Asociación Gais Positius
Gais Positius is an association of gay and bisexual men living with HIV that has been working to address HIV and AIDS within the LGBTI+ community since 1994, using a rights-based approach.
In 1986, the Coordinadora Gai-Lesbiana de Catalunya (CGL) was founded. From the outset, it developed strategies to respond to the spread of AIDS at a time marked by widespread misinformation, high mortality rates, and a lack of effective treatments. That same year, Gais per la Salut was established. In September 1990, a group of gay men living with HIV created the first self-help and information space: Gais Positius. Its mission was to protect confidentiality and share essential information about HIV, its transmission, and available treatments.
Today, Gais Positius works towards an inclusive and equitable society where gay men living with HIV are respected, supported, and have equal opportunities in every aspect of life. Its aim is to build a strong, empowered community that embraces diversity and promotes acceptance and respect for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or health status.
Presentations and Events
With the aim of providing comprehensive support, empowerment, and the resources needed to improve the quality of life of gay men living with HIV, the association organises events throughout the year to encourage collective reflection. At Social COM_, we support its community activities, including the Matinal de Visibilidad en Positivo (Positive Visibility Morning), book presentations, and discussions featuring a range of activists.
Our work involves producing videos and photography, as well as sharing information across the association’s various communication channels, using a community-centred, rights-based approach. This has given us the opportunity to amplify the voices of people with extensive experience in the response to HIV.
Social Media Promotion Support
For the past three years, we have supported the association’s social media channels by promoting its events and raising awareness of international days dedicated to LGBTI+ rights. We have also contributed to internal discussions on the ethics of using platforms whose policies and practices are openly at odds with LGBTI+ rights, leading to changes in the association’s communication channels.
At Social COM_, we work on this project alongside student interns, using it as an opportunity to raise awareness of these issues and the importance of defending human rights, while supporting their professional development.
