Reasoning on HIV from Sergey, participant of the project “Mobilization of Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV through Implementing the TEENERGIZER Model in Kazakhstan”, 15 y.o. The project was supported by Emergency Support Fund.
Why are you talking openly about your status?
Because I want to show that it’s okay to talk about it, and I want to break all stereotypes about people living with HIV.
What does HIV mean to you?
HIV is an integral part of my life, which I appreciate a lot. HIV has introduced me to wonderful bright and kind people.
What do people around you think about your status?
They are a bit worried about my health. Of course, I had some issues with people, and I think that it will continue to be like that until every person on the earth gets accurate information about HIV. Some of such problems even forced me to change my place of residence. There was one case that I will always remember. I had a very good friend. At one point, I wanted to share with him my deepest secret, my status. I did that, but the next day the whole school knew about my status. The friends I thought were faithful turned their backs on me, I was bulled, I was humiliated, etc. I left this town and never went back there.
What helped you overcome these barriers?
The people I met later. They supported me, and I got back on my feet again. I told myself that I will fight discrimination and humiliation against everyone, in any form.
Why is it important not to give up?
It’s important to go forward no matter what. There’s an old, well-known saying, “no pain, no gain”. You can only achieve success by colossal work, and if you give up halfway, everything you’ve ever done has been done for nothing. Develop your willpower, and you will never give up, even if you want to.
What can you wish for the teenagers with HIV?
You guys are gonna make it! Never betray your goal, go toward that and you’ll be happy. And also, be proud that you’re special, not like everyone else!
