Write a Comment
6 Comments
Preston, you don't have to be ashamed or feel bad about saying you were HIV-. I am well aware of the fear people have about being tested. I have been poz for 14 years and have never had any problems related to HIV. I didn't have any choice when I had my test and I am glad I had it or I would probably be dead today. I had a colonoscopy in 1999 and my GI doctor suggested that he test me. I don't know why he suspected something but I have him to thank for saving my life.
Thank you for courageously mining and sharing your feelings so honestly. I am sure it encourages folks to look deeper, whether poz or neg. It made me cry. My city has about 300,000 MSM in the greater area; 1/4 are poz; 1/5 do not know they are. Stigma and fear are only worsened by ignoring reality, and the emotional/social/sexual reality is complex and...most human. Fears are real but much stigma is unnecessary; honesty is the starting point. Again, thank you, kindly.
Well, I'm glad you got tested. I hope step 2 will see you grow into an open and accepting person who doesn't kick somebody to the curb because of a medical condition. I wish you well.
Mr. Mitchum, kudos to you for your courage in sharing this story, and getting the test done. There are countless folks who have that same anxiety and it is understandable. Also, thank you for your willingness to listen to other hiv+ individuals. It is important for people to remember that we manage more than this virus. The stigma associated with it is just as challenging, if not more so.
Thanks for your honesty Preston. Great story
James
Great article. You had every right to feel love would not find you. I am married, and became HIV+ over 20 years ago as a result of being unfaithful. While I insisted on protection, the individual that exposed me removed his condom without telling me. I was angry and scared - and imagine knowingly exposed. Fortunately, my wife is loving and forgiving. But I seriously doubt that she would have accepted me had I been POZ. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
August 22, 2013 • Dallas, TX