St. Louis, Missouri

Positive since 1991

I am an African-American boy who tested positive for HIV in 1991. I wasn’t the attractive guy in the clubs or bars who got lucky by getting phone numbers, dates or invited to parties by the end of the night. That’s still true today.

Being HIV positive is not what is keeping me from companionship or a lover. It’s my facial appearance and body shape. When you are not so attractive, due to HIV/AIDS facial-related issues, what is there to do?

Let’s be real. Think about how horrific it must be to be alive and look like you have AIDS. Especially without someone to give you the sex and affection your body desires. It’s lonely. HIV/AIDS case managers tell you they are not a dating service.

I’m on POZ Personals, but I’m having no luck. I’m very thankful for POZ for the free personals service for the HIV/AIDS community. It sure helps keep us from being accused of nondisclosure. The HIV criminalization law in Missouri has many of us scared.

Be visible, get tested and use treatment, care and prevention, such as support groups.

The law has us living in fear. I wish more HIV-positive people would take my humble advice; just get online and check out POZ Personals.

Being HIV positive and alone is heartbreaking, lonesome and depressing. The world appears so cruel right now. I hope that I do not ever get accused of breaking this law.

What three adjectives best describe you?

Self-care. Strong. Dreamer.

What is your greatest achievement?

I have not reached it yet. I want to get a picture of the St. Louis skyline on the cover of POZ Magazine with my story.

What is your greatest regret?

Not sharing my status sooner.

What keeps you up at night?

Being alone and single.

If you could change one thing about living with HIV, what would it be?

To look more attractive in the eyes of those who I am also attracted to.

What is the best advice you ever received?

When people show you who they are, believe them.

What person in the HIV/AIDS community do you most admire?

Myself.

What drives you to do what you do?

I’m a dreamer and visionary. I want to see my dreams come to reality.

What is your motto?

Live your best life.

If you had to evacuate your house immediately, what is the one thing you would grab on the way out?

Vital documents.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? And why?

A human being because we have more options in life.