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
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.
"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.
It's quite possible, though I'd say it a little differently. I have been awakened to and learned so much because of the struggles that have occurred due to HIV (and many other adverse conditions I've experienced), that I can definitely see how it has been a great benefit to me in my life. Read more
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
