June 16, 2007 - HIV and AIDS. A topic we hear much about, yet for some, the message has yet to resonate.

Families and relationships torn apart. Youth seeking direction and guidance. Women, powerless over their own identity, self worth, and sexuality.

These topics, and more, were discussed during Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton's 'Sex in the City' Town Hall Meeting on HIV and AIDS For Women, held at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center moderated by WKYS radio personality Jeannie Jones.

Women, of all ages and from all walks of life, shared their individual and family HIV stories.

"I am HIV positive", says Belinda, an artist and poet.

"I noticed the glands in my neck were swollen and I started to lose weight." She further revealed that her boyfriend, an inmate, had contracted the disease and had given it to her.

Many like Belinda are using their experiences with HIVand AIDS to help others. As an artist, Belinda designed a painting that was auctioned off for $20,000. She has an offer from Hollywood film director, Bill Duke to tell her story in an upcoming film.

Clips were shown from the HBO film, Life Support, featuring Queen Latifah where women discuss how the disease has impacted their lives.

One woman recounts that the man who gave her the disease "looked like he was healthy", while the film’s main character, Queen Latifah, was also infected by her drug-using boyfriend.

In the early nineties, NBA legend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson shocked the world when he announced he was HIV positive. Several years later, Magic is still leading the crusade on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. His book, What You Can Do To Avoid Aids, is a straight-talking and honest account of how to prevent the disease.

"We're not asking you to swear off men", said Congresswoman Norton after telling the audience that she wasn't in favor of total abstinence in preventing AIDS.

"But we do need to take precaution."

Teens also participated in the discussion and gave their honest ‘sex in the city’ experiences.

One teen told the audience that girls look to men to tell them they have worth. She advises young women to become active in wholesome activities where the focus on sex and relationship isn’t a factor. “I play tennis 24/7. I don’t have time for boys.”

Several U.S. studies show girls who are involved in sports are less likely to become teen parents.

A pivotal point in the evening came when one teen shared with the audience that not having a mother or father has led her to participate in risky sexual behavior. The audience was emotional as the teen broke down as she shared that not having the love and family support forces her to find it unhealthy relationships.

One audience member offered to mentor the teen.

“It’s so important that we become mentors to our youth. If you don’t have children, reach out to someone you know that does”, says Jones.

Congresswoman Norton has held other such forums this year to include a forum for men, clergy, and members of Congress. All forums have been met with tremendous success.

More town hall meetings are scheduled throughout the summer, with the next being held on July 19^th at the Boys and Girls Club, 2500 14th Street, N.W. from 5:30-8:00 p.m.