Jon Montoya - Walking the Seven Wonders

Our guest this week is traveller, ex ballet dancer and above all – walker – Jonatan Montoya. Jon  has  set out on a staggering journey – to go right round the world on foot, visiting each of the Seven Wonders of the modern world, a massive trek of over 50,000 miles.  The sheer ambition is enough to take your breath away.  Jon was born and grew up in Mexico City and after troubled teenage years, he admits he has struggled to find his purpose  in life.  But during the Covid lockdown inspiration came to him and the Seven Wonders Walk  was born.  Jon’s motivation  for his mega walk is  to raise awareness and understanding of HIV.  ‘What I know about HIV has made me want to walk and advocate for this cause, even if I am not doing it perfectly. We the general public need to know what HIV really is.’  Jon himself was terrified of being infected with the disease as a teenager to the point that he became celibate, and was too ashamed to discuss his fears with anyone.  But how best can he get the message out to young people in Mexico and start to break down the cultural barriers that prevent open communication?  

Jon talks about a number of  ‘against the odds ‘ moments in his life – his mother’s well meaning but misguided childhood health tips, surviving a near-miss car crash while selling bootleg records on the street with his father, avoiding becoming a professional ballet dancer, and his own mental health struggles as he grew up.  We discuss the cultural barriers to improving the HIV infection rates  in Mexico “ We are taught that heterosexuality is the normal and correct way to be, and when you have this inner dialogue, it’s hard to talk about HIV”. 

Since recording this episode,  Jon has put his walk on hold and is looking for different ways to promote AIDS awareness.  

 In case you were wondering... the Seven Wonders of the Modern World are:  the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum,  Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, Petra, and the Great Wall of China.

To find out more, you can contact Jon:
[email protected]

For more about UNAIDS, check out
www.unaids.org/podcasts 
Twitter: @UNAIDS
Instagram: unaidsglobal
UNAIDS Youtube channel