New York City

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

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

"If we are to achieve a rich culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place." -- Margaret Mead Read more

One of the gifts that I received this year by sharing my HIV status with others was a clear conscience. I always feel much better being honest about my status and by giving people the gift of choice. People always seem to open up and express their thoughts and concerns to me which in turn makes me feel wiser than at times I believe I really am.

Certainly, just as it's possible to be thankful for any challenges which teach us things. Learning from difficult experiences seems to be the best thing that we can gain from struggle, as far as I can tell. Read more

I think I would use the word accepting over ‘thankful’. God has blessed me with a wonderful family, good health and a circle of close friends. But living with HIV for the last 21 years has presented its challenges. Knowing that my daughter struggles with being born HIV positive is quite a challenge. Read more

"...conflict is the primary engine of creativity and innovation. People don't learn by staring into a mirror; people learn by encountering difference."
-- Ronald Heifetz Read more

I am thankful to my HIV positive status today. I sincerely believe that being HIV positive saved my life in many ways. Before being diagnosed I lived a very high risk and carefree lifestyle. Now today I am more careful and respectable of others and myself. I am no longer caught up in the reckless and high risk living that I used to claim. I now live a better and safer life.

"When the sun rises, I go to work. When the sun goes down, I take my rest. I dig the well from which I drink. I farm the soil which yields my food. I share creation. Kings can do no more." -- Chinese proverb

HIV has not caused me to wear or remove any masks. I am a pretty straight forward person. What you see is what you get. Living Out Loud and Proud has no room for masks.

The mask that HIV caused me to remove was the mask of invincibility. Before being diagnosed with HIV I thought that nothing like this could ever happen to me. I always thought that this could happen to other people. I believed that everyone else was vulnerable but me. Read more