Jonathan's Story
When Jonathan found out he was HIV-positive in early 2015, after his second relationship ever, it wasn't easy. "I was on suicide watch for a couple of weeks," he says. "I wasn't connected to resources and I didn't have a strong support system, which is so important. You have to have resources and a support system."
Over time, Jonathan found that speaking out was a way to take control of the situation. "After I was diagnosed with HIV, what helped me get past the fear was being an activist," he says. "It's not something you can really mentally prepare for—I mean, how do you prepare for that? But I realized I could have some power over the situation, and speaking out gave me autonomy."
When Jonathan came to terms with his status, he used his knowledge to help empower others. He even produced a TEDx presentation about living with HIV and is currently writing a book about the history of HIV in 21st century America.
His advice for those just diagnosed? Connect to resources. "That's my top priority," he says. "And know that you are still human. You are still worthy of friends. You are still worthy of sex. You are still worthy of love."