Michelle Landry - Herpes Advocate
I have learned much about Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV1 – Oral Herpes) and Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV2 - Genital Herpes) since being diagnosed with Herpes in 2001.
People deal with having herpes in many ways, most often by being silent on the subject, only sharing their diagnosis with others through support and social groups, or on a ‘need to know’ basis when becoming involved in a new relationship.
I choose to speak publicly and identify myself because of those I have met who, upon finding out they have Herpes, are emotionally devastated, who only know the stigma of what herpes is rather than the actual facts. Most often, the social stigma surrounding herpes is more painful emotionally than the actual physical symptoms of Herpes. What people need to know is this: Herpes is a VERY common virus.
I am a Herpes advocate, not a Herpes 'educator'. An advocate provides others with the information and assistance they need in order to act on their own behalf. An advocate is a person or institution who looks out for the best interests of others, supports a particular cause, educates others about that cause, speaks on behalf of those who may not be able to speak for themselves. I am not an 'educator' , as I believe that the term 'educator' (in regards to health issues) should be reserved for licensed medical professionals or a degreed professional who has specific medical training. As an 'advocate', I inform/educate others about Herpes through what I have learned from personal experience and research, discussion with medical professionals who specialize in STD research, and speaking with men and women who have been diagnosed with Herpes.
I am involved in a variety of project related to herpes advocacy. I have written self help and relationship articles, as well as letters to the media, urging the media to produce stories with a positive and educational focus on herpes. I have spoken about my own experience with herpes as a guest on 'The Tyra Banks Show', in an episode entitled, 'The ABC's of STD's", which aired on April 21, 2005. I am also featured in the May 2006 edition of the American Social Health Association's (ASHA) newsletter, 'the helper', a Q & A interview discussing my thoughts on herpes and national advocacy efforts.
Through speaking publicly about having Herpes, I hope to educate others about what Herpes is, is not, and work towards eliminating the stigma surrounding Herpes.
Outside of my involvement with Herpes advocacy, I keep busy. My Momma once told me I was born with a telephone in my hand. Add a few years, take that love of talking a few steps further, and you'll find me busy behind a microphone. I am a voice-over actor, which means I provide voices for radio and television commercials, industrial videos, animation, commercial jingles, etc...,. My educational background is in broadcasting, and some of my hobbies include learning how to play guitar, writing my first screenplay, and dabbling in producing audio documentaries.
For more more information about Herpes, I highly recommend visiting any of the websites listed below.
© 2006-2008 Michelle Landry. All rights reserved.
Last Updated : 01/13/2008 11:23:10