In last issue’s poll, readers were asked how it would affect their relationship with a friend or family member if they found out that that person was HIV-positive. Of the almost 200 respondents, around 68% said it would make their bond stronger, 27% said it wouldn’t change a thing, while just 5% said it would force them apart.

I dare you to protect yourself.

I dare you to use a condom.

I dare you to save your life.

I dare you to party for charity... Do you dare?

Since finding out that I’m HIV positive more than six months ago, I’ve been able to meet so many pozzies. It’s true that we come in all sizes and shapes, but most if not all, are presentable, personable and attractive. Add to that the fact that I’ve met so many who are happily in relationships, so much so that it leaves me wondering whether, and worried to some point that, I won’t be single for long.

So I dare ask. Is having HIV directly proportional to apparent relationship potential? Does being poz have anything to do with hotness? Is it just me, or is the Pozzie a good catch?

I think we all know the common but mistaken notion that HIV is a gay-only disease. Lately, even the Department of Health came out with statistics showing that HIV infections among MSMs, or men who have sex with men, have been increasing in the Philippines.

Thursday is coming up fast again. I’m not nervous. A bit excited actually.

I know I should be sleepless, panicky and paranoid by now. But hey, it’s just a CD4 count. Worrying about it won’t help. As the song says, que sera sera, whatever will be, will be.

I’ve said it enough times. I’ve felt it enough times. I’ve worried about it enough times. I think it’s safe to say that everyone does acknowledge that there is stigma that surrounds HIV in the Philippines.

Since being immersed in the world of HIV more than six months ago, I’ve been lucky enough to be given little chances to try my hand at counseling – talking with others who are dealing with HIV. Some who are about to get tested, some who are waiting for results, some who’ve just tested positive, some who’ve just tested negative, some who are concerned about medications, and some who have been living with HIV. I can’t say I’ve seen it all, but I’ve seen a lot. And I think it’s dealing with the emotions which is the toughest thing.

In Positivism’s poll last issue, readers were asked whether or not they’d engaged in unprotected sex in the past six months. As of April 27, 2009, 53 had admitted that they had unprotected sex in the last six months, which accounts for almost 65% of the total respondents.

Now I’m not going be self-righteous and badger you about the dangers of unprotected sex, because admittedly, I am one of those who answered “Yes” to the question. I know. Yikes.

But I already had HIV when we got frisky.
Does that justify my act? No.

But my partner at the time had HIV, too.