As part of a project to start a mentor/mentee tradition within
Strength In Numbers (starting here in Los Angeles first as a test
area) and with the assistance of local HIV service agencies, I felt
it would be useful to provide two new Yahoo Groups. These Groups are
not specific to any city or region, and guys from everywhere are
encouraged to join them.

The first one is primarily for HIVeterans, guys who have been living
with HIV for a longer term. Many times HIVeterans (as I like to
identify them as a sign of respect for having battled through their
own personal wars) are dealing with issues that are not as common
usually with guys who have not been living with HIV for over a decade
or more. Some of these issues may include seeking advice on how to
deal with various side effects from longer term use of meds to
preparing for retirement and how to deal with benefits and
insurance. Also many HIVeterans come from a shared history having
lost so many friends and partners over the years and are seeking to
connect with other guys who personally understand the emotions and
challenges that are related to that.

The second group was created particularly for newbies, guys who have
recently tested positive for HIV. For them there is a different set
of issues and emotions that naturely come with the news. These may
include fear about having HIV, fear of dating and possible rejection,
and feeling overwhelmed by the system. All SIN members are welcome
to join either group and share their own experiences, provide
information, or just learn from the writings of others. Both Groups
are meant as a means to allow guys to connect with each other
directly or discuss issues in a safe, supportive environment. The
goal here is to not to divide our community between the two but to
allow for two different specific discussion groups focused on two
different arenas of life with HIV.

Please feel free to join these new forums and provide any
constructive feedback as you see fit. Thank you in advance for
participating in Strength In Numbers. Our power is completely
generated by your energy, intelligence and creativity. You guys rock!

To join the SIN Yahoo Group discussing issues for HIVeterans, go to:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SINHIVeterans

To join the SIN Yahoo Group discussing issues for HIV Newbies, go to:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SINNewbies

SIN-cerely,
Bryan Levinson (Founder, SIN)