, its impact Opportunities for metro Atlanta teens to publish and project their voices on and valuable and should be more present in metro Atlanta. on teens as well as VOXAtl.com through content created with community partners and at events. examining aspects of healthy relationships. TEEN AUDIENCE Uncensored content by teens, for teens. Annual teen health survey of teen attitudes and behaviors to inform content and Any teen (13-19) living outreach for higher impact. in the fvecounty metro Atlanta area can apply online to be part of the team: instagram.com/voxroxatl facebook.com/voxrox VOXATL.com/join- twitter.com/voxroxatl pinterest.com/voxatl More programs and possibilities for teens in metro Atlanta are the-fun/ bit.ly/voxatlvideo available! Visit VOXATL.org for more information about how voxatl.tumblr.com adults can help prepare, connect and value teens. Questions? Phone: 404-614-0040 .ORG Email: [email protected] .COM