This includes the Board of Directors, newsletter team, office operations, and programs. For a long time I thought that Being Alive was only a publication. The membership is comprised exclusively of people who actually have the virus. We are a multi-cultural group ranging in class from the very privileged and educated to the unfortunate and homeless. Support Being Alive was founded in 1984 by a group of gay men who had AIDS, for emotional support and empowerment.
Support groups are the core program.
That's what a lot of people come for. Others come for medical information, as well as for support in negotiating treatment strategies with their doctor. The support groups at Being Alive are not therapy groups. Of course a peer is defined as someone who is in the same situation as others in the group, in this case a person with AIDS or HIV infection. The support groups are run by trained peer facilitators.