Love +ve

Why do you see me through tinted glasses? 

It breaks my heart into a million pieces. 

The day I knew I was positive, 

all people around me turned negative. 

Some of you think that I deserve it, 

and so in your society I no longer fit. 

But just like you I did not know, 

so now my tears abundantly flow.  

I had faith in my partner, 

that he loved me and none other. 

But the truth was revealed; 

that one mistake and my fate’s been sealed. 

Please don’t look at me through tinted glasses, 

support me as I pick up my life’s broken pieces. 

- Anonymous

Anne Ng, Founder of ‘August 29’:

“One of my close friends, Ariel*, almost contracted an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) from an ex-boyfriend. The man, a high-flyer who drew a handsome pay cheque, indulged in casual unprotected sex frequently. His actions caused a woman to be infected with an STI, as a result of which she can no longer conceive. When Ariel found out, she was terrified that she might also be infected so she went to test for STI and HIV. Fortunately, she was tested negative. The whole ordeal left her emotionally crippled and mentally devastated. Although Ariel’s boyfriend was faithful to her throughout their period of courtship, his tainted record and appetite for high-risk activities left her in a very vulnerable position. They broke up shortly after.  

Upset with my friend’s predicament, I realized a lot more had to be done to address this societal problem of high-risk sexual behaviour. With the influx of Hollywood’s glamorous and often wanton culture, many youths in Singapore have the belief that you can have sex with anyone, at any time, without any consequences. Receiving immediate gratification seems to have shoved all notions of self-protection to the back of people’s minds.

So, together with my friends, we decided to do what we can through film and photography to tell other youths that it is important for each of us to take responsibility for ourselves and for others. Seeing how my friend grappled with the fear of the possibility of being HIV positive and how others will see her, I realized that people living with HIV in Singapore are subjected to some degree of discrimination. So, we put together the short film and photo exhibition to educate our peers and to help dispel the stigma associated with the disease..”  

*Name has been changed.

Have you guys been to Baybeats yet? If not hurry up, it’s still on till tomorrow!!

I was there yesterday, and boy it was definitely deafening! The bands were so cool! There were a lot of people, but still there was still room to roam around without being pushed around like the Comex… And I saw the Love+ve booth there!! It was real cool, they were giving out freebies like guitar picks and fan (to me that THE MOST important survival tool at baybeats) and check this out… FREE airbrush TATTOO!! woo hoo!

Aiyo… words can’t say wat I wanna say la… here’re some pics…

This is the baybeats sign… quite cool looking yah? 3 nites of rocking and blasting music till your heart beat to the beat of the drums and bass…. haha…

 hee… this is my friend.. she had the tattoo on her arm… stylo mylo yah.

 This is the tattoist… (dunno spelling correct or not.. hee)

This is one of the local bands, Peepshow. They’ve got a LOT of fans, I had to climb up, near the sound booth to take this shot…

hmm…. I think I’ll go back again.. this time will try the tattoo… hee.. hope to seeya there!

 
Love yourself and others around you. Turn your back on anything that can harm you. Keep your mind “clear” and body “pure” in order to better enjoy the music.

Visit our booth to find out more on “Love +ve”. Get a “Love +ve” tattoo or drop a note on “Love +ve” at our booth.

Welcome to the Love +ve site. In case you are wondering, Love +ve is all about loving yourself for who you are, respecting your body and not subjecting it to unnecessary risks.  

A group of us decided that we should do something to encourage other young people to love themselves and treasure what we have in life.

In March 2008, We had put up a most impressive photo documentary of some people living with HIV in Singapore (nope you don’t get to see their faces) and the people who are helping them to go on with their lives.

We also scripted and produced a short film titled “August 29” to convey the message. Do take a look at the short film and tell us what you think of it!