Buffalo

I will never know the real gift that I receive by sharing my status with others. I say I’ll never know because I wont be with them when life throws them compromising situations like having unprotected sex or doing drugs. The biggest gift I could hope to receive is a person considering having unsafe sex realizes its not worth it and instead uses a condom because of my story and what I go through.

I was so young when I found out that I was positive and I don’t believe I knew who I was as a woman yet. I’m not sure HIV has caused me to remove or wear a mask. But, it is part of my life and part of the woman I have grown up to be. I choose not to be ashamed of it

Really I do not and did not wear a mask ever. I have always been the type of person to let you know how I feel. If I like you, you will know; and if I don't like you, you should know.

My best friend would have to be my life partner. Being HIV poz has changed our relationship for both the good and the bad. For instance we do not have sex any more. Now, I know you are all thinking why not use a condom? But I feel that not even a condom is 100 percent and I love him so much that I would not want him to chance this god-awful sickness. Read more

I have had the same best friend since I was 14, I wont say her name but she knows who she is. Our friendship has gone through many trials over the years. But she has always been there to listen and the best thing she does for me is not pretend that she knows what I am going through; she is just there when I need her to be.

I would assume that it would help because I think that a blood test is required for marriage (at least it is for men and women). If this is the case then at least people will know their statuses at the beginning of the marriage.

I don't think it will have any effect at all.

Not really. After I disclose my status most people say that they are sorry to hear that and then they baby me. I really don't like that. I mean thanks and all but there’s no need to ask me if I am okay every time I cough or sneeze. I only have a couple of really good friends and my husband. They all know about my status and I think they would treat me the same whether or not I was poz. Read more

HIV has taught me so many things through the years, but I think the biggest life lesson is: self-awareness. I have learned to be ok with who I am as a person with this disease. I have learned to be responsible for my own actions both with taking medication and disclosing my status to potential partners. I found out that I possess more strength and courage than I ever thought possible. Read more

Being HIV positive has taught me to live life for all it has to give. I know that when my death comes there is a good chance that it will not be pleasant. So, I have to live life to it's fullest by doing all the things that I want to do and making memories with loved ones in the hope that my name will not be forgotten.