On the first day of autumn in 2023, people across the United States and in 15 other countries around the world snapped a moment of their day, posting the picture to their social media along with the hashtag #adaywithhiv and a caption about what inspired them to take the photo.
A Day with HIV, Positively Aware’s annual anti-stigma project, portrays 24 hours in the lives of people affected by HIV. Looking through the following eight pages of selected images taken that day, some recurring themes emerge—companionship, activism, family (of all sorts) and the resilient spirit of people living with HIV.
“Loving the skin I’m in,” says Sherkila Shaw in one of the first photos taken that September 23.
“Beautiful day to play for my ancestors along with my grandson,” says Katie Willingham in Tuscumbia, Alabama. “I want to teach him everything I know and I’m here for it because I take my health seriously.”
Ciarra Covin smiles as she holds her two-year-old daughter, who was born on a A Day with HIV 2021.
“Doing my evening farm chores,” says Jess, her chicken coop and a couple of chickens in the background. “I’m a mom to seven kids, a wife, a friend, an advocate and an ally for people living with HIV here in the U.S. and around the world.”
Chosen family were also included. “Enjoying an HIV retreat with my brother in advocacy, Tony,” says Dee Conner about her photo.
The day coincided with a number of HIV-related conferences and events, prompting photos from advocates.
Kalvin Pugh was at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on his way to the Fast Track Cities conference in Amsterdam. “Feeling very privileged to be traveling the world speaking with and meeting other incredible people thriving with HIV,” he says. “As I reflect on this moment, I am grateful that I’ve learned that nothing is impossible when you learn that that word is made up of I’m possible.”
In Bogota Colombia, Juan de la Mar asked candidates running for mayor what they would do to reduce discrimination and stigma.
The Reunion Project (TRP), a nonprofit alliance of long-term survivors, held a regional town hall meeting that weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. TRP executive director Jeff Berry and Chad Hendry were among attendees who posted pictures. “It was an honor to be among so many leaders living with HIV,” says Hendry.
The day was not all smiles and sunshine, however. “I’m looking rough,” Jeffery Parks says. “Today just happens to fall on my every other Saturday when I take some of my injection medications for other health conditions.”
These selfies are portraits of resilience. As Mz Chelle says, “They gave me three years, but I’m still thriving—33 years and counting. There is life after diagnosis.”
—Rick Guasco
Follow A Day with HIV on Instagram, @adaywithhiv and on X (formerly Twitter), A_Day_with_HIV.
An online gallery is on display at adaywithhiv.com.