Blue Ribbon Boys: LGBT Journalist Cristian Galarza Fights Against HIV Stigma
This post is also available in: Español
We find ourselves inspired by the amazing work of Cristian Galarza, a Mexican advocate and a #BlueRibbonBoy. Find him on Twitter and on Facebook.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I’m creative. I love to enjoy my gay life in the city, and I appreciate my independence a lot. I believe people should have a single goal in life: to be happy. I’m an independent journalist, taking on sexual diversity issues, human rights and health. I run the website japii.mx, write on soyhomosensual.com and also collaborate with different digital media, and I share everything I do on my social media.
What led to you becoming the person you are now?
I used to work in finance, but as much as that life was pleasant, I realized that I wasn’t pursuing my own personal dreams, so I decided to start a new path and make it one of content that is hard to find and isn’t usually published by big blogs, and to make my posts from my point of view.
Why is it important for you to be part of #BlueRibbonBoys?
I think it’s really important to think about the needs of key populations and make an echo in those less interested in the subject. This campaign is an excellent opportunity to restructure the fight against HIV and stigmas about people living with the virus.
What do you do to stay up-to-date on HIV?
I read, I ask without fear and I attend events like “Gay Latino” where I can learn more about the global situation. I also do a lot of this for my work, and I interview experts in the matter trying to ask simple questions regular people want the answers to.
What kind of actions do you take to promote and inform your followers about HIV?
I publish special posts about the subject using simple language. I share content from others in the realm, and I always try to link those in doubt or need with the people who can help them or answer their questions. Everyday I receive a lot of messages via social media, and the questions range from how to use prevention methods to what to do in case someone was involved in a high-risk infection situation. I try to calm them, help them find a solution and put them in touch with an expert.
Will you be doing anything special for this year’s World HIV Day?
I’ll be publishing a special post, and I’ll be attending a special concert for World AIDS Day held in México City.
You too can become a #BlueRibbonBoy by signing a petition supporting HIV prevention and treatment. Check out Hornet’s Blue Ribbon Boys page for details.
