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HIV and youth - all is not lost?

Last week in Between The Lines, we showcased the despairing problem of youth HIV cases and the work that is being done to prevent new infections and encourage safe sex and regular testing. We lamented the lack of comprehensive and honest sex education in schools, the dwindling federal funding for new programs and the obstacles of trying to reach out to youth who cannot and will not admit that they are gay and at risk.

This Sunday, like an answer to our moans and groans, Steppin' Out's AIDS Walk Detroit happened. And it was filled with teenagers.
They came with their high schools and churches, clad in matching shirts and cheering with infectious enthusiasm. They came with their families and parents, who showed them the NAMES AIDS Memorial Project quilts and explained just how many people in this country have died from HIV/AIDS and are still dying today. They came and raised money for the cause and led the group of thousands of walkers throughout downtown Royal Oak.
Many long-time supporters and participants noted the abundance of fresh new faces and inquisitive young minds at the event, including Pronto! Owner and AIDS Walk organizer Bill Thomas, who was ecstatic at the youth turnout. And not just teens, but college students, grade school-aged children – even toddlers and newborns. It was an invigorating sight to see children running around and teens cheering. But it was also a sign of hope that the upcoming generations will not let themselves be left in the dark when it comes to adequate knowledge of what is happening in their world – even if it's something that's not affecting them directly.
Many of today's youth don't know anyone who has HIV or has passed away from AIDS – and yet they still come out to support the cause and learn about the issues. It's uplifting, amongst all the bad news about the epidemic and the lack of support, to see that youth will continue to carry the cause from the ground level.
However, it also highlights the need for increased education about the issue. When asked about HIV/AIDS, many youth mention that they know how big of a problem it is in Africa and they know how many people it killed in the U.S. in the '80s and '90s. But the question is, do they know about it now? Do they know that it can happen to them? Most importantly, do they know how to protect themselves?
Supporting the issue is good, but learning about it is still crucial. Full understanding on the part of youth means knowing that HIV/AIDS isn't gone, and that it cant still affect them in their lifetimes. They have the willingness to learn and the activist nature inside of them. They're interested and passionate. It's all a matter of making sure that the adults and leaders of today are willing to teach them – not just about the past, or what's happening overseas, but about what's going on in their worlds right here, right now.
They want to help the cause – so let's all help them.

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