It’s taken me a while but in an interview recently I finally mentioned my HIV diagnosis to a wider audience.
Before you wonder, my diagnosis was in 2001, I’m doing great on medication and am probably healthier than someone who doesn’t have their blood tested every six months.
But the stigma still exists. By coming out with my HIV+ status I wanted to join an ever growing community of equally open people and help changing the public’s perception of someone living with HIV.
I’m on BBC Radio London with Shay Kaur Grewal this afternoon from 3pm – follow this link to listen to the show on BBC SOUNDS: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0gqyqjt
Here’s the link to the interview which was released on November 13th, 2023: https://leslietate.com/2023/11/13/17937/
See you all later!
Frank Loman 
Darling Frank,
I applaud you my beautiful friend!
It is absolutely vital to destigmatise HIV+ just as it is vital to destigmatise cancer and mental illness and autism and depression and being transgender and indeed anything else, dare I add creative genius!! that sets us apart from the mainstream.
Until we understand that everyone is unique and in possession of a universe within we will never move towards a world playing a full and complete symphony. Prejudice based on imaginary divisions has hobbled humanity for far too long and we are seeing it now playing out in Israel and the Ukraine. The fact that these leaders honestly believe there are borders and humanity can be corralled into pens labelled religion or nation appalls me. The fact that they are willing to murder to maintain this illusion beggars belief.
So, you are LIVING with HIV+ and whilst it has a certain sword of Damocles uncertainty you quite rightly say that you are healthier than most. You are and moreover you have every reason to live, my darling.
My niece was recently diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma and there is no cure at the moment. Like you her health can only be maintained through watchfulness. In her case there is no medication she can take for now. The point being is that we, her family, have to learn to normalise this. Life MUST go on for her and there can be no stigma around it.
There is healing in acceptance even if not in a physical sense. As one of my guides said to me years ago (before Stephen!!) hope has a way of winning.
You are brave my beautiful friend and you carry a flame for those who are too afraid to speak up for fear of ostracism.
Love you to the ends of the universe and beyond and back, (this is the new Outlook program, and I can’t work out yet how to insert pictures etc!! but I will) ??????????????????????(just worked it out!!!!!!!!!!) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Wendy Waters ________________________________
LikeLike