I have been a member of The Positive Connections support group since my diagnosis in 2015.   As a career HIV prevention advocate and educator/trainer I had great embarrassment and shame about my HIV+ status.  Over the years other participants' stories, daily challenges, and courage have taught greater self-love, acceptance, and to not hide my humanity with all its flaws and nobility.  I find that the measure of support you receive on the calls is in direct relation to the willingness to share and not hide your feelings or thoughts.   Participating in a group has helped me build a support network and a sense of community.  For me, my HIV diagnosis and achieving U=U have been a starting point for rededicating myself to increased self-awareness & compassion and living more freely.   I live and love better for it all!

I’m so very grateful to be a part of this group.  I’m one of the newer participants but one w/the longest HIV diagnosis. I tested positive in 1988 - back when HIV was considered a death sentence - Which It no longer is - with newer medications.  This is Amazing. It does affect your daily schedule & life with taking medication & care of yourself mentally & physically. That’s why we are here as a group. I am very lucky & considered a long time survivor so there have been many things to work through & share.  Most others in the group are a more recent diagnosis - but the hope I want to share - is that we are a supportive group with no judgment. We are here only to support & build each other up - share understanding together. None of us have had same path, but we help each other on our future journeys. All ages, race, experiences.  No judgment. Just support. We all get surprising support by what others share surprisingly each week. You are welcome here.

The Positive Connections HIV support group has been so beneficial to me as a gay man integrating the shock and ultimate acceptance of having HIV disease. After testing HIV-positive and going through a severe depression because I didn't want to deal with it., I found that going to the group gave me a safe space in which to discuss my fears and the stigma around HIV. The facilitator was kind and compassionate, and, with the support of the other members of the group, I was able to deal with the guilt and shame of having HIV. and work through these issues to gain self-compassion and self-acceptance. The group discusses topics that range from taking medications; aging; issues of dating those who are HIV-negative; the stigma around HIV in society; having sex as an HIV-positive gay man, gender roles, and many other issues. I encourage any person struggling with issues around HIV to attend the group. It was a life-saver for me!