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‘A Day With HIV’ Campaign Highlights The Stories Of Those Affected By HIV

"Our hope is that by sharing their stories with one another, we can show that there is life beyond HIV."
James Michael Nichols
By 

HuffPost Queer Voices Editor

A campaign that highlights stories of individuals affected by HIV is back and shining a powerful and personal light on their lives and experiences.

“A Day With HIV” is an initiative from Positively Aware magazine, a not-for-profit HIV/AIDS treatment journal. The annual campaign, which was first launched in 2010, tells the story of a 24-hour cycle using the images and words of many different individuals living diverse lives.

“Each year the faces change, however the stories of hope and courage in these photos empower others to break through the stigma that often exists in real life for many living with or affected by HIV,” Positively Aware Editor-in-Chief Jeff Berry told The Huffington Post. “Our hope is that by sharing their stories with one another, we can show that there is life beyond HIV.”

Check out the images from this year’s “A Day With HIV” campaign below and head here for more information on Positively Aware magazine.

5:42 AM: Denver, Colorado
A Day With HIV
Davinna Conner: "At the park with my great niece. Showing everyone that joy doesn't stop. Live life to the fullest. Stop HIV stigma."
8:00 AM: Khayelitsha, South Africa
A Day With HIV
Generation Ubuntu: "Each day our kids start class with their Adherence Chant. 'On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday too, I take my medicine when it's due. Thursday, Friday come along, I take my medicine to make me strong. On Saturday, Sunday it's fun to play, I take my medicine every day.'"
10:00 AM: Duluth, Minnesota
A Day With HIV
Erick Santiago: "Even though HIV hit me like a truck, it hasn’t stopped me from enjoying life and to keep working hard! I have been seven months sober -- no drinking or anything. It’s always a challenge, but we are all stronger than we believe!"
12:00 PM: San Francisco, California
A Day With HIV
Hank Trout: "I am a 27-year long-term survivor, diagnosed in 1989. Have lived in San Francisco since 1980, the last 11 years with my fiancé Rick. I write features and a bi-monthly column, For the Long Run, for A&U: America's AIDS Magazine. I have taken upon myself to ensure that the history of the continuing AIDS crisis is told accurately and passionately."
12:05 PM: Sofia, Bulgaria
A Day With HIV
Andrew Espinosa: "HIV will never stop me from traveling! This is me at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. I’m excited to be here for the 2016 European AIDS Treatment Group General Assembly with my HIV/AIDS activist friends!"
1:15 PM: Houston, Texas
A Day With HIV
Sam: "Me and the Road Dog, doing what we do."
2:00 PM: San Diego, California
A Day With HIV
Mark Holmes: "I’ve been HIV-positive over 32 years; undetectable 10 years. Stigma? I know it’s out there, but have never let it stop me. I just turned 63, and learned to skydive last year, with 120 jumps under my belt. Skydivers get it; life’s to be lived."
2:35 PM: Hayward, California
A Day With HIV
Ralph Thurlow and David Spiher: "Ralph has had AIDS for 15 years, and an HIV/AIDS dementia diagnosis for three years. David has been HIV-positive since December 1985, and has had AIDS since January 1989. Ralph's home healthcare worker wasn't able to show up or call in time to arrange other plans, so Ralph is at my office as I do my development job."
4:00 PM: Los Angeles, California
A Day With HIV
Faith Landsman: "Los Angeles Women's PrEP Network—getting stuff done!"
4:16 PM: New York, New York
A Day With HIV
Peter Fahrni: "As someone who is HIV-negative, I can only fathom the hurtful, dehumanizing stigma faced by many in the HIV community, but I do experience the reactions of some of my friends when they learn I’m on PrEP. There is nothing wrong with actively participating in matters impacting my health."
5:29 PM: Boston, Massachusetts
A Day With HIV
Christina Carta: "Picking up my son from college. It’s been 22 years since I tested HIV-positive. I never thought I would see today. I’m healthy, alive, and enjoying each day."
5:35 PM: Scottsdale, Arizona
A Day With HIV
Heidi Simon: "60 years of POSITIVE LIVING ready to take on any mountain! Blessed to have family, friends, and much love in our lives!"
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