The inspirational journeys of people who are long-term survivors of HIV
Aoy
Aoy
Bangkok, Thailand
Aoy is a long-term #HIV survivor from Bangkok, Thailand. She has an active and fulfilling life. Photographs and story by Aoy.
I became infected with HIV when I was 30, from sexual intercourse with my boyfriend. At first, my reaction was just as you would expect. I was shocked. And also, I was worried that people would judge me. But then I met a group of new friends living with HIV. I realized that people with HIV can live for so many years. And I thought to myself, “Why can’t I stay alive too?”
I take my medicine and care for myself, both body and soul. That’s why I’m still here now. I have to be very careful about the timing of my medication. I wish there was a cure, so that I didn’t have to take it anymore. Each medicine has a different side-effect.
As a result, my body has changed. I do exercises every morning to help get in better shape, to help reduce my lipodystrophy—body bulge is a common side effect from taking HIV medications. Before, I had normal curves.
If we don’t want people to stamp HIV on our foreheads, then we must take better care of our appearance. Even though I’m HIV-positive, it doesn’t mean I don’t care about my personal beauty.
I can make myself look good. I don’t want society to see HIV as something pathetic. I don’t want them to feel sorry for me.
My personal space is my home, which is the happiest place on earth for me.
I feel relaxed and refreshed when I enter my door after a long day at work. I am a neat person. Every morning, even if I’m running late, even if I’m in a rush, I sweep and clean my room.
I still experience small forms of stigma and discrimination in health-care settings. Sometimes, I am the last one to receive attention from health-care providers. But things are much better now.
In the last 10 years, society has become more accepting and understanding towards people living with HIV.
The attitudes of my neighbours, friends and family have changed. Today, I don’t feel like I’m being discriminated against, and I can finally be me.
T a k e a c t i o n
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