REAL STORIES
ANTOINETTE
Find out who I am.
Antoinette learned she had HIV when she was just 9 years old.
Antoinette is a 24-year-old ASO Peer Specialist and a movie buff from Atlanta, Georgia. Childhood memories of friends not being allowed to play around her cultivated a fear of revealing her status. By educating herself, she developed confidence and went on to become an advocate.
Antoinette. Don’t be afraid.
OTHER REAL STORIES
Emilinda is a 44 year old Patient Financial Representative and jewelry artist in Clearwater, Florida. Despite some early negative reaction from one family member, she has the support of her family and is now strong, open and honest about her status.
Ja’Mel is a professional ad guy who loves reading and cooking and lives in Atlanta, Georgia. The 31-year-old transgender male experienced stigma early on when he was not allowed to enroll in school because of his HIV status. Even his college roommate initially requested to be transferred. Today, Ja'Mel advocates for HIV education and is still friends with that roommate.
Tboy lives in Miami, Florida. The 29-year-old comes from a large, tight-knit Haitian family. After his diagnosis, both of his parents and one of his sisters blamed him for his HIV status. Even his friends in the gay community reinforced negative HIV stereotypes, prompting him to disclose his status and become an advocate.
