How did you contract HIV?
gay sex
What were your symptoms?
flu like symptoms
How did you find out that you were HIV positive?
got tested
What was your reaction to finding out that you were confirmed to have HIV?
I thought I was pos
Were you educated about HIV before your diagnosis?
yes
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much impact does HIV have on your life?
8
How is your day to day life different?
lots more doctor appointments, tired a lot
Do you proudly tell people that you have HIV or is that something that you hope would remain more of a secret?
tell anyone who asks, it only causes issues if you try to hide it
What is your general outlook on your status?
I have no control over it now so it is what it is
How soon do you tell potential intimate partners?
right away
Have you ever lied about your status?
no
Are you on medication? Do they have any side effects?
yes, no side effects
Do you fear that it may turn into AIDS?
mine has already, two years after my HIV diagnosis
How do you deal with the stigma around people with HIV? Have you personally experienced it?
I have and, if they will listen, I try to educate otherwise it’s their problem not mine
Why do you think that prejudice still exists as strongly as it does about people with HIV?
because of the number of gays infected, it is still seen by many as a gay disease
When did you start coming to terms with having HIV?
as soon as I was told I was pos
What effects does HIV have on aspects of your life (career, love life, mental health, others)?
it can be tough on my mental health but that is why I see a therapist, I work part-time due to it
How do you feel about having children? Do you plan to have children?
I have one son but he was not infected nor was his mother
What are misconceptions about HIV?
how it is transmitted
What do you find is the biggest challenge of living with HIV?
the stigma that still lives when trying to date or hookup with someone
What are things to NOT say or do to people with HIV?
do not withhold touch, as many people seem to do
What positive things do you think having HIV has given you?
a new perspective on life an I live much differently now than before
How do you feel about how HIV is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?
I think some is good and some is bad
What would you like to say to people with HIV?
it is no longer a death sentence as it was back in the early ’80s when I was diagnosed
What do you think society could be doing to better serve people with HIV?
age appropriate sex education beginning at kindergarten and teach true sex education not just abstinence
What would you like people to know about HIV?
things are better now, with all the drugs that are available, it truly is a manageable disease
Tell your story, opinions, experiences.
I was diagnosed in 1988 with HIV, AIDS in 1990. I was given two years to live at that time, as this was the normal progression of the disease. Here it is 2023 and I am still alive. I am not in the best of health but much better that the many friends who are no longer with us.