Thompson made up the prosecution story. He behaved in much the same way that most everyone does who tests HIV positive these days. He looked for someone else to blame.


Thompson made up the prosecution story. He behaved in much the same way that most everyone does who tests HIV positive these days. He looked for someone else to blame.

We have come to the homophobic conclusion that when gay men engage in intercourse without a barrier we label it psychotic barebacking, but when straight people do it we call it sex.

My dismay over my facial wasting pitted two strong emotions against one another: my pride in being a longtime HIV/AIDS survivor, and my shame for looking like one.

How could I march in a gay pride parade with “No One Knows I’m HIV positive” emblazoned on my t-shirt but I couldn’t come out in a room of eight men?

My conundrum: exploring the pleasures of my tush while fighting the terror that something stinky might be going on down there. I suspect I am not alone in this anxiety.

When legendary AIDS treatment activist Spencer Cox died on December 18, 2012, the cause of death was AIDS-related complications, which is understandable if post-traumatic stress, despair, and drug addiction are complications related to AIDS.

There is so much distance in my mother’s eyes that I fear she may never come close to me again. Circling her stare are wrinkles of pain, betrayal even, and in her hand she holds the watch.

Don Lemon, who remembered our first visit and never mentioned the circumstances, who knew this interview meant growth for me, a sort of redemption perhaps, and who even knew a little about overcoming shame himself, reached out in a simple gesture of support.

The protective walls that often surround those of us living with HIV came crumbling down, replaced with new relationships, email addresses and phone numbers. By the time we docked back in Ft Lauderdale, hugs were long and new confidants had been established.

If you have the privilege and ability to share your story of life with HIV – or as a gay or lesbian person, or as someone living with disability or hardship – I urge you to do it. The rewards may not be immediate but are nevertheless held in life’s cache.

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