Honestly, no one treats me differently and I love that. But it’s also hard for me to accept my diagnosis still 11 years later because my life is literally no different.other than taking my medicine my life is no different. I forget I have HIV most times until I have to date or something then I’m reminded and sometimes I feel sad about it.it’s like a smack in the face every time I have to be reminded. Like I won’t ever have a normal healthy relationship with someone I truly love. Like I’ll have to settle because of my diagnosis. Which I want to tell myself isn’t true but that’s how I feel. How am I gonna tell my kids? How does the medicine effect my kidney and liver long term? Having kids both negative has brought up so many mixed emotions. I used to not care if I died but now I most definatley do and don’t want my life to be cut short from my kids. I want to be a voice to combat the stigma but how am I supposed to educate others when I still can barely talk about it without crying?

Keeping living your life as normal as you can, and say thank you when the time feels right!

Be you and make people either love and accept you for you if not you are better off without them that's the truth but its it's also a realization that you must grow Into in terms of acceptance

The way I thank my family and friends for their support, I just tell them. I also include them in decisions that I make as they relate to my life. They respect the fact that there are those things which I consider private are just that and they don't buck against it.

Over 30 years, my family barely supported me regarding my HIV. Even ignored my most difficult medical challenges. I DID warmly thank the SOLE relation to always ask how I am, listen to my reply, and respect my same sex partner. She’s GOLDEN.

Find support where you can … If anyone fundamentally disrespects you, walk away!