HIV Stops With Us

Richard

Hometown: Fountain Valley, CA
Positive Since: June 30, 2008
Relationship Status: Single
Age: 34
Favorite Place: Long Beach

I am a student and resident in Long Beach, CA. I was born in Bellflower, CA and grew up in Fountain Valley, CA. I am from a Mormon background. I have five sisters and two brothers. I was raised with a very Mid-western style upbringing. My parents were very family oriented. We had dinner together every night at around the same time and we had a family night on Mondays. We went to church every Sunday. I went to school in Fountain Valley. When I was old enough I had a paper route and worked in the school cafeteria. I was working toward being a chef or management in food service. I worked at numerous restaurants and shops. My favorite was working at Subway where I was a manager. Some of the things I would do for fun were acting in plays and musicals, singing in the church choir, and volunteering.

In 2000 I found out I was HIV positive. I was with someone intimately who lied about their status and I subsequently got HIV. I was hurt by the lies. I decided at the age of 27 that food service as a career was burning me out so I decided to go to school. I changed my major a few times before settling on Communications. There are many things I would like to do with this degree. I also still have the acting bug and would like to go out for commercials and parts in TV and movies.

I am a pretty easy-going person. I have learned attitude is everything and have started surrounding myself with positive people and doing positive things so I will have a full life. I was hung up on all of the labels I had until I realized that they do not define who I am. My attitude towards myself is key in having a productive, meaningful, and happy life.

Anonymous

I met Richard one night and we had a HOT time. It was really cool that he told me he was HIV positive before we had sex. I was impressed by his honesty and the fact that he had respect for me and himself.

Richard’s Pictures

Ignorant People

Posted November 25th, 2008 by RichardP

With all of the prevention information currently available, why do HIV rates continue to increase?

I think the reason why the rates of infection are rising is because there are still many ignorant people who do not understand the disease. There are some individuals that want to get it so that they can have access to the services available to people living with HIV. They also want to have unprotected sex with others who have it. They don’t understand that they can get another resistant strain of HIV.

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My HIV

Posted November 3rd, 2008 by RichardP

How has your HIV status affected your family members and friends?

My HIV has not really affected my family and friends. At first they were worried because of the stereotypes and negative information in the media about it. It has not been an issue for me until recently. I have just started on a medication regiment.

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Groups and Activities

Posted October 1st, 2008 by RichardP

If I had a chance to make an HIV/AIDS program it would be an educational program that focuses on teenagers through college age students. It would consist of school outreach and empowerment programs that show them how to empower themselves and also get involved weather or not they have HIV/AIDS. It is very important that we empower the youth with information and self-respect so they can help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Minimal Loss

Posted September 4th, 2008 by RichardP

Fortunately for me the financial losses have been minimal. I am insured and have not been on medications as of yet. I do not foresee any major loses to come. This is why I keep up with the issues about HIV and AIDS. I am lucky to live in a country that has people who take this disease seriously.

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Political Power

Posted July 30th, 2008 by RichardP

One of the ways I advocate for a positive future for positive people, is by taking part in the political process and making sure I vote. I also keep up with the issues and e-mail my senators and congress people on issues that are directly or indirectly involved with the well being of HIV-positive people and people who are affected by HIV.

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