Text Disclosures
E.S.
I fully disclosed not only my status but explain[ed] how this came about. It was the most painful experience I have ever faced.
E.S.
I loved and respected these women. Lying to them made me hate myself. So, after talking it over with my partner, I decided to bite the bullet and tell them my secret.
J.M.
"Martin at this point in time I think I have to tell you something that might interfere with our sexual and mental connection that we have found and experienced it over the last month... "
"What right now Jose?"
"Yes ... I am HIV positive and have been for a few years!"
"Yeah Yeah Yeah... that doesn't change anything as far as I am concerned... we are both adults... now lets get back to what we were doing!"
Louise and Thelma
“But I can’t bring myself to utter those words because I know it’s going to shatter their world. I know it, and it really hurts like hell.” – from the collection Blood Ties, edited by Salli Trathen
S.J.
"I have absolutely no problem with you having HIV. My friend passed away from AIDS a few years ago. I understand how you’re feeling". I could not believe my ears. Are you kidding me, did he just say he didn’t have an issue?
S.W.
Telling my parents I have HIV was absolutely one of the scariest things I’ve done in my life. After my diagnosis - a surprise to all concerned - I initially managed to cope with the news thanks to the love and support of a few close friends and my ever-supportive, negative partner. But, after a few health complications and increased social isolation, it began to get me down.
Sarah
My favourite moment was during a question and answer exercise I did in my 1st proper session about how you can contract HIV. One boy had obviously been listening to my story as he yelled out “EX BOYFRIENDS”.
T. J. Disclosure
I was diagnosed in Sydney with HIV in June 1997. I was in Australia as a recent immigrant. At the time I was working as a RN in an Intensive Care Unit in Sydney…and it goes without saying that even at the best of times it's a job that requires one's full attention in every way...
W.M.
I have so many stories of disclosure, most of them thankfully have been good, and interesting, experiences. Yes, it can be scary to reveal your status, but only because of the fear we impose on ourselves. We often transfer this fear to the people we tell, and sometimes unnecessarily.
