Queer men’s HIV support group launches in Cape Town

The Positively Alive network, which provides support, networking and information to gay, bisexual and transgender men living with HIV, is launching in Cape Town.

The support network was established in Johannesburg in 2008 by Alan Brand as a social responsibility initiative of his employee wellness consultancy company, also registered as Positively Alive.

Alan has been living with HIV since 1997 and continues to dedicate himself to breaking the silence and diminishing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.

Positively Alive currently runs monthly support group meetings in Johannesburg and will now offer a similar service in the Mother City.

These meetings provide a platform for Positively Alive members to share and interact socially with each other and have become a valuable monthly event. The meeting is also open to all LGBTIQA+ members.

The Cape Town support group will be facilitated by Dorian Basson, the founder of the Red Ribbon Foundation, who has been living with HIV for 18 years.

Cape Town Positively Alive meetings are set to be held on the third Saturday of each month. (Dates are subject to change, so please keep an eye on the Positively Alive social media pages for updates.)

“Come and join us for a facilitated session of sharing, caring, networking, and supporting each other,” says Basson.

“The monthly facilitated support group sessions will provide a safe space to all. Everyone is made to feel special and welcome, and nobody is required to do anything they are not 100% happy to participate in. The sessions will allow you to be able to make friends and find someone whom you can relate and interact with,” Basson adds.

Coffee, tea, and refreshments will be served. The workshops are free, and donations towards refreshments are welcome. Any guest speaker or topic expert who is invited from time to time to share at these sessions is selected only after consultation with all members attending.

“Confidentiality will always be our priority,” assures Basson. “Although these meetings are held at a public venue, members can be assured that nobody connected to the venue is present nor aware of the nature of the meeting taking place. Your privacy is protected and respected at all times.”

The Cape Town support group venue is the Pride Shelter Trust boardroom at 1 Molteno Road, Oranjezicht, Cape Town. (De Waal Park is just below Pride Shelter).

For more information, contact Dorian Basson at 073 995 9471 or email bassondorian@gmail.com.