Sade (not their real name) is a transwoman and a sex worker. Disowned by her dad and evicted from her family home at an early age drove her to sex work. In the face of adversity, Sade's journey from a disowned daughter to an HIV-positive sex worker was marked by stigma and discrimination. But instead of succumbing to despair, she became a beacon of resilience. Fuelled by her own struggles, she forged a platform advocating for transgender rights and inclusion, turning her pain into a powerful force for change.
As the world commemorates Zero Discrimination Day on March 1st, Y+ Global, the global network of young people living with HIV, has launched the "My Reality" campaign to spotlight the lived experiences of young key populations and those most marginalised, highlighting the persistent stigma and discrimination they encounter on a day to day basis.
Drawing inspiration from experiences like Sade, My Reality illuminates the journeys of young leaders throughout Africa. These stories serve as powerful testaments to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of activism, showcasing how adversity can be transformed into advocacy and empowerment. This year’s theme, ‘To protect everyone’s health, protect everyone’s rights’, acknowledges how interconnected human rights and healthcare are and urges communities, governments, and organisations to take actions that protect the rights of marginalised communities living with and affected by HIV/AIDS across the world.
“No one should be left behind because of who they are, where they live, or what they have. Everyone deserves respect, compassion, and justice. Everyone deserves a life free from discrimination.”Don Darcy Ndiike
Young Emerging Leader from Burundi
According to UNAIDS, 67 out of 195 countries still criminalise same-sex relations, with 10 imposing the death penalty. Twenty countries continue to criminalise gender diversity. Further reports show that countries where same-sex relations and gender diversity are criminalised have an HIV prevalence five times higher than in countries where these are not criminalised. Laws, policies, cultural and traditional practices and beliefs continue to threaten progress made and, more importantly, put the lives of many young people at risk of violence.
“Ending stigma and discrimination is essential for creating an enabling environment where individuals feel safe, supported, and empowered to access HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and treatment services. By addressing stigma, we can improve health and advance towards the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic.”Catherine Wanjiru Kanari
Young Emerging Leader from Kenya
Y+ Global, in collaboration with Love Alliance and through the support of AidsFonds, launched My Reality to amplify the voices of young people subjected to discrimination and marginalisation. The campaign aims to share personal stories and experiences to challenge misconceptions and promote greater understanding and empathy within communities worldwide. The series also aims to raise awareness among the general public and encourage policymakers and decision-makers in Love Alliance countries and beyond to take action.
In late 2023, Y+ Global, with the support and voices of the inaugural group of Young Emerging Leaders, produced a series of podcast episodes that delved into the diverse experiences youth leaders from 13 countries in Africa faced. They covered an array of issues, providing insights and expertise on issues affecting young key populations such as stigma and discrimination, criminalisation, sexual reproductive health and rights, and gender-based violence.
“Storytelling is a powerful tool that can help to break down barriers and stigma. By amplifying the voices of those most affected by HIV, especially young key populations, we can bring their lived experiences to the forefront. Through the use of social media, My Reality has the potential to inspire people to see the truth and foster acceptance, something that is much needed in a time where there is so much division.”Eddy Rudram
Communications and Advocacy Manager at Y+ Global
The My Reality campaign will consist of informative and empowering content such as testimonial videos, educative podcasts and posts that raise awareness about human rights principles, particularly for young people living with and affected by HIV, LGBTIQ+ rights, sex workers, including their access to healthcare, education, employment, and more. Over the next few months, various informational resources and lived stories will be amplified on social media platforms.
As Zero Discrimination Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice, My Reality serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of young key populations and to drive meaningful change by fostering solidarity among communities worldwide. Through shared narratives and advocacy efforts, the campaign also encourages others to share their own stories and their lived experiences and to make My Reality everyone’s reality.