Bienestar was a Spanish-written newsletter aiming to improve the state of HIV/AIDS within Latinx communities by providing comprehensible information and medical services to its readers. The newsletter often comprised of an editorial, infection-specific spreads, medical treatment options, alternatives, women’s section, testimonies, and community announcements. Such a publication was extremely useful for Latinx communities, as little information was provided about HIV/AIDS infection.
Further, of the little resources later made available, none distributed were written in Spanish or acknowledged the cultural barriers/stigma associated with diagnosis. Of the roughly two million people HIV/AIDS infected within the United States, Latinxs made up 32%. Many HIV/AIDS infected Latinxs struggled with accepting diagnoses, as sharing such information essentially forced individuals to “come out” with their sexuality. This was often avoided, as one could face discrimination by coworkers, family, friends, and other community members. However, Bienestar-Extra ensured to include Hope-Testimonials, or stories of HIV/AIDS infected Latinxs receiving immense support from their loved ones. By providing information relating to an individual’s overall wellbeing (the translation of ‘bienestar’) and reinforcing support systems, this newsletter served as a vital HIV/AIDS resource throughout Latinx communities.