9. God, Diagnoses & Cultural Judgment: Reclaiming Our Right to Sexual Wellness

Why don’t we talk about STDs in Dominican homes? Why the shame around something so common —and treatable? In this episode, Caitlin breaks the silence, stigma, and guilt we inherited. From myths to access, she names what we were never taught —and replaces fear with clarity, tenderness, and faith. With journal prompts, affirmations, and a Dominican-style prayer, this is your reminder: caring for your body isn’t rebellion —it’s reverence.

SEGMENT 1: What Are STDs? Why Does This Matter?
STDs are common, treatable, and don’t define your worth.
📝 Journal Prompt: Was sexual health ever discussed at home or in school?
💬 Affirmation:“I give myself permission to learn what I was never taught.”

SEGMENT 2: Misinformation and the Cost of Silence
We bust myths like “they look clean” and “testing means you don’t trust them.”
📝 Journal Prompt: What were you told about sex? What was left out?
💬 Affirmation:“I deserve real answers and real care.”

SEGMENT 3: Why Is This So Taboo in Dominican Culture?
From image to religion to gender roles — we unpack the silence.
📝 Journal Prompt: What conversations do you wish someone had with you?
💬 Affirmation:“I choose truth over image, and safety over shame.”

SEGMENT 4: The Weight of Shame in Silence
Sometimes we fear judgment more than the test itself.
📝 Journal Prompt: What would it feel like to care for your body without guilt?
💬 Affirmation:“I honor my health with courage and compassion.”

SEGMENT 5: Prevention Is Protection, Not Paranoia
Testing is not mistrust — it’s love. Plus: how to advocate for yourself.
📝 Journal Prompt: What’s one step you can take this month to protect your health?
💬 Affirmation:“Care is not fear — it’s power.”

SEGMENT 6: Gender, Power & Who Gets Shamed
We name the double standards that keep people silent — especially women.
📝 Journal Prompt: What would change if honesty felt safe for you and your partner?
💬 Affirmation:“I deserve clarity and respect.”

SEGMENT 7: Barriers to Care — Especially for Us
Access, fear, money, and documentation all affect how we seek help.
📝 Journal Prompt: What has made care hard to access for you or your loved ones?
💬 Affirmation:“I am worthy of care, dignity, and answers.”

SEGMENT 8: God, Faith & Sexual Healing
Taking care of your body is spiritual — not shameful.
📝 Journal Prompt: What would shift if you saw your body as sacred?
💬 Affirmation:“God is not ashamed of me — and I will no longer be ashamed of myself.”

FINAL SEGMENT: We Heal When We Speak
Silence isn’t protection. Knowledge is. And healing begins with truth.
🧎🏽‍♀️ Includes Dominican-style prayer for protection, clarity, and self-love.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
World Health Organization (WHO) – www.who.int
CDC STI Center – www.cdc.gov/std
AVERT HIV Stats in DR – www.avert.org
Planned Parenthood – www.plannedparenthood.org
HRSA Health Center Finder (US) – findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

 Blank Journals:
Reflect, heal, and grow → https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DDM9DSRX/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=42b3d5cd-cf22-4f50-ade9-7341960ea866&ref_=ap_rdr

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