The Conversation – “Unapologetically Heterosexual”

By Lady Jerilyn Ward

2 min read

This is a conversation between a husband and wife.

Robert: We are the Wards. We were married in July of 1991 and will celebrate 31 years of marriage on July 30, 2022. We have 3 children who have stood by us so firmly, with their love and support; it has brought us to tears on many occasions.

Jerilyn: We have lived with HIV for 22 years as of February 2022. This classifies us as long-term survivors. We would also like to add an additional description to our story; we are LONG-TERM lovers with HIV.

Robert: Our story is not uncommon, but it is a story that does not take center stage in the quest for awareness in the HIV community. Jerilyn and I are on a quest to be a voice to change that narrative. The quest is a mission to spread our testimony of a couple staying together despite our HIV status.

Jerilyn: It was February of 2001 when we received the diagnosis, and this began our 22-year journey. In 2003 Robert hit rock bottom when our marriage union faced its greatest challenge to remain intact.

Robert: Jerilyn and I had to learn to close out the outside world and decide to be lovers and supporters of one another. In an effort to include family and friends in our life and inform them of our status, negativity entered like a flood. This negativity was working to erode our marriage along with our own struggles to deal with our status. We decided to stay together no matter what!

Jerilyn: Today we stand firm in our commitment to one another by the strength of our faith in God. It is our mission to pave the way for other heterosexual couples to have a voice and to raise awareness for those living with HIV and STOPPING the spread of this virus.

Robert/Jerilyn: And, as to those who walk this walk with us and those who are new. We’re here to tell you that your life is not over, you can live. Life is so worth living!

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kalvinmarshall Member
 Thank You!! for your visibility From another married Heterosexual Seroconcordant Couple living with HIV. We will celebrate 38 years of marriage on December 21st We were both diagnosed after our 21st anniversary. In February and April of 2007 After no clear sightings of any other open Heterosexual people living with HIV we set out to change the narrative and after getting educated about HIV we became as visible as possible in the HIV Community. Doing HIV Anti- Stigma campaigns and bringing awareness by sharing our story and becoming facilitators for several HIV support groups, NMAC did its first Heterosexual training last year we were part of that training also . We look forward to advocating with you two to bring more visibility to the Heterosexual HIV Community. Again we say Thank God for you two Beautiful People ❤️ 
1. Heather Renee Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="kalvinmarshall" user-id="2047047"/> Thank you so much for sharing about your life. It is always great to hear from members. I am sure they appreciate your support. I understand how hard it can be at times to be heterosexual in the HIV world. I promise, it is not on purpose. I just think there is not enough of us who want to be completely open publicly with our status. We need more advocates like yall. Sending lots of love - Heather (team member)
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention username="Lady Jerilyn Ward" user-id="4256153"/> How powerful this conversation was. I can tell the two of you love, respect, and support each other Your testimony is important and should be hea
Heather Renee Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Lady Jerilyn Ward" user-id="4256153"/> I love this conversation, so very much. You have definitely done what I have not been able to do and that is tell your whole family. I do not feel like I could handle all of the negative feedback from most of them. At least not at this point in my life. I wish yall nothing but happiness and hope you are able to continue to spread your story. I do not think that the HIV community tries to not share heterosexual stories. It is just the history of HIV stories and advocacy started with gay men. Sadly, there are probably still people who think only gay men can get HIV (eye roll). But sometimes those of us who are heterosexual do have to put a little bit more effort into publicizing our stories. I wish you both the best on your journey. - Heather (team member)
Robert Brunet Moderator
This was a wonderful piece to read. I applaud the both of you for sharing your story. The challenges AND rewards of being in an HIV relationship is something that we all need to keep front and center.

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