Living with HIV
Member Stories
Listen to our members sharing their experiences experiences of living with HIV.
Useful Information
A list of websites offering information and support around HIV.
“When I look in the mirror I see the same old me. I have HIV, but [HIV] doesn’t have me.”
Blue Sky Trust Member Stories
Commissioned by Eyes Open
Mark was diagnosed with HIV back in 1997, when treatment for HIV was only just being introduced. Mark talks about how he has navigated and overcome some shocking experiences of discrimination and how he now helps to raise awareness of HIV and helps others living with it.
Andy shares his story of living with HIV for many years, being diagnosed in 2000. With a normal CD4 count at the time of diagnosis (measure of the strength of his immune system), Andy did not start medication straight away. Today, medication is most effective when started soon after diagnosis.
Becky is a mother of 3. Becky shares her experience of being diagnosed in Africa, marrying her husband who is not living with HIV and breastfeeding her babies. She also gives some wise advise on how to view HIV and how to get support to live well.
Toby talks about finding out he was living with HIV after going for an HIV test due to a seroconversion illness (an early sign that his immune system was being weakened after becoming HIV+). With little prior knowledge of HIV, Toby talks about his journey from shame to self compassion and wellbeing. Toby talks about U=U (undetectable=untransmittable), this means that when people take medication regularly, they can’t pass on to sexual partners.
Julieanne has been living with HIV for nearly 20 years. She would like to educate people about HIV, stigma and discrimination which can be upsetting and devastating for some people. Julieanne speaks about her own experiences of stigma and would like to speak up for people who don’t feel they have a voice.
Watch the videos below to hear Blue Sky Trust members share their experiences of living with HIV…
Useful Information
Terrence Higgins Trust
Terrence Higgin’s Trust are the UK’s leading HIV and Sexual Health charity. They support people living with HIV and amplify their voices, and help the people using their services to achieve good sexual health.
National AIDS Trust
National AIDS Trust are the UK’s HIV rights charity. They work to stop HIV from standing in the way of health, dignity and equality, and to end new HIV transmissions.
Changing Perceptions
Changing Perceptions is a community-led project, shaped and guided by people who responded to the Positive Voices survey.
Looped In
Looped In is created and run by NAT (National AIDS Trust). It allows users to create custom webpages that can be shared with others to support conversations about HIV.