My HIV Story: Strength + resolve

Albert

Strength + resolve > stigma

…I’m glad for my tenacity and resilience—continuing to work to decrease the stigma and discrimination that still exists.

My name is Al and I have been living with HIV for 34 years. I have never stopped working, even though I went on disability.

I have continued to work —bringing the face of HIV/AIDS to my community, province, country and global network.

I founded a community-based organization in my community in 1996. This agency has changed over time, as it once dealt with only HIV/AIDS education and awareness, but now works within a Harm Reduction Framework, offering Needle Exchange and Support to individuals at risk of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.

I have lost so many friends to this dreaded virus, but I am also glad for myself for having lived this long and for having the tenacity and resilience to continue working to decrease the stigma and discrimination that still exists.

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With respect, The Positive Effect gratefully acknowledges that in our collaborations across Canada we work in many of the traditional territories of indigenous peoples. Our central offices inside Toronto's St. Michaels Hospital stands on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. We strive for respectful partnerships with Indigenous peoples as we search for collective healing and true reconciliation.