I’m an African-American male who has been living with HIV for many years. I want to stop people from getting HIV/AIDS by helping them learn how to stay protected. I can also show and tell people that you don’t have to give up on life because you have HIV. You can still do whatever you want to do in life—just embrace it. I feel as though I’m a big motivational speaker, and I can help others by telling and sharing my story because I’m a living witness.

What three adjectives best describe you?

Spiritual, knowledgeable, respectable.

What is your greatest achievement?

Helping others and making the world a better place.

What is your greatest regret?

Not doing what I’m supposed to be doing for the HIV/AIDS community.

What keeps you up at night?

Thinking about how I can help others.

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

A cure. Until then, letting people know that you can still do whatever you want to do.

What is the best advice you ever received?

I have HIV; HIV doesn’t have me.

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

Myself.

What drives you to do what you do?

I’m just a big helper, and I know I can make difference.

What is your motto?

To get everyone in the world to stop hiding and stop being scared.

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

Myself.

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

An eagle because I know I have wings that fly high to help others.


When people living with and affected by HIV share their stories, it breaks down the shame, silence and stigma surrounding the virus. Our stories can inspire, educate and empower others. Our stories can provide hope and offer strength. Together, our stories can change the way the world sees HIV.


So, whether you’re HIV positive or HIV negative, POZ wants to hear how you are standing up to HIV in your life. Click here to share your story. Selected entries will be published online and in print! (Entries may be edited for publication.)