Jeremy — Francesco Di Benedetto

and so it happened

Medical advances and the availability of PrEP have certainly improved and changed the lives of the HIV-positive community in recent years. Public attitudes, however, have not kept pace. The stigma endures and the need for better understanding remains. And so this project provides a safe platform where the portraits and the stories of those either living with HIV or on PrEP are shared, because openness is key to tolerance and no one should have to hide — whatever their status.

"I hooked up with a guy who said they were undetectable and on med, four months later I found out that wasn't true. When I confronted him about it, he admitted to lying to me about his status.

Because of the infection I learned to be me. I wasn't going to be defined by my status, I gained confidence in my career field and strived to surpass the expectations of others and myself. I will not allow HIV to get in the way of my dreams and passions in life. I am currently on Genvoya. I try to live a balanced life and remember to take time out for myself and those I care about."

Jeremy, 28, undetectable. Brooklyn, NY. Instructor, Pastry Chef, and Chocolate Maker