World AIDS Day is an annual campaign on December 1 to raise awareness and pay tribute to people affected by and living with HIV. As an organization that was founded in 1983, in the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, and built on the passionate and dedicated community that came together to care for people living with HIV when no one else would, we wanted to highlight the community that is #StillHere.
“The accomplishments of the AIDS activists and LGBTQ community during the AIDS crisis were absolutely amazing. Many are still activists today, never stopping in the fight to make lifesaving drugs affordable and accessible. Much love and respect to all of those who are still fighting, #StillHere, and those who are lovingly remembered.”
“I've been positive and undetectable for about 7 years now and though I'm happily engaged to the love of my life, stigma and rejection were regular obstacles in my dating life. My fiancé was different because of a simple U=U discussion he had with an advocate right before we met. Even the smallest acts to end the stigma can have an important impact on those living with HIV and I'm #StillHere to spread that message of hope.”
“I'm #StillHere in memory of all the people we've lost to AIDS since the beginning of the 80s. So many people don't know what it was like. And I'm #StillHere for all the people who still need us.”
“I’m #StillHere because Dr. Peter Shalit saved my life and the medication options have got better and more effective. And I won’t lie, some days it’s a huge struggle but I’m #StillHere, 25 years post diagnosis.”
“Today, whenever I mention GRID (Gay Related Infectious Disease) or KS (Kaposi Sarcoma), the terms are not familiar to most. We have come a very long way since the onset of AIDS. And yet, I am #StillHere and I have voluntarily shared my story through church and community venues for many years. I recently turned 69. When I was initially diagnosed with KS in 1995, I felt as it was the end, as many of my friends before me.”
“I lived in the San Francisco area from 1969 to 1981. I had many gay friends. Unfortunately, many of my friends died of this terrible disease and continued to die for many years. One of my cousins also had the disease along with his partner. Both have died. My cousin was unfortunate to have a family who were not supportive. I supported him and continue to donate to your cause because of him and all my friends. Thank you for being there and for all the support you provide. #StillHere”
“I'm #StillHere because it’s my duty to be here. When there is something that needs to be done, I need to come forth. As the Poet says March! and be counted.”
“I'm #StillHere cause I've maintained adherence to my HIV regimen and I am encouraged by my infectious disease specialist, case manager, social worker, partner, and self-encouragement to do so. There's been a long journey of intolerance, bigotry, violence, and negative judgement, but the support of Lifelong and Chicken Soup Brigade, along with EHIP and EIP have been paramount in my survival for the last 22 years.”
“I am #StillHere and fighting to prevent and treat HIV in black and transgender communities!”
“Originally a doctor misdiagnosed me as having a pollen allergy, and I was told to ride out the pollen season. A couple of months later I was in the hospital with PCP pneumonia being told that ‘in another 18 hours you wouldn't have been here’. The ongoing indignities of medical negligence, shaming and stigma continued until the guardian angels appeared: a doctor, a nurse, a case worker with Lifelong, and then my story changed to a narrative of support and healing. Twelve years later I'm #StillHere, and my doctor recently told me that because I'm undetectable, HIV is no longer my health concern and I should plan on living into my 90's.”
“October marked 31 years since I was diagnosed here in Seattle and you bet I am #StillHere spreading a new message of love and hope all over this city!”
“I've been infected for 36 years coming up early next year by this insidious virus we call HIV/AIDS. I can't believe I've been here so long. I guess that I don't/can't give up this fight for a possible cure. I've always been a fighter for my life. I've got to keep on living until the living is done. I have something to live for. You can to. Believe that you can. Live your best life for as long as you can. #StillHere”
“I’m #StillHere living with HIV and trying to fight the stigma and segregation that’s been perpetuated by heteronormative standards afflicting our community, i.e. such statements as ‘mad for masc,’ ‘no fems,’ ‘no POC,’ ‘D&D free,’ etc on social media outlets as well as in public.”