First-Person Stories From HIV-Positive People: January 2011

Sharon: Aging With HIV and Still Going Strong

When she was diagnosed in 1988, Sharon felt as if she was the only woman in the world with HIV. Now 57, she's a long-term survivor who speaks passionately about aging with HIV and the new happy hour culture among seniors. To contact Sharon, click here.

Since its founding in 2000, The Positive Project has collected more than 100 first-person stories told by people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. These stories are used to reduce stigma, raise awareness, promote prevention, encourage testing and enhance care.

To learn more about The Positive Project, click here or visit the official Web site to watch more videos. You can also listen to or read our interview with Dr. Tony Miles, co-founder of The Positive Project.

Sharon: Aging With HIV and Still Going Strong

Mark: Growing Up in the HIV Closet

Mark, a 31-year-old hemophiliac, was infected with HIV and hepatitis C before he was 5 years old. After hearing about Ryan White and other kids with HIV who experienced stigma and fear, he hid his status until college.

Lisa: Learning About HIV While Pregnant

Lisa, 47, discovered she was HIV positive while she was pregnant. Since then, she's navigated the tricky waters of disclosing to family members without worrying them, and raising children while living with HIV. She shares her story and advice for pregnant women with HIV.

First-Person Stories From HIV-Positive People: February 2011

First-Person Stories From HIV-Positive People: November 2009

This article was provided by The Positive Project.

More Personal Accounts of Older People With HIV/AIDS

Reader Comments:

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Comment by: Brenda M. (Cleveland, Ohio) Sat., Mar. 5, 2011 at 3:28 pm EST
Thank you for putting a face to the disease. It is not a gay or male disease but a human disease. My husband lived with the illness for over 20 years. Society made it hard to begin with but with people like you it is getting better. Your strength is endless and is helping people everyday.

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Comment by: Stephani (Ashtabula, Ohio) Fri., Mar. 4, 2011 at 5:37 am EST
Thank you for your very moving and compassionate story. You are truly and inspiration and icon. Please never change.

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Comment by: Juan (Berlin) Fri., Feb. 25, 2011 at 4:24 pm EST
Mark, i understand you, i hope i can gather the strenght to tell people some day but i keep having fears of rejection and isolation. I really pity you for the hell of a whole life with antiretrovirals, i only have been 2 weeks with them and already had to change because of side effects :(

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Comment by: Omar (México) Wed., Feb. 16, 2011 at 10:39 pm EST
I really loved Sharon interview an intelligent woman sharing her experience in order others could take something from her advice.

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Comment by: Imarose (Washington. DC) Fri., Feb. 4, 2011 at 3:07 am EST
Hi Sharon: I enjoyed reading your post. I also have to deal with being positive (since 2000). I'm doing ok, but at times experience a bit of depression. I'm 58, married and have three children. Nice to have someone on here to chat with occassionally.

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Comment by: Michael (Toronto) Sun., Jan. 16, 2011 at 7:18 pm EST
Oh Mark, so sorry you had to go through all that at such a young age. Hope things are going better for you:)

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