“It happened through a past sexual encounter. I'm super thankful to have such supportive family and friends, as they definitely helped keep me emotionally and mentally strong. But I also didn't allow myself to be sad for too long because what's done is done. There was nothing I could do about it aside from accepting the situation and continuing to live my life to the fullest. I'm not mad at anyone; we're all equally responsible. If anything, I'm more upset with myself. But it is what it is; I'm alive and healthy. That's all that matters right? I'm currently taking Tivicay and Descovy.
Not much has changed because of the infection, to be honest. My dating life has taken quite a blow, not that it was ever prosperous. But a majority of the guys that hit me up are bi and pansexual, who are relatively new to the queer world. They're coming from a heteronormative society where LGBTQ and sex education are either neglected or extremely out of date. So, many are unaware of HIV, PrEP, and how much medicine has advanced today. Therefore, a lot of them are scared of me, block me, and verbally disrespect me because of my status, despite my being undetectable, which hurts sometimes.
PrEP has absolutely brought a change! People are so much more educated about HIV and how it works today. As the years have gone by, the amount of people scared of me has decreased as well. The stigma isn't as intense now, but there is still so much more work to be done.”
Derek Du Jour, 26, undetectable. Brooklyn, NY. Newly lost soul and blogger trying to find their place again in this world