UGLAAB

TAKING FLIGHT

United Gays and Lesbians Against AIDS Barbados (UGLAAB) was formed in the month of February 2001 with about five members and to date has grown to about 163 financial members. The founder Mr. Darcy Dear thought that it was time something was done about the HIV/AIDS epidemic within the 14-16 age group of the gay community of Barbados. The Executive Board and other members of the organisation put ideas, projects and education in place to help the community as a whole, thus educating, caring and supporting our brothers and sisters.

WHAT DOES UGLAAB DO?

UGLAAB is an organisation of men and women coming together to tackle the HIV/AIDS epidemic not only for the GAY COMMUNITY but also for all sexually active persons.

The organisation deals with issues pertaining to the GAY COMMUNITY and others, giving help to those in need - be it physical, mental or financial. We educate, care and support those in the GAY COMMUNITY as well as become actively involved in projects as well as implement new ones, thus proving to society and the nation as a whole that we, the members of UGLAAB (UNITED GAYS AND LESBIANS AGAINST AIDS BARBADOS) are an organisation ready to work towards a better community, and a healthy nation for one and all.

MAKING HISTORY

On WORLD AIDS DAY 2001 the United Gays and Lesbians Against AIDS Barbados made it’s first public appearance with a launch in Heroes Square in the city of Bridgetown, this was truly a momentous occasion and one that will never be forgotten as it was the first of it’s kind in Barbados.

EDUCATION-CARE-SUPPORT

Education is one of the main aims of UGLAAB, and to reach this goal there were many programmes implemented. Discussions and open forums where invited guests would share with the organisation were set up. These programmes were very rewarding; not only were the members given powerful information but they became more aware of HIV/AIDS related topics and how to deal with the many social problems of the society.

LEAN ON ME

As our motto states we educate, care and support our brothers and sisters, coming together as one to make a difference, within the Gay Community. The organisation has been able to lend a helping hand, in areas ranging from the donation of gift baskets to the organising of funerals.

CONTACT

ONGOING PROJECTS

COMFORT ZONE-JANUARY 2002

To provide a place of comfort and relaxation for members of the gay community, their families and friends, as a means of escape from the harsh strains of society.

HOSPITAL CARE -JANUARY 2002

To care and support our own as well as cater to their needs be they members of UGLAAB or members of the society in general.

HIV TESTING- FEBRUARY 2002

To know the status of the members of the organisation and be able to get help for those who are positive and to educate those who are negative so they can remain negative.

BUDDY PROGRAMME-FEBRUARY 2002

To provide home help for those members who are HIV positive, i.e. financial assistance, clothing, counselling and food among other areas.

A NEW BEGINNING-MARCH 2002

To assist members of the gay community to become gainfully employed thus reducing the risk of becoming HIV positive or spreading the virus due to working the streets.

FOOD DRIVE-MAY 2002

To provide food items for members of UGLAAB and the gay community as well as donating food hampers to those who are in need.

SHORT PROJECTS

CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN-DECEMBER 2001 (2 Weeks)

To clean and beautify the surroundings of our headquarters, making it more pleasant for members and the public at large.

COUNSELLING SKILLS WORKSHOP- MARCH 2002

The workshop dealt with all areas of counselling, including grief, members and their HIV status, how to deal with the different stages, some of the methods used were through role play, testimonies and an extension of the buddy system (several counsellors, made themselves available for one on one interactions. Completion of the workshop was followed by a graduation ceremony.

LECTURE DISCUSSIONS

The following facilitators lectured on the topics listed over a period of eight (8) months.

1. Marcia Bernicat - Charge D’Affairs: HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa and her personal experiences in this field.
2. Sister Lydia Waterman- Head of Infectious Control Unit: The importance of being tested.
3. Dr. Carol Jacobs - Head National HIV/AIDS Commission: Prevention and testing.
4. Dr. Timothy Roach - Head HIV/AIDS Management Team: Medication and the importance of use of the medication.
5. Sanka Price - Newspaper Journalist: The negative and the positive of HIV/AIDS and gays in the media.
6. Sade Leon Slinger - Programme Coordinator AIDS Information Centre: The way in which the Ministry of Health could assist through their programmes.
7. Joseph Lawrence- AIDS Hotline Manager: Condom use and sex education
8. Laura Rudder - Incorporator: The importance of the NGO.

p UGLAAB – Barbados. All rights reserved.

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