If you haven't heard, yes. I am diagnosed positive with HIV. And as today marks the 27th Anniversary of its discovery, I would like to share this with you.

Having HIV is not like what it was in the past decade. People living with HIV/AIDS itself will understand. People without it are often encased in a stigma of uncertainty.

However, it's not about the human immunodeficiency virus I am talking about here. No, I don't have that so you can breathe again. Think of HIV+ as this:


Current HIV/AIDS education has often most likely fallen onto alot of deaf ears. They've tried everything from print ads, tv slots, movies, flyers, and millions and millions of dollars spent on HIV/AIDS Awareness programs. How many percent of respondents actually give a fuck? (pun intended). Yet the number of people infected keeps rising and rising by the second.

Change your stigma. Stop your ignorance. If you don't have it, doesn't mean you won't. So you might as well believe that you ALREADY have HIV+ (of course, my version of it). THINK. RESPECT. PROTECT. Together we can end HIV prejudice. If you dare, tell the world you are indeed HIV+. Say it with me: HEALTH IS VALUABLE (POSITIVE). This is one HIV+ you wanna spread! And I dare you to do the same by doing a "Hi. My name is _______ & I am HIV+" journal.






World AIDS Day is an opportunity to be inspired to respect and protect the health and wellbeing of ourselves and those around us through knowledge, action and consideration.

Are HIV and AIDS the same?
No. When someone is described as living with HIV, they have the HIV virus in their body. A person is considered to have developed AIDS when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope.

Get Involved

• Sport a red ribbon. Either an actual ribbon or post this in your journals.
• Support a Local campaign
• Shop red products
• Get infomed. Knowledge is the best weapon
• Feature HIV/Aids related artwork. Help spread the word

http://jbensch.deviantart.com/journal/21694870/ Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:39:14 PST

Time to give thanks. It's been a rather rough year but I am definitely thankful for my family - both here and my dA family. You are all the best! Now, come on over and we'll open some wine, have some food, play some cards and have a nice time.

]]> ^jbensch http://jbensch.deviantart.com/journal/21658499/ http://jbensch.deviantart.com/journal/21658499/ Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:39:14 PST
I'm still looking through the gallery, adding to my favorites, makin' comments, answering notes and whatnot.

I've been feeling rather blah lately...a bit depressed. It isn't related to the holidays or anything - the family is excited, myself included. I was chatting with some of the GM's the other day and it just hit me...BAM.

So, to get through this slump I'm working on some new flames. As I started building them I realized it's been months since I've done any new flames. What the hell is wrong with me?! Ha ha ha. Anyway, there will be something new in the next day or 2. I also have a few other things in the planning stage right now.

Don't worry, it's all good.

In the past I've made a few things for myself to find that they've been popular. Last year I did greeting cards. Seriously. I have 1 left. This year I may do a calendar of some of my flames. I have a few favorites that I've been meaning to get in print form: [link] [link] [link]

I've also been trying to find the right one to make into a print. A _BIG_ print. As big as I can get. Perhaps this one: [link]

You never know...

Okay, now I'm rambling. Time to hop to it.

]]> ^jbensch http://jbensch.deviantart.com/journal/21545591/ http://jbensch.deviantart.com/journal/21545591/ Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:16:12 PST