Mission And History
Overview
The Heather Ivy Society was introduced in 2012 as a support group, information resource and activism network for women whose lives are influenced by HIV. The society’s mission is to provide a secure forum and support network whereby women may obtain peer and professional guidance on HIV-related women’s health issues, without stigma, judgment or harassment.
Our online forum is created to address the myriad issues that uniquely impact women living with HIV. Some of our society’s meeting topics include:
- How, when and to whom to disclose your HIV status
- Understanding and dealing with HIV stigma
- Conception and pregnancy when you are HIV positive
- Pregnancy contraception when you are HIV positive
- Protecting your partner from HIV transmission
- Mental Health and Hygiene
- Life Expectancy HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Our Purpose
The Heather Ivy Society purposes to provide an elegant and nurturing ambiance for HIV-impacted women, who often feel embarrassed or envision themselves as damaged, lonely and undeserving. The society aspires, instead, to encourage each woman’s self-acceptance as dignified, integrated and worthy and to provide its members with practical knowledge and skills that inform a truly positive life.
Our Story
The first gathering was held on December 15, 2012, at the Hammonds House Museum in Atlanta, GA. Since then, members have met over brunch and dinner and in countless other forums to support, educate and encourage one another.
The most lively and inspirational forum has been the secret Facebook society, with inclusion granted through invitation only. Most recently, the Heather Ivy Society launched its online support network to allow anonymous and broader access to information and resources specific to women.
