I have been blessed to thrive well with HIV for over 16 years, become a proud uncle and continue to work at a satisfying job in recovery management administration.

-Haynes, positive since 1995

I would like to continue to improve the safety and quality of life for all transgender women, as well as educating society at large about this very targeted and at-risk community.

-Vivian, positive since 1997

When the time came for me to pick up my results, so many things were running through my head. I wanted a negative result, but I knew the chances were slim.

-Tree, positive since 2006

Don’t allow HIV/AIDS to win and take over your body. I fought back and took back my life.

-Jahlove, positive since 2001

Preventing HIV is important because nobody told me what it would be like to live with it, or that I could possibly get it. I just didn't know.

-Andrea, positive since 1998

Making the decision to go on meds was difficult and frightening, but I was very grateful that I became positive when I did and not ten years earlier, so that I even had the option.

-Darrell, positive since 2005

Since my diagnosis, I have been on a mission to bring about change and make a difference in the community.

-Chavon, positive since 2000

I had the courage to ask for help and help I got. I started attending support groups for women and I started getting information. I got educated and I got some hope.

-Annette, positive since 1999

Since finding out, I have been very open about my status with other people who we bring into our relationship.

-Al, positive since 1999

I became HIV positive when I was in high school and it changed my whole life.

-Jaszi, positive since 2005

Of all the people to whom I’ve disclosed, explaining to my daughter that she had HIV was probably the hardest.

-Jacqueline, positive since 1990

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By sharing your HIV status with others, what gifts did you receive this year?

Shawn

This year the gift that HIV gave me was patience. My partner, Gwenn, is HIV negative and has had a solid three decades of good health thus far on her mortal journey. But this year she has had some health issues come up. I can relate to how it feels to be in doctor's appointments more than you'd like, but she has been used to being on the other side- being the healthy one. Read more

By sharing your HIV status with others, what gifts did you receive this year?

Jacqueline

The most important gift I received this year was the gift of helping others empower themselves. By sharing my status and knowledge people have been open to suggestions on getting tested, using protection, being consistent with medications, keeping appointments and asking questions. Remember guys no question is ever a stupid question! Read more

By sharing your HIV status with others, what gifts did you receive this year?

Darrell

Probably first and foremost, I’ve received the sense of ease and comfort that comes with being okay with who you are and where you're at. Additionally, through sharing my status with others (in nearly every occasion) there is an almost instantaneous opening up that occurs with the other person. Read more