By Mark S. King for The Huffington Post
In my new video blog episode (below), someone asks me, incredulously, if I would actually march down the street telling people I’m HIV-positive. Well, actually, I would, and I have. Many Pride parades ago, in 1994, I marched while wearing a T-shirt that said, “NO ONE KNOWS I’M HIV-POSITIVE.” This was prior to the advent of protease inhibitors, when many were still dying. The shirt felt like an enormous “screw you” to the virus, the body count and anyone who had a problem with my status.
But I have a peculiar lack of shame, or, if you will, I’m shameless. And I am very, very fortunate that I can exercise this trait with a minimum of consequences. It’s not something that many people with HIV are able to do. Why? Because beyond their personal reticence, there is still an appalling lack of empathy (and education) within families, workplaces and social networks when it comes to HIV. The issue of HIV criminalization and the increased prosecution of people for not disclosing their status only increases the risks of sharing your status.
It may be instructive to point out that, unlike people with cancer or diabetes, people with HIV are stigmatized, rejected and even prosecuted for their status — and not a small amount of social stigma comes from within our community (HIV is the only viral condition for which you can be prosecuted for not disclosing, even though others, such as hepatitis C, have become deadlier). I believe one antidote to stigma is pride, and by taking pride in our HIV status, we can foster a feeling of responsibility and openness — to seek medical care, disclose our status to our partners and serve as models for those who are too afraid of HIV to even get tested.
During the recent Atlanta Pride parade and festival, I tried to reconcile my own “HIV out” status with those who can’t speak for themselves, and I investigated a simple question: If HIV is nothing to be ashamed of, can it be something to be proud of?
Thanks for watching, and please be well.
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I know of some people proud of being cancer survivors, heart attacks, botoxs, etc.. It’s something that you have to live with, and your attitude of how your living with it, is what keeps you going. Be honest in your sexual activities, but be proud of you. We all got something, and to no be afraid of it is the key.
I’d rather stay negative thanks. HIV/AIDS is still a unpleasant experience. It is not something I will want. wrap it up, have some integrity!
how about not doing meth or other drugs. then you won’t have to become such a whore. who wants to be known as a PIG. really? TIM media is trash, the people are all meth’d out their minds, the faces are sunk in, and disgusting. I would love to see this entire company bankrupt and shut down.
Except for the posts from Sam and RLee, fuck you all.
There should also negative pride. I’m proud I have taken steps to protect myself from the virus and incidentally others. Seems the gay community have for the most part given up the fight against it. Not just HIV but other infections too, I stay well clear of barebackers even if they will play safe with me, cause there still a much higher risk of me catching something of them and spreading to my partners. It’s just some dam consideration!
Its shocking that a gay pride mag hardly mentions HIV. Its not to alienate the straight community when they rely on now to come and spend their cash!! HIV is not like diabetes or cancer, it is a deadly STD! and as for taking the advice of a drug addict!! I think i will pass!!
Thank U. I was out in ’86’ test yr. in MI. I hope to lead by example. I was never ashamed
umm, comparing HIV cancer and diabetes is assinine. You can’t contract cancer and diabetes from a another person..
thanks bud, poz and doing great with it. Even more sexual now.
hang in there Sam!
Thank you.