December 1st, 2004 was the first (known day) I awoke as a person living with HIV, having experienced one of the most difficult and challenging days of my life the day before on November 30th when I was diagnosed.
I remember waking up that morning, my television being on and seeing a news program about World AIDS Day.
My first thought was “I’m alive”. My next thought was “…of course you’re alive, the doctor didn’t say you were dying, just that you’re HIV positive”.
I had just celebrated my 30th birthday three weeks earlier and all I could think about was the fact that my life was about to be cut short.
That period of life was confusing & frightening beyond measure. At that point I couldn’t fathom life beyond that moment.
Today, I celebrate 21 years of being a long-term survivor of HIV as well as an HIV/AIDS advocate & activist.
When it happened to me, I had no idea how my life would change and blossom into all that it has today.
A year and half after my diagnosis, in 2006 I gave birth (spiritually & artistically) to Brave Soul Collective alongside my brothers Erik Chambers & Tim'm T. West.
What came to me in prayer & meditation was that I was to START an organization, and create a platform for other Black Gay Men living with HIV, & for other Black LGBTQ artists & creatives. I had NO idea what I was doing but step by step, I got it done.
There’s a LOT more I have to share and reflect on given that BSC will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026.
But for today, as December 1st is #WorldAIDSDay I had to briefly reflect and share how life has shown me that no matter what happens, I just gotta keep living & keep trying. All the rest ALWAYS works itself out. I speak LIFE over everyone living and affected by HIV/AIDS, and all those who work tirelessly in the fields of HIV prevention, education & outreach. And most importantly I honor the lives of all those who have been lost as a result of HIV/AIDS.
Regardless of the stigma, ignorance, hatred, stupidity & cruelty that sadly still exists and attempts (in this current moment) to silence & erase us… We are here and may we ALL KEEP LIVING, GROWING & THRIVING.
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