PatientsLikeMe ™

Tested positive in 2007 at a free clinic by the projects in Chelsea. It was an extremely emotional period because the week that my dad had passed away from a drug overdose, my boyfriend at the time had broken up with me. He felt that I didn't need to hear anymore bad news, so he waited 2 1/2 months before he told me that he had tested positive. Yeah, smart move. I believe I contracted it from either of two moments that I was with him where we had unprotected anal sex. At the time of course, he wasn't aware that he was positive. Unfortunately, when you love somebody, you expect them to be invincible, or rather expect yourself to feel invincible. Boy was I wrong.

I've dealt with countless amounts of rejection from men due to my status; however, I've met countless people who have supported me: friends and men I've dated or were in relationships with that have been okay with it. Those of whom have not given me the time of day require learning more of lifes lessons. I feel like people should love/like you for you, not fear you for what you have. It is quite ignorant and selfish of me to be angry at someone for fearing me. Humans typically fear what they do not know. I can agree with that. I'm okay with rejection sometimes, but usually I'm just terribly hurt once again.

Knock on wood, I have not experienced any negative aspects of being positive. I take my medication accordingly, nearly around the same time every night before I go to bed. I never miss a dose, and if I have, it has probably been only once or twice during my entire treatment span.

Anywho, I'm healthy, happy, have ADAP (covers 100% my Primary Care, Mental Health, and $1900/bottle Atripla), and am a 22 year old menswear designer and published fashion writer/editor.