How to Curb HIV the 'LoveYourself Way'

How do you encourage people to visit a community center to get tested for HIV? Be innovative.

In the Fuente area behind Sampaguita Suites sits what looks like a regular residential building, with concrete fences painted green and white, and brown gates on adjacent sides. But inside is a community center that offers fast, free, and confidential HIV screening. The center is fashioned into a coworking space, with free Wi-Fi and complimentary coffee and snacks so clients can go about their business. This is the LoveYourself White House.

“When someone considers getting tested for HIV, there is trepidation, an overpowering concern that pushes them back from going through with it,” says Jan Shaltiel Vincent Estrada, head of LoveYourself White House. “We want to provide an atmosphere that does not intimidate. When clients come here, they feel like they just went to a coffee shop to study, to read, or play board games.”

The center prides itself to be a safe space, too. You don't have to fear being judged for your identity. “We all look at the world differently. You are unique. Everyone’s unique,” Jan added. “Here we respect each other’s individuality.”

First-time visitors often think that they entered a high-end coffee shop because of its interior. The right mix of warm and natural lights plus the monochromatic leaves-designed wall create a soothing and calming environment. Upon entering the center, you will be greeted warmly by volunteers who would offer you free coffee or tea. You can enjoy your cup while streaming for the latest Netflix series.

Their process is also automated so your confidentiality is ensured from the time you step inside until you leave the place.

The first community center of LoveYourself, Inc. outside the Greater Manila Area, the White House’s core mission is to inspire self-care and, ultimately, self-worth. With realized self-worth, layers of fear from knowing one’s HIV status is chipped away; well-being and quality of life become top priorities. This is very important because when a person living with HIV undergoes religious treatment, the virus will eventually become untransmittable. Undetectable = untransmittable.

The center is run by volunteers from different walks of life. Their background are diverse, but they have developed a formidable bond all for a common goal: to encourage everyone to love themselves by knowing their HIV status.

In the latest report of the Department of Health, Central Visayas has 474 new HIV cases recorded in the first six months of 2019. The region has the fourth-highest number of HIV cases in the country. To encourage the populace, especially the youth, LoveYourself White House occasionally organizes events that serve as opportunities to educate the public. These events may be independent or at times in coordination with other organizations. They range from HIV testing caravans in different institutions to viewing parties, skills development workshops, and even fashion and variety shows.

One up and coming major event that the LoveYourself White House is involved in is the National HIV Testing Day on November 23. Dubbed as Know Your Status and Play (#KYSandPlay2019), various testing sites will be popped up nationwide from 11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is led by LoveYourself, Inc. and the Philippine Educational Theater Association, in partnership with several community-based organizations across the country.

There will be five screening sites in Metro Cebu. There’s the LoveYourself White House at #40 J. Llorente St. in Cebu City. Other volunteers will be deployed to the Sunflower Bistro and KTV in Parkmall in Mandaue City, Watever KTV at The Outlets in Lapu-Lapu City, and at the Barangay Poblacion Park in Talisay City, which is co-facilitated by the Talisay City LGBT Bangaw Federation. The fifth site, handled solely by Bisdak Pride, is at the Atma Prema community center at Jasper Apartment M-5, Orchid Street, El Dorado Subdivision in Banilad.

To sign up for the #KYSandPlay2019, you may visit bit.ly/KYSandPlay2019. For questions about their upcoming events or to simply get more acquainted with the LoveYourself White House, visit the group’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/loveyourselfwhitehouse/. (RYAN TABORADA)