From Fear to Action: A Southern Gay Kid’s Story Through the HIV/AIDS Crisis
Growing up gay in the South during the HIV/AIDS crisis meant living with silence, shame, and fear. I saw friends die, faced an inconclusive HIV test that shook me, and carried the weight of stigma in a time when being out could cost you everything. This personal story blends lived experience with the history of Ryan White, ACT UP, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence while celebrating progress in treatment, prevention, and visibility. Today, HIV is a manageable condition with PrEP, PEP, and modern medicine, but stigma and disparities remain. Read on to remember the past, honor those we lost, and learn how to protect yourself and others with today’s resources.