Sex Trafficking and HIV
M I S C O N C E P T I O N S
A storytelling project dedicated to challenging common misconceptions about HIV/AIDS through personal experiences and honest conversations.
By sharing diverse voices and perspectives, the project aims to break down stereotypes, reduce stigma, and encourage a deeper understanding of HIV/AIDS.
Marco Mays
Since 1996, I’ve lived with HIV. I was in the military when I received my diagnosis. After leaving the service, I began discovering who I was as an individual. That process included developing greater comfort with my sexual orientation and embracing who I am.
A story I tell often is about a trans woman that I met at a bar...
Joseph Kibler
My name is Joseph Kibler, and I was born with HIV and cerebral palsy. At age 11, I learned that I was HIV positive through a slip-up by my doctor. As we drove home, my mom explained how my dad had unknowingly infected her with HIV, how she had put both my twin brother and me in
the first infant HIV treatment trials; and why she hadn’t ever told me the truth about being HIV
positive before...
Marie Niles
About 30 years ago, I started working in healthcare. My first job was as a surgical technician, and over the years, I became a certified surgical first assistant. As I transitioned into surgery, I learned the ins and outs of the medical world and became comfortable with various types of
injuries and illnesses...
Raif Derrazi
When I was first diagnosed with HIV in 2012, I believed that HIV/AIDS was essentially a death sentence. While I knew there was some form of medicine available to treat the disease, I felt that it was simply going to extend the inevitable. During that time, I would often ask myself, "What am I supposed to do with my life now? Is there even a reason to continue with college?"
I later spoke with my HIV physician,...
Rose Muema
More than 10 years ago, I began working with HIV. While studying Community Health and HIV Management at university, I knew I had to inform people about what I was learning. Since then, I’ve continued to work on HIV testing services and community health. I’ve witnessed numerous
changes in the field, including medications, testing methods (including rapid test), PrEP and U=U.
In working with communities,...
