IL ASAP's anti-stigma campaign launched March 1, 2011, when hundreds of advocates headed to Springfield Illinois for the 2011 HIV/AIDS Lobby Days.  During the event, they will meet with their Illinois State Representatives and Senators to voice the needs of the HIV community here in Illinois. In an effort to bring attention to the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, the Illinois Alliance for Sound AIDS Policy (IL ASAP) would like to ask the general public to help promote awareness of the rights of HIV-positive people by taking part in our Anti-Stigma Campaign starting this March.

Here is how you can help in a unique and innovative effort: Beginning March 2, hundreds of people around Illinois and beyond will wear this t-shirt (bearing the words “HIV POSITIVE"), all day out in the world, to make a statement about stigma, silence and "standing with" people impacted with HIV/AIDS. People from all walks of life (HIV positive and negative) can join in this effort by wearing the t-shirt wherever their daily business carries them (grocery store, beauty shop, work, school, the gym, etc.). The IL ASAP's anti-stigma campaign will start to address the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and make a difference in the way the disease and the people who have it are viewed.

The Illinois Alliance for Sound AIDS Policy knows how important is it for HIV-positive individuals to get  the care and services they need to live a healthy life. That's why we are taking our voices to Springfield. We need YOU (the general public) to "stand with us" to help put an end to the stigma that prevents HIV- positive individuals from getting the care they need.