WORK TO LIVE dont live to work!

Malec + text posts 

SIGNAL BOOST

ever since i found out i’m poz i’ve really been trying to rebuild my sense of self-worth. it’s been tough. most days (especially since i became single) i actually have to tell myself that my value isn’t determined by my status, that the people who will matter in my life don’t care and that the people who care don’t matter (thanks dr seuss). sometimes i catch myself thinking that i’m not good enough to talk to someone because i fear rejection (not that i have any interest in actually dating; i’m not emotionally ready for that yet). i have to check myself and remind myself that i deserve lasting relationships, whether platonic or romantic, and that thinking that others are better off without me is a toxic way to look at the world.

so here’s me asking the tumblr sphere if you know someone who’s hiv positive, help them know that you value them and that they have a place in the world. if someone confides in you that they’re positive, they’re trusting you with a huge part of themselves. it’s literally just as frightening as coming out of the closet, if not more so. if a romantic interest tells you he or she is positive, don’t run away - ask how their treatment’s going; if they’re telling you, they’re expecting you have questions and are more than likely willing to answer them, including about the risk of transmission (which, if their treatment’s going well, is probably extremely close to zero). help fight to end the stigma that positive people face both externally and internally. be an ally for your positive brothers and sisters. we need your support.

A couple weeks ago, a speaker who told his story about getting HIV proposed to his, now fiancé. Prior to him meeting his fiancé, I remember when he was crying in denial because he believed that no one will ever love him again. I knew that wasn’t true but I couldn’t tell him because I barely knew the guy. The reason why I knew he would find love was because he was an attractive guy with a great personality. Luckily I was raised not judge someone because they have this disease. Y'all know I hate ignorant ass people and after I saw him speak the first time, I went up to him, shook his hand, and thank you for sharing his story. After I came back, my friends looked at me all kinds of crazy.

Since some of lack basic health education, HIV cannot be spread through handshakes, hugs, and not even kissing. STOP THINKING THAT JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE HAS HIV MEANS YOU CAN’T TOUCH THEM! Like, Google is free. Do your fucking research.