So far, Mexico City is awesome!  If you watched the video about the first day, you know that I met people from all over the world.  These people are young activists working everyday to lessen the stigma against HIV in their country, to advocate for medication, and encouraging people to know their status.

Today we visited a health center that does HIV testing and other health care for young people in Mexico City.  It was really neat to see a facility that is so different from what we see in the US, and yet so similar at the same time.  This clinic is focused on young people specifically; all of the rooms, waiting areas, posters, etc. are geared toward young people.  All of the staff is young too, so young people feel extra comfortable coming to the clinic.

One thing the staff talked about was the acceptance of the greater community of the work they do.  In the US, working at Planned Parenthood carries a lot of stigma - and for reasons you might not expect.  In the US, there are a lot of adults who don't think young people should be sexually active, so they try to withhold information and services.  In Mexico City, the situation was very similar about ten years ago, but recently young people have become more proactive and empowered to demand access to information and services.  Now, the staff in Mexico City even goes out into the streets to pass out condoms and offer sexuality counseling.

Tomorrow we're heading to a march coordinated by the youth pre-conference.  We are marching against stigma and discrimination - and we're filling the streets with hundreds of people!  Stay tuned -- video footage will definitely be coming!

Don't forget to check out the video tour of the health center today!