Acceleration on Men (AOM)
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What is Acceleration of Men?
THIS A PROVINCIAL PROGRAM THAT AIMS TO REDUCE HIV INFECTION AND EDUCATE ON THE TRANSMISSION AMONG MEN OF EVERY ETHNICITY BY SUPPORTING GRASSROOTS EFFORTS TO PROVIDE HIV PREVENTION, TRAUMA ENFORCED CARE, AND PSYCHO-SOCIAL THERAPY SESSIONS.
- 2 COHORTS OF 8 MEN
- 03/20-12/20: ONE GRANT YEAR
- PEER-LED BIWEEKLY EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR MEN
- FIVE MONTHS PER COHORT
- WORKSHOPS INCLUDE: JOB READINESS/DRESS FOR SUCCESS HARM REDUCTION, BEING A MENTOR, SUCCESSFUL SPEECH, ASSERTIVENESS/SELF-EMPOWERMENT/LOVE, CLASSES/STORYTELLING, HIV 101/HIV CRIMINALIZATION TRAINING, COMBAT HOMELESS
Testimonials
"Growing up in a deeply Christian household presented significant challenges for me. I often felt a sense of difference from my sisters, as their conversations revolved around boys while my thoughts were directed toward girls. I don’t have a traditional coming-out narrative, as I’ve never felt the need to conform to that concept. However, my experience dramatically shifted during high school.
Entering my senior year, I grappled with fears of rejection. When my best friend came out to me in twelfth grade, it was a moment of profound significance that opened the door for my own disclosure. Just a week after graduating, I found the courage to share my truth with him, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for me.
While I have not faced severe instances of homophobia, the few moments I have encountered were met with calm assertiveness. I communicated that my identity is not a passing phase and that if I could change my life to appease everyone, I would not. Embracing my authenticity has brought me immense happiness, and being open about my identity has truly been one of the most enriching experiences of my life."
“I became aware of my different sexual orientation during high school, although I always sensed that I was not like everyone else. My early experiences, particularly a traumatic incident at the age of five involving a family member, shaped my understanding of intimacy in profound ways. Initially, I was unaware that what happened to me was wrong; it felt normal until my parents intervened and clarified the situation. This revelation had a lasting impact on me and contributed to my developing attraction toward men rather than women. My mother provided strong protection throughout my early years, which ultimately delayed my ability to explore my feelings until high school.”
"I do not have a traditional coming out story; rather, I had a candid conversation with my family about my sexual orientation. I shared with them that I do not experience attraction to women, which stems from my personal experiences, including trauma I have faced in my life. This has shaped my understanding of my identity.
As I navigate my life, I carry myself in a way that aligns with my identity as a man. However, this has not always led to the acceptance I hoped for within my community.
I sincerely hope that the African American community can foster a more accepting environment for diverse sexual orientations. It is important that we move beyond judgment and instead take the time to understand individuals for who they are, rather than making assumptions based on their relationships. Acceptance and empathy can greatly enhance our collective experience and promote a more inclusive society."