This issue features four versions of the foldout cover, each with photos from A Day with HIV, Positively Aware’s annual anti-stigma campaign. A Day with HIV portrays 24 hours in the lives of people affected by HIV. On September 22, people around the world photographed a moment of their day, posted the picture to their social media and shared their story using the hashtag #adaywithhiv.
An online gallery is on view at adaywithhiv.com.
10:17 AM: Kaka’ako, Hawaii
“HIV is an experience. We aren’t meant to let experiences define us. The purpose of experiences is to help reveal who we really are. I’m grateful for this experience. It’s allowed me to know myself. In this pic, I’m just a dog daddy trying to take a pic with a fidgeting baby.”
—Waldie Murray
1:45 PM: Fort Walton, Florida
“Enjoying time with friends, because community matters whether you live with HIV or not, but especially if you live with HIV. Take care of yourself and enjoy the journey.”
—Katie Willingham
9:00 AM: Detroit, Michigan
“Ms. U=U of Detroit.”
— LaDawn Tate
2:13 PM: Houston, Texas
“I’ve been reflecting a lot lately regarding the political climate and how my vote greatly impacts a collective vote that sways medical care and law. So today, I decided to share with others in hopes of garnering conversations of support and action.”
— Kevin Anderson
1:30 PM: Coney Island, New York
“I’m balancing the Wonder Wheel, just as I balance my healthcare; living with HIV 32 years.”
—Lillibeth GonZalez
6:00 PM: Fort Walton Beach, Florida
“I didn’t know my own strength in the beginning of my HIV journey. Diagnosed in 1993, then diagnosed with AIDS 6 months later, I could never have imagined what an amazing life I would have. HIV took away so much in the beginning, but I now see it as the catalyst that has pushed me, given me a passion. But most of all, it showed me how strong and courageous I actually am.”
— Jesse Brooks
5:00 PM: Johannesburg, South Africa
“I look back and am grateful that so many of the fears of living (and dying) with HIV turned out to be unfounded. I feel privileged to be alive. But the stigma of living with HIV has not dissipated. It is ignorant, malicious and remains persistently pervasive.”
— Krishen Samuel
7:04 PM: Lusaka, Zambia
“This year, I just want to remind myself that I will do everything I can to stay healthy and adhere to my ARVs because I have a child, a beautiful baby who will grow up and start looking up to me, so I need to stay healthy!”
— Gabriella’s Mom