What do you think life will be like after there is a cure?

I can’t wait. The day is coming. I feel because of the impact of HIV/AIDS starting in the early 80's, and to where we are today, and where we’ll be when the discovery happens, the generations that lived through it will never be able to go back to sex as usual. Because of HIV/AIDS our perception on sex and ways to have sex will be forever changed. Prevention, safe sex, and condoms will always be on our mind. This will also affect the way we teach the generation that has no fear of fatality from AIDS pertaining to sex, but the messages will always be in our head, so this is what we’ll pass on.

What do you think life will be like after there is a cure?

My first thought is that unfortunately many more people will be infected with HIV if there is a cure because some people will not worry about giving others an infection that can be cured. HIV is primarily an infection spread through sexual activity and there has never been a sexual transmitted disease that has disappeared from humans even when there is treatment for these diseases. I would hope that the youth would receive lots of education in schools about these various STD's, so they could practice healthy sexual activities with protection.

What do you think life will be like after there is a cure?

If we were blessed enough to live to see a cure, there’s no doubt in my mind that there would truly be dancing in the streets! Oh what a glorious day it would be just to know that people need not fear the pains of HIV infection. The clubs would be rocking. Fears of death would be lifted, and families would stop lying to rest their love ones. No more pills, no more doctor visits, and no more worries in the night. The sadness, the despaired, and the emptiness of loosing a loved one to HIV and AIDS would be no more. A cure would truly be a God sent for all, HIV infected or not. Happy days would truly be here again, and just maybe we can back to a life where relationships and love takes the place of random sexual encounters.

What is your opinion on casual sex and prevention?

First and foremost I feel sex is at the top of the list of life pleasures and should not be taken lightly. The exchanged of bodily fluids puts us all at risk for a multitude of sexually transmitted diseases. With the rapid rate that the HIV virus spreading, we must really understand that everything we do in a sexual capacity results in a domino effect that can touch many. We must look past the idea that what we do sexually stays between two people and does not affect anyone else. We never know once exposed to HIV how many others live are impacted, nor the life intersections that bring the most unlikely of sexual unions.

What is your opinion on casual sex and prevention?

I believe we all have judgments on sex, but each individual has to make decisions for themselves. It’s not what you do, its how its done that’s important. In these days of HIV, your transmission opportunities go up with multiple partners, but you can still practice safe sex during casual sex. I’ve been pondering the numbers in the black community and it frustrates me, and alarms me. People are not getting the message.

What is your opinion on casual sex and prevention?

Many people have casual sex but if a person is HIV positive they must realize that they could infect other people and re-infect themselves if they don't take seriously the need for protection during sex. Lots of people have trouble talking about sex to their friends and families. So I would suggest that they go to workshops that have been developed by HIV organizations to learn fun and challenging ways to talk about sex and safe sex practices.

What are three things you would tell someone recently diagnosed?

1. Take care of your health by educating yourself about HIV; make an appointment with a dietitian; exercise; and practice safer sex.

2. Join a support group because many people who get a new diagnosis have a terrible sense of isolation, which can bring on a bout of depression.

3. Talk to your family and friends so that they can give you the support you need to readjust to living with HIV and not dying of HIV.

What are three things you would tell someone recently diagnosed?

The three things I would tell someone recently diagnosed would be short and sweet:

1. Know that it’s not over until it’s over!

2. Keep tract of all your medical appointments and medication requirements!

3. Reach deep for that positive spirit that lives in all of us and hold it tight!

What are three things you would tell someone recently diagnosed?

First thing I would say is that your prognosis for living and having a rich and fulfilling life is excellent. Today HIV is not the fatal disease it once was, and the memories of the days when it was, and along with internal and external stigmas can make learning you’re positive harder than it has to be, so breathe. You can live a normal life, with some adjustments.

Second, find a heath care provider, and get some labs done. I suggest you find one that is knowledgeable about HIV, don’t be afraid to ask them. Educate yourself, and get support.

Besides using protection, what other advice would you give to sero-divergent couples?

I must emphasize the importance of always using protection for penetrated sex. In the beginning of my 12-year relationship, the first two years to be exact, Marcus’ status was unknown. There was a couple of times we didn’t use condoms and later when he tested positive, we were unsure if he had contracted HIV through our relationship or someone from his past. That was the worst feeling.

The other advice I have is to be open and honest when having discussions about sex, protection and fears. The negative partner should be involved in care and encourage a healthy lifestyle (e.g. encouraging drug adherence, keeping medical appointments) for both partners.