GMFA New Video: Living With HIV takes on stigma

UK HIV Nonprofit GMFA releases a new video campaign with those living with HIV proclaiming hope as they actually live with HIV.

Living with HIV, or a host of other chronic health conditions, can certainly make those experiencing a diagnosis to feel a burden and shame because of the stigma (real and/or perceived).

But is stigma something that should stop those living with HIV from actually living or attempting to live well? GMFA doesn’t think so, and if you have been a reader of this HIV blog, or an engaged follower of my HIV social media…I agree wholeheartedly.

Heres why living with HIV matters

I need to state the obvious: taking HIV medications is about more than staying alive– it’s about living!

And why live, if we can’t live well? For many of us that means that we have to really decide how HIV will affect us and how we will continue to live life to the fullest.

READ: 10 THINGS THOSE LIVING WITH HIV MUST REMEMBER

On the day of my HIV diagnosis, Jan. 24, 2012, when I traveled to my hometown to look my parents in the eyes and reveal the positive result I received only hours earlier, my dad’s only response was exactly what I needed to hear and has been the platform that I have built my entire activism. My dad simply said, “keep living.”

It was that simple statement that immediately put into perspective the choice that I had to make after diagnosis– to live well with HIV or become a statistic of failing adherence and a laundry list of things that I couldn’t achieve… my entire bucket list. I’ve chosen the first option. And it was the best choice I have literally ever made. So, thanks dad!