These 3 Things Strengthen My Family Support System

By Steven Campa

2 min read

When I think about a strong support system, the first thing that comes to my mind is my immediate family, which consists of my mother and 2 younger sisters.

This or That

I feel comfortable talking about my status with my family...

My family's unwavering support

My family has been a very strong support system during the time I came out as gay, as well as the time I told them I was HIV positive.

I have been very fortunate that my support system consists of the people that are the closest to me who I've known my entire life.

These individuals all possess characteristics that make for a strong support system: accountability, encouragement, and togetherness.

My mom has held me accountable and stood by my side

When I think about my mother, I think about a strong, independent, and confident woman.

She has stood by my side as a single mother, being both a mother and father figure to me as much as she could.

One thing that I can say, with all honesty, is that she held me accountable for my actions no matter what. As my mother, I always knew she would be on my side, but she always made sure to let me know when I was wrong.

She held me accountable which helped me grow into the man I am today. Holding me accountable for my actions showed me how to admit when I was wrong and mature from the experience.

My youngest sister gives me encouragement and a boost of confidence

The youngest of my two sisters is the one that constantly encourages me every day.

We have discussions over things like life, dating, and relationships. I see so much of myself in her as I see her grow older and older each day.

One thing I adore is how much she boosts my confidence when I am around her. She is not afraid to tell me if she feels that I look good in a certain outfit or if I have a nice haircut.

What I love about our relationship and the support she gives me is that how we can compliment one another to make each other feel better and boost our confidence.

My other sister and I bond over togetherness, pride, and shared experiences

My other sister is one that I hold very near and dear to my heart because we share so many of the same experiences. This is what I mean by togetherness because both my sister and I are proud of our identities and for being a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

When we are around one another, she shows me what it means to have pride in myself. And for that, I am forever grateful.

She reminds me that the work I do for the LGBTQ+ community is not over. I must continue for the younger generations to come.

I'm grateful for the foundation they provide

At the end of the day, what I do know is I have an amazing support system to lean on. My support system is and forever will be my immediate family, and I would not have it any other way.

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Richard FaustCommunity Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Luna123" user-id="10088186"/>. Thank you for the kind words. Acceptance is, no doubt, a difficult thing. I know it is not the same situation, but I want to direct you to the bio page for our contributor Shawn who is a hemophiliac diagnosed with HIV as a child: <a href='https://h-i-v.net/community/community-advocates/shawn-decker' target='_blank'>https://h-i-v.net/community/community-advocates/shawn-decker</a>. There is a link at the bottom to his articles. In addition, our contributor Zora was born with HIV and wrote this article on mental health: <a href='https://h-i-v.net/living/heal-emotional-pain' target='_blank'>https://h-i-v.net/living/heal-emotional-pain</a> and this one on becoming comfortable in her own skin: <a href='https://h-i-v.net/living/positive-self-affirmations' target='_blank'>https://h-i-v.net/living/positive-self-affirmations</a>. I hope seeing how some others deal with coming to grips with having and living with HIV and getting support when needed. There are people who understand and, yes, you will be better. Best, Richard (Team Member)
Luna123Member
I know. You are all amazing people. It's difficult, it's starting to accept what you have, when you have done nothing to get it. That's so frustrating for me to understand. Once I can accept. This for what it is, I will be better. Thank you so much.
christine.laaksonenCommunity Admin
<inline-mention username="Luna123" user-id="10088186"/>, so sorry to hear that you didn't connect. I'm crossing my fingers that you can find a therapist you connect with soon. In the meantime, this community is here for you too. Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Richard FaustCommunity Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Luna123" user-id="10088186"/>. Sorry that the appointment didn't go well, but it is important you feel comfortable with anyone who you are going to have a therapy relationship with. It is great to hear that you find this community helpful and, as Christine said, we know it is not the same as a person to person connection, but this community is here for you. I also want to note that there are others who think about aging with HIV. Steven wrote about it here and the fact that there are even specific support groups in this area: <a href='https://h-i-v.net/living/aging-and-transparency' target='_blank'>https://h-i-v.net/living/aging-and-transparency</a>. Best, Richard (Team Member)
Luna123Member
<inline-mention username="christine.laaksonen" user-id="9949340"/> Hi there Christine. I did not connect with the psychologist I saw on Wednesday. But my search continues. Thank you for caring christine.laaksonen and everyone who is helping me through my early days of HIV, and my older age.