Telling our story is one of the most powerful tools we have to challenge stigma, stereotypes, and myths around HIV.
I decided to share my story because I believe it can help our communities to see that somebody with HIV is just like you and me, and encourage them to treat people living with HIV with love and respect.
I also think that it can be hugely useful for somebody newly diagnosed to see that there are other people with HIV out there ( when I was diagnosed I thought I was the only one!), and that we can live long and healthy lives with HIV.
Shedding the burden of secrecy is also hugely liberating, and restores the sense of power and self-esteem that is often lost at diagnosis.
This video is part of a larger project funded by GILEAD: HIV, My Story and has been distributed to UK clinics to support newly diagnosed people. It has also been used by the National AIDS Trust to produce a resource to support journalists so that they have the information and understanding to report about HIV in a way that is accurate and not stigmatizing.
Abrazos Grande amiga for sharing, for not giving up on life & for fighting to the point of exhaustion to be heard, counted & included as Somebody worthy!!!
Thank you Allison
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I am 53 and an instructor in a small teachers college where I have been working for the last six years. For the last 6 years I have been on ART.I began ART with a CD 4 count of 24. Still I am below 200. If at all the test in here is reliable I am checking it every 3 months. I am Strong and well aware about the epidemic. I am also a member of anti aids club as it is known here. However, due to some cultural and life related factors I didn’t reveal about my HIV status except to few persons including my partner. What do you think should I do to tear of the silence. Need some advice.