Something Positive for Positive People

Here we answer the question about disclosing in nonmonogamy.

If you missed the conference, you’ll be able to view the recordings for purchase here: https://spfpp.org/conferences but here’s a podcast recapping the conference and going a little into what you may have missed. If you attend, please come back to the conference feedback form to give us feedback on how we can continue to improve not only this conference but also future data and events moving forward as we strive to minimize stigma!

In episode 336 of Something Positive for Positive People, titled "Disclosing for a Lover," we delve into the complex dynamics of non-monogamous relationships where herpes is present. This discussion explores how individuals can ethically disclose their partner’s herpes status to new potential partners, ensuring privacy and respect are maintained. We unpack the challenges of navigating such disclosures without outing the person they represent, offering practical advice and insights for managing this sensitive situation with integrity and care. Tune in to hear from experts and community members who share their experiences and strategies for ethical communication in non-monogamous settings.

In this episode, we dive into the emotionally charged question: 'Who gave me herpes?' We'll explore the complexities behind this inquiry, not just in terms of identifying a source but understanding the deeper emotional undercurrents it unleashes. Join us as we discuss how navigating these feelings can lead to personal growth and healing, beyond the stigma and initial anger. Discover practical steps for embracing your emotions and turning a situation of blame into one of empowerment and acceptance.

I promise I'll start getting back to the interviews rather than talking about my trials and tribulations of my one off herpes experience haha. But seriously today I wanted to just share what my intention is with SPFPP and that's to Create community through this common unity. Herpes does not have a cure as of today, and I wish for people to not live their life in anticipation for one.

I had every intention of exclusively talking about Letting Go this podcast episode and while some examples were injected, that didn't quite happen haha, but I do believe this offers some clarity on my intention behind creating events and structuring community focused opportunities for us to connect with each other and for people to know what I'm doing. I think people believe I post on social media and talk on a podcast but that isn't even the half of it. Listen to learn.

You asked about how you can help SPFPP expand well here it is! I believe we've found ourselves the best way to minimize stigma by directly going to the educators and STD/STI prevention workers. They're the ones with the credibility and just need to understand where we're coming from with our experiences with stigma. Perhaps equipping them with our resources will create the shift we need.

Here my ask is just to tap into your networks and let me know how I can offer these organizations the ongoing support resources to help them best serve patients and clients utilizing our community's collective shared experiences, data, podcasts, and I'll lad the trainings and workshops. So aside from the membership for individuals, SPFPP now is offering organizations access to our library of workshops to learn to discuss HSV with patients in the way they express wishing they were talked to when they got their diagnosis.

We're talking about stigma minimizing communication, education, and more. Check us out for best practices for delivering a diagnosis, teaching patients to discuss sexual health, best options for managing emotional health to minimize symptoms and more by joining.

So let your health care providers know about me and let me know who I need to connect with to offer these resources to!

I’m really feeling gratitude for all the support since dropping last week’s podcast episode. This episode, I share about Letting Go of fear from a personal experience. I value connection and recognize that I had some emotions that, while I’m teaching others how to Let Go, I myself hadn’t fully let go of myself. I’ve come to realize I do in fact have a fear of success. This came up over the weeks I didn’t record another podcast episode because I was actively pursuing funding for SPFPP. It is very likely that my own inner negative emotions of pride and fear really are in the way of me getting funding for SPFPP, and I believe PERHAPS that there’s a parallel there that folks can relate to in their own diagnosis.

I’ll be speaking more about this process of Letting Go from the lens of a herpes diagnosis and doing my best to relate my own experiences throughout this process to you as well. This isn’t necessarily a series, but it’s very useful and I want to be sure that you get from the process at minimum what I’m getting out of this process surrendering my own negative emotions in order to let in the positive. That said, it was in this podcast that I acknowledged my own fear of success in detail being a fear of losing my connection with this community. I know that if I get funding and I’m able to exclusively support myself from that funding, it’s likely to have come from a place that is either out of alignment with my values, or I’ll have to step away from doing the very things I like to do through SPFPP, like we saw with the podcast going on an unannounced hiatus.

I CAN sustain this organization off of donations alone and when the time comes, more aligned funding will present itself. I just had to acknowledge these emotional barriers to let go of my desire to be able to offer more to ya’ll with funding because you are now speaking loud and clear that THIS is the “more” ya’ll need, the podcast. And not only is that something I am capable of giving to you, but it also brings me peace because I feel connected through doing this as well. My intention here is to share the power of Letting Go in my life and selling you on applying it to your own.

Please join our monthly newsletter and learn about the happenings of SPFPP as what’s aligning for me is more podcasting, less social media if I’m being honest. You can just visit the site and you’ll see a pop up asking you to subscribe. Joining the SPFPP membership is going to be your best bet and value to contribute monthly to the organization, access the recordings of the Yoga classes, live and virtual events coming up, support calls and groups, and the upcoming conference, so visit www.spfpp.org/membership and sign up today in order to access everything.

I’m glad to be back and I feel a new found drive to offer a greater QUALITY of presence vs trying to increase the QUANTITY of it at the expense of the most impactful things. I’m also interviewing people again after May 23, so if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast, visit www.spfpp.org/podcast and fill in the guest intake form.

Apologies to all the listeners who were relying on this podcast on a weekly basis. I made a poor choice in attention shifting in an effort to generate more funds for the organization and those attempts really showed me just what's most important within this organization. This podcast is important not just to those who benefit from it but for me also as a spiritual practice, or truth seeking practice for those who don't like the spiritual talk. In this episode I just share what I was doing during that time and how intentional I am now moving forward starting after I make my move to the East Coast in May. Take a listen!

Welcome to a special edition of the Something Positive for Positive People Podcast. In this enlightening episode, we dive into the comprehensive range of support and educational programs offered by SPFPP, designed to empower and support individuals navigating the complexities of herpes and other STIs.

Discover the depth and breadth of our services, starting with personalized Support Calls, where individuals can share, seek advice, and find solace in a confidential setting. Learn how our unique Yoga Sessions, rooted in Restorative Yin, offer a sanctuary for healing and mindfulness, addressing the emotional impacts of stigma.

We'll also cover the enriching experiences provided by our Conferences and Workshops, which serve as platforms for education, connection, and empowerment. These events are tailored to shed light on sexual health and wellness, encouraging open and stigma-free conversations.

Dive into the world of our Podcast, where we share stories, insights, and interviews that resonate with our community's experiences and challenges. The episode will highlight the value of staying informed and engaged through our Newsletter, which brings the latest updates, stories, and opportunities right to your inbox.

Additionally, we touch upon our involvement in Research, aiming to contribute valuable data and insights to the broader conversation around sexual health and stigma.

This episode is an invitation to explore the full spectrum of resources and support offered by Something Positive for Positive People. Whether you're seeking personal guidance, looking to expand your knowledge, or eager to connect with a community that understands, SPFPP is here to support your journey toward healing and empowerment.

Join us as we outline how each program can serve as a step toward a more informed, supported, and positive life. If you're looking to dive deeper into any of these areas or want to support our cause, visit www.spfpp.org for more information on how to get involved or utilize our services.

Thank you for tuning in and becoming part of our continuing journey to destigmatize herpes and enhance sexual health education and support worldwide.