The inspirational journeys of people who are long-term survivors of HIV
Wat
Wat
Bangkok, Thailand
Wat is a long-term #HIV survivor living in Bangkok, Thailand. His incredible strength and willpower have come from his mother and loved ones. Photographs and story by Wat.
I fell very ill and had to be admitted to the hospital. I told no one but my mother. My doctor told me I wouldn’t live long. But my mother refused to believe it. She said, “I have eight children, and I won’t let any of them die before I do.” I trusted her more than the doctor. What she said made me realize that I wanted to live.
At that time, I asked my mother whether I could pay my respects to her by washing her feet. I thought it would be my last chance to do so. My mom patted me on the head and said, “Stay. I want you to stay.” From that moment, I knew I would live. This became an annual ritual. On my birthday, I wash her feet to mark the fact that both of us are still here.
Now, societal stigma is our biggest problem. In Thai culture, HIV is associated with bad karma. People consider it to be the illness of sexual deviants and drug users who have accrued bad karma in the past.
When I’m home I always exercise to be strong. I meditate to calm the mind, allowing it to be empty.
We can’t control life. We have to set it free. If I don’t love myself, who is going to love me? If I get sick, who will take care of others?
Nowadays, I help others living with HIV access medication and provide support. I speak up for those who are disadvantaged.
I have hypertension and high cholesterol because of my age, but my life is good. My medications have some effect on my health, but do not negatively impact my life. I can live with my family and friends in society, normally.
T a k e a c t i o n
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