Thinking Positive+
Thinking Positive
By EJ Mandigo
I’m writing this as a person who has been HIV+ for more years that I choose to count, but knowing it is close to 15 yrs. At some point during that time I went from being “positive” to having “advanced HIV” (which for me is really just an easier way to say that I have reached the stage of full blown AIDS). I don’t tell you this about me looking for pity but rather to give you a sense of my reality and how I can really share and appreciate how someone could go on national television and tell the world about their circumstances around being HIV+.
What I am referring to here is the amazing courage that Jack Mackenroth had when exposing his life of “living with” HIV on the show Project Runway. I remember all too well: I was sitting in my living room glued to the TV. This is a regular thing each week for my partner and I as we are avid fans of the show. In a recent episode Jack made an important yet difficult decision to let the world know that he was leaving the show due to an infection in his face and nose. I know the world must have sat in amazement wondering how this guy was going to make it when he seemed to already have a compromised immune system and now he was to battle this!
I on the other hand sat on my floor with tears in my eyes, but not for the reasons that most may have. I was choked up because I was so proud that someone like myself, who looked so healthy and stood so strong, was truly stronger than life, by being able to share all of this with the world. I thought how amazing it was that someone was given such a gift to break the stigma surrounding HIV & AIDS! Jack became a hero that day in my book and one that has shown strength and courage that so many of us can learn from.
It’s truly refreshing to see how times have changed and how perspectives are being transformed about those of us living with HIV & AIDS. Like Jack, I myself live a relatively healthy life and with new medications my viral load has become undetected and my t-cells are the highest they have been in over 6 years! Jack’s courage to make his situation known is what has enabled me to share my story via blogging. I only hope that the media continues to cover the lives of the many of us that are living with HIV and enlightens those that think that life is over when you find out you’re positive. Again a message to Jack, a great big thank you from someone who really shares in what you represent on Project Runway!
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EJ Mandigo has been a long term supporter and volunteer for the AIDS Action Committee and other AIDS organizations and has contributed many hours and services to the AIDS Walk, Mass Red Ribbon Ride and to the Harbor to the Bay Bike Ride.
