In much of the world people go most of their lives without ever meeting someone who is openly HIV positive and therefore carry around a preconceived notion that the majority of those who are infected are gay men, intravenous drug users, sex workers, or promiscuous individuals living alternative lifestyles. In South Africa, and around the globe, these preconceived notions and cultural stereotypes are just not accurate.


Now that HIV is no longer something that people have to die with and is rather something that people can “live” with, I believe it is important for the world to see and come to understand that people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds are infected and living with HIV. Unfortunately, most of those people are now living with the disease and all of the stigmas and stereotypes that go along with it, making living with something that is already difficult, almost impossible. It keeps those who have it from acknowledging it, speaking out about it, and educating others. This causes secrets to be kept, keeps infection rates high, and makes the possibility of living normal lives inconceivable.


The cultural barriers for those living with HIV don’t have to be present forever, but they are never going to change if the world doesn’t get a clear picture of the actual population living with HIV. Stereotypes and preconceived notions are hard to change in an isolated area, let alone globally, but the best way to make the change is visually. People need to be able to relate to those living with HIV and the only way to do that, without personally getting to know someone, is to visually see that those infected are similar to yourself and are also professionals, students, mothers, babies, and children.


I currently live in Pretoria, South Africa where HIV/AIDS is very real for everyone. The Human Sciences Research Council, in South Africa, estimates that 10.9% of all South Africans have HIV/AIDS. Within the adult population the rate is estimated to be 18.5%. South Africa is thought to be the country with the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases in the world. It is true that certain demographics of the South African population are affected more than others but the reality is that the effects are felt through all demographics in this country and globally.


It is here, with the help of many brave individuals, that I hope we can we can make a "positive" contribution to all of those who deserve to live open and healthy lives, free of stigmas and discrimination. This will be a platform for them to tell their stories and show the world that they are normal people, with normal lives, that live with unfortunate circumstances and don't deserve to be judged for it. Additionally it is my hope that these faces of hope will encourage people to get tested and, if positive, choose a life with treatment.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Rinah - Living with HIV for 5 Years


Rinah is the mother of two children (ages 19 & 9) and has been living with HIV for five years.  After she received her positive result, unexpected health complications quickly followed and it remains unclear whether they were related to HIV.  Once her immediate health concerns were under control it was time for her to decide how to move forward. 
 



Before Rinah had an opportunity to disclose her status to family, a rumor within the community reached her son and daughter.   Devastated, they attempted to end their lives.  Thankfully, Rinah intervened in time and sought medical attention, which saved their lives.  It was at this point Rinah realized she had no choice but to live for her children.
 



In addition to her children's struggle, Rinah was fired from her job at the public health clinic and firmly believes it was directly related to her status.  She is currently working to fight her discriminate dismissal. 

 


While unemployed, Rinah volunteers with both Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) and a community group called Takuana Neshome, which means, "Stand Up and Do Something For Yourself". 

 


 Takuana Neshome meets daily to collect a list from the health clinic of those who test positive and never return for treatment.  List in hand, volunteers go door to door to provide in-home care, food, support and encouragement to choose life with treatment.  




Rinah’s strength and optimism have made her an HIV activist and leader within her community.  She lives without shame and her children have grown to be accepting, and supportive.  Her son has even taken it upon himself to volunteer and work as an activist within the community as well.  Rinah has fought through the initial hardship and is working daily to improve her life and the lives of others affected by HIV. 




"In the beginning, I had no choice but to be strong for my children and now we are able to be strong for each other and our community."




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Monday, April 13, 2015

Gary Allpass – Living with HIV for 23 Years


Gary Allpass has been living with HIV for 23 years.  His day-to-day life hasn’t been without its challenges including near death health complications, on more than one occasion, experiencing severe side effects to several ARVs, and being fired from a job due to his status.   However, Gary is a fighter and has used his illness to make him a stronger person.  He fought his discriminate work dismissal and ultimately became an integral part of the reason it is illegal today, for anyone in South Africa, to fire someone for being HIV+.  

 

Gary has also pursued his personal passions with vigor.  He has been involved with horses since he was a child, growing up on a farm in KZN, and has made a life and a career out of his love for horses and riding.


 

Gary has competed at very high levels of dressage, and for a living, also trains others to work their way up the competitive ranks. 




Despite some of the unfortunate side effects from the ARVs, such as some paralysis in his feet, Gary continues to teach, ride, and compete.  


  The paralysis in Gary’s feet qualify him as having a disability and have allowed Gary the opportunity to compete in the Para-Dressage arena.  He has previously represented South Africa in competition and also won the South African Para-Dressage title in 2010 and 2011.


Gary was unable to put the funding together for the London Paralympic games in 2012, however he has made it his goal to get to Rio in 2016.  He is currently working hard to find funding and is beginning the qualifying process in a couple weeks.


  “Being HIV+ has turned me into the strong and determined person I am today.”

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Gerard - Living with HIV for 12+ Years



Gerard has been living with HIV for 12+ years.  He lives his day-to-day life without any major challenges or health issues related to his illness.


Gerard writes for EXIT Newspaper in South Africa and regularly covers HIV topics, new medical trials, and breakthroughs as it relates to the illness.  He is an advocate for the dissemination of ever changing information in order to encourage a decline in infection rates and improve the quality of life for those who are living with the illness.  


Outside of Gerard's work, he spends time with his two dogs and collects and restores classic automobiles including his work-in-progress 1985 Jaguar. 


Gerard's pride and joy is his 1955 Austin Princess Limousine.  He uses her to run his side business called Particular People, "Fine Cars for Special Occasions".


Gerard loves sharing and being part of so many special moments in people's lives.  

 
 “Life is good and I am doing exactly what I want to be doing."

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