Living

The combination of an undetectable HIV viral load and avoiding serious injury to my body over the years led me to a false sense of invulnerability. That illusion was shattered...

I speak, sleep, and wake up with advocacy on my mind. Is that a terrible thing? Some think it is, but I don’t feel that it is. What I do...

Valentine’s Day shouldn't feel like April Fool’s Day to people living with HIV, but stigma and concerns about disclosing one's status make the entire prospect of dating feel more like...

It started with a bruise on my thigh. I thought I had bumped into something, except it didn’t go away. I could run my finger over and feel the texture...

As the day drags on, I am cuddled up with my dogs, one of my favorite blankets, and my laptop. I really need to be productive today, but I am...

Content Note: This article describes abuse. If you or a loved one are struggling, consider reading our Mental Health Resources page. The Merriam-Webster definition of the word conversation is; an...

I had a conversation with a colleague the other day that really resonated with me, and I would like to share it with all of you. This conversation made me...

Every new year, I always start to think about behaviors that I would like to change or improve on. Like most people do, I try to make new year's resolutions...

Advocacy is not a decision you make on a whim, and it is not for the meek, it takes demanding work and dedication. There are people who are not living...

The In America survey is now closed. An HIV diagnosis can come as shock. Many people quickly jump online to research the ins and outs but have trouble finding helpful...

A, B, C, D…? Even multiple choices can be hard. Our mental health is extremely important when living with HIV. The individuals we invite into our lives to help with...

Hello there! My name is Shawn Decker and I’d like to share a little bit of info on how HIV has shaped my life. I was diagnosed with HIV at...

I want to share with you all an experience that I had around World AIDS Day. Last year, in honor of World AIDS Day, I was invited to attend a...

Despite the gratitude journal and the affirmations posted in my bathroom, I sometimes feel uninspired about life for lengthy periods. Long-term living with HIV can be very repetitive. The daily...

I want to highlight the importance of raising awareness of the experiences and voices of both the transgender and gender non-conforming communities. This can be done through social media, education...

I knew something was wrong when I cried every time I put my shoes on in the morning. It wasn't my feet that were hurting; it was everything else. Anxiety...

I want to express how important it is to spend time with family and friends. There was a moment in my life after my diagnosis when I felt alone. I...

As the cold front moved in, I began to feel the desire to decorate the Christmas tree. This is highly unusual for me. Last year I only decorated the Christmas...

This time of year, I am always so thankful for what I have in life. There are so many times in my life that I have taken things for granted...

It doesn't take a lot for me to get excited about the holidays. I always love the feeling in the air with the festive decorations, delicious food, and holiday music...