Answer Summary
Members shared deeply personal stories about disclosing their HIV status, with experiences ranging from parents who initially struggled to... Read more
The day that I found out I was devastated. I immediately told my husband, but before telling him I let him know that if he decided to walk out of the door I would fully understand. Upon telling him, he looked at me and so gently and lovingly said..."I married you for YOU! Not what you have or dont have, I married you for you." I was in awe, shock, and utterly no question about it in love with him all.over again. I know that many people dont get that response, but I wish that everyone could and would. I've been positive for almost a year and its had its ups and downs, but without him and my amazing team at the 1917 clinic here in birmingham I dont think I would be here today.
I told him when we first started talking on line and he did not care. We had known each other for years and I never thought he was gay. He was an stage actor and director. I had been a causal friend. He came out after his mother passed away. Being a professional he knew all about HIV. He knew many actors with it.
Told the bestie, I cried then he gave me a big hug. Now that I'm undetectable, it's so much easier to talk about it. I am comfortable telling anyone and giving them the low down on HIV. There is so much miss information out there, I really look forward to having the HIV discussion.
I guess part of accepting HIV is the way tell someone. The first time I talked about it, I wound up consoling people who just assumed I would be dead in a matter of months. Now it's like someone saying they have Diabetes.
I don't have to be afraid of HIV anymore and I am not afraid anymore.
My Aunts were the first people I told. They still accepted me for who I was.
First of all Lady Rose , I do not disclose my status lightly.. it is not something that I think everyone or anyone needs to know other than those that I choose to tell.... Having said that, I've been very fortunate that those that I have told love me regardless and that includes family, friends and lovers.