Hiv Status

Some days I wish I could go back to being a kid again. Things were so easy when I was growing up, I often wish I took the time to realize and take advantage of that instead of being in a hurry to be grown. Life has dealt me some unnecessary drama. Although most of it I caused my self, still I wouldn't want to go through it again.

I was infected with the HIV virus at a very young age. It was about twenty years ago to be exact. As most of you know the HIV virus stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and in most cases it leads to AIDS, which stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is the point at which the body can no longer fight off infections and diseases. I was diagnosed with AIDS about 9 years ago; it was very devastating for me.

My family did not respond in the most helpful way either. Everybody said they were going to be there for me and not treat me any differently. In the end I am treated like an outsider. I wish they could understand, but chances are they never will. In order to fight this disease, you need full support of those you care about most. Most of the family blamed it on me, because I was gay. It is a stereotype that most people think that all gay men are promiscuous but, that is in fact not true. I was raped long before I decided to be with a man consensually. I believe that is where I contracted the virus from. Most would think I would want to change this aspect of my life. In some ways I wish it wouldn't have happened to me, but in a way I am thankful, because it has taught me some important things about myself and about life in general. I figure if God put me to it, he will get me through it.

I would like to share a few things with you though. I see that you are growing up very quickly and I do not want you to make any mistakes. When I got HIV, it was safer than it is nowadays. Today there are 6 different strands and mutations of the AIDS.