Queer VoicesHIVAIDSa day with hiv

'A Day With HIV 2015' Wants You To Share Your Stories

The campaign is all about combating stigma.
James Michael Nichols
By 

HuffPost Queer Voices Editor

What is life like living with HIV?

In 2015, hopefully the reality is that it isn't that much different for from those who identify as HIV-negative. However, we still live in a society that very often operates within a culture of stigma and shame surrounding HIV.

In order to combat this, the "A Day With HIV" campaign is returning for 2015. This annual initiative provides a unique opportunity for individuals to utilize visual storytelling about their lives -- no matter what their HIV status is -- in order to "focus attention on what it means to live in a world with HIV," as a press release sent to The Huffington Post states.

Here's how it works: On Tuesday, Sept, 22, use your phone or digital camera to capture a special moment of your life to share with the rest of the world. Once you have your shot, compose a short caption and share this, along with the photo and time that it was shot, in one of three ways: post it on social media with the hashtag #adaywithhiv, e-mail it to photo@adaywithhiv.com or upload it to adaywithhiv.com.

The result will be a mosaic of people living all around the world and sharing a moment in their life over a 24-hour period to "tackle misperceptions, stigma, and discrimination and break down barriers to HIV prevention, testing, and care."

A select number of images will be published in November and December in "Positively Aware" magazine, a not-for-profit HIV/AIDS treatment journal.

Additionally, four submitted images will be chosen as four different covers for the magazine.

Check out some photos from "A Day With HIV 2014" below.

1:27 PM: San Francisco, California
Courtesy of Michael Blake
San Francisco AIDS Foundation: A day in the life of Michael Blake, who is a Magnet program nurse at our gay men's health clinic in the heart of the Castro.
1:32 PM: Rome, Italy
Courtesy of Stephen J. Lewis
1:32 PM: Rome, ItalyStephen J. Lewis (via Twitter): Supporting HIV awareness on A Day with HIV with a picture from the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican
San Diego, California
Courtesy of Mark Holmes
Mark Holmes: There are few barriers folks with HIV can’t overcome. I have been living with HIV for 30 years. I am also deaf, and require hearing aids. But I also go jetpack flying three times a month!
2:51 PM: London, England
Courtesy of Anthony Babajee
Anthony Babajee: At Parliament Hill, one of the best views of London.
3:30 PM: Brooklyn, New York
Courtesy of Ken Williams
Ken Williams (left): I work pretty hard to eradicate HIV stigma. I write, I blog, but there’s been nothing I’ve done in the war against stigma more effective than being present and living my experience openly. So, today, I got in the picture with my friend Charles Johnson.
4:05 PM: Atlanta, Georgia
Courtesy of Jay and Sherri-Ann
Jay McMinn: I took a selfie with my friend and colleague Sherri-Ann, who coordinates our company's volunteers for the AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run. She uses a week of vacation time to be onsite and help set up for the Walk. Sherri and I picture a day without HIV, and continue fighting until then.
5:38 PM: Washington, D.C.
Courtesy of NoeÌl Gordon
Noël Gordon (left): My colleague Marcos Garcia and I are committed to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We represent the changing face of the epidemic, and as such, we think it is our responsibility to raise awareness of the needs of young gay and bisexual men of color wherever we go.
5:50 PM: West Virginia
Courtesy of Barbara
Barbara Lagodna: At age 60, running keeps me healthy and fit!
6:20 PM: Maryland
Courtesy of Jason Daisey
Jason Daisey: I tested HIV-positive just one week ago. It was a scary week, but I won’t let it change my life for the worse. My center and balance point is being in the barn with my horses. I’m a professional guy, the kind that no one ever would think would get diagnosed with HIV. Now’s my time to educate other gay men about how real this really is.
6:20 PM: Chicago, Illinois
Courtesy of Andrew Espinos
6:20 PM: Chicago, IllinoisAndrew Espinosa: Fun on the trampoline with my nephews! Living with HIV since 1997 and blessed to be still here with them.
6:25 PM: Mechanicsville, VirginiaM
Courtesy of Melissa Baker
elissa Baker: Surprised my angel with princess ballet lessons... just another day with HIV.
6:37 PM: Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies
Courtesy of Tyker Pionero
6:37 PM: Trinidad and Tobago, West IndiesTyker Pionero: Photo of my mom and me about to dance. I have learned to cherish the little things after losing people I knew and loved to this virus, so when I get the opportunity to steal a dance with her, I do. Much love from Trinidad and Tobago.
6:44 PM: Holland
Courtesy of Eliane Becks Nininahazwe
6:44 PM: HollandEliane Becks Nininahazwe: I am an HIV-positive woman living in Holland, although I am originally from Burundi. I’ve been HIV-positive since 2003. I am also an artist and try to present a positive image. I openly talk about my HIV, so then people can understand that we are normal and can live normal lives like anyone else. In 2006, I decided to have a kid. I now have two boys, both HIV-free!
7:30 PM: Chicago, Illinois
Courtesy of Robert Garofalo
Robert Garofalo: My Day with HIV looks just like any other day -- here with my wingman, my little munchkin. As a puppy, he saved me when no one else could as I struggled make peace with this virus. Today, he helps makes every day just a little bit better. The best part is that he has no idea what HIV is. All he knows about is unconditional love. Together we are unstoppable.
10:20 PM: The Bronx, New York
Courtesy of Susanna Feder
10:20 PM: The Bronx, New YorkSusanna Feder: After a New York Yankees win over Boston. Excited with a good friend, and showing off my dress at the subway stop. You can see the lights of NYC and the Freedom Tower in the background. Being a part of life, not afraid to enjoy every minute.
10:30 PM: Santa Rosa, California
Courtesy of Ayrick Broin
Ayrick Broin: I was diagnosed with HIV in 1999 and AIDS in late 2000. None of the medications worked for me up until recently. Thanks to my wonderful doctor and his nursing team I’m back on the stage in California’s wine country. Life is a Cabaret!
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