On this week’s episode of CockTales: Dirty Discussions, hosts Kiki and Medinah open up an eye-opening conversation with Marcella and Paola from AID Atlanta, diving deep into HIV awareness, prevention, and the life-saving power of honest sex education.
From tackling myths to celebrating modern-day treatment breakthroughs, the episode serves as a crash course in sexual health for everyone—from the curious to the committed.
Let’s Talk HIV: Myths, Facts & Real Lives
Marcella, AID Atlanta’s Volunteer Group Outreach Coordinator, and Paola, the organization’s Social Media and Grants Manager, start by clearing the air on a few misconceptions:
HIV is the virus. AIDS is the condition it can evolve into if left untreated. Thanks to today’s medication, people living with HIV can maintain undetectable viral loads—meaning they can live full, healthy lives and cannot transmit the virus. “Undetectable equals untransmittable,” they emphasize.
Transmission most commonly happens through sexual contact or sharing needles. And yes, mother-to-child transmission is entirely preventable with the right medication.
PrEP, PEP & Prevention That Works
The team champions education around two major tools in HIV prevention:
- PrEP, a daily medication that functions like birth control for HIV prevention
- PEP, a post-exposure option taken within 72 hours (think of it as the “Plan B” of HIV treatment)
Both are available for free through AID Atlanta, regardless of your insurance status.
More Than Testing—It’s Community Care
AID Atlanta doesn’t stop at testing—though they offer it daily with no appointment needed. They provide full case management, support groups (like Sisters With A Voice and the Men’s Engagement Network), mental health care, and even emergency help with rent, utilities, or transportation.
They take a “status neutral” approach—meaning whether you’re positive, negative, or unsure, you’ll be met with the same level of care, support, and dignity.
One powerful story Marcella shares involves a woman diagnosed with HIV who went on to achieve sobriety, secure housing, and start her own business—all through community support.
Dismantling Stigma: Sex Work, Misconceptions & Representation
The episode addresses stigmas that still haunt the conversation around HIV—especially the false idea that it’s a “gay disease” or only impacts certain groups. “HIV doesn’t discriminate,” Marcella notes, pointing out the virus affects everyone, including college students and heterosexual women.
They recall harm-reduction strategies from earlier epidemic days—like teaching sex workers to discreetly carry condoms (“cheeking”) and providing bleach kits to clean needles. The message? Meet people where they are, without judgment.
Real Talk Saves Lives
The AID Atlanta reps stress that open communication—between parents and children, partners, and peers—is the most powerful tool we have. “We have to put our phones down and have honest conversations,” Paola says.
They encourage people not to just talk about testing with partners, but to go get tested together. Testing minors is also possible—AID Atlanta does it, offering discretion and support through mobile testing units and in creative locations like “Out of the Closet” thrift stores, which double as pharmacies and clinics.
Get Involved: Help Save Lives
Whether it’s volunteering at Atlanta Pride, joining a backpack drive, or helping at an AIDS Walk, AID Atlanta is always looking for community support. The episode ends with an urgent reminder: HIV rates remain high—especially among women in Atlanta.
“Get tested. Know your status. Talk about it.”
