SDYP Spotlight

Matt

My name is Matthew and I was diagnosed in February of 2005. At the time I was living in Michigan and had no idea what was in store for me. I discovered I was HIV positive as a result of wanting to help with a research study conducted by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Part of their screening protocol included performing various assessments including an HIV antibody test. That is when I found out that I was HIV positive.

When the doctors called me in to tell me that some of my test came back “off,” I had no idea they were going to tell that I was HIV positive. I didn’t know what to do, so I did what most people do in times of need; I reached out to my best friends and looked for help.

I am a very outgoing person and can deal with almost anything but when you have a life changing event like that you, need people in your life that you can turn to and trust. I was lucky to have such people in my life.

Today, I am not the same person I was back in Michigan. As a result of contracting HIV, I have made many changes in my life that I knew I had to do for myself. So in a sense, HIV forced me to take a hard look at my life and has motivated me to be a stronger person living a healthier lifestyle.

The hardest thing for me to deal with has been finding someone who will love and care for me and not judge me for being positive. I’ve learned that many newly infected men develop different ways of telling people their status and that the most difficult situation is disclosing when you think there maybe a spark of love. Who wants to be rejected?!

Everyone is different but I found a way that I am happy with and it has worked for me. I am always up front with people about my status. It is a way for both of us not to get hurt. Feelings can be overwhelming at times, but true love comes from the heart and grows when a partner does not judge.

Using this approach allows people to see me as just a human, not a monster. Be true to yourself and with everyone that will come in and out of your life. I don’t know who infected me by lying about their status, but someone gave it to me and I am the only one that can change the way I protect myself and the ones that I love. That is just a little about me.

My name is Matt. If you see me out, please don’t be shy to come up and ask me a question or shoot me an email. I am here to help as many people as I can about most things I’ve experienced in life.

ou only live once and the best way to life fully is to make the best of it and do what is right assure you make it a GREAT life! Thank you for taking the time to read about this part of my life and how this challenge has helped me become a better person. Hope to see you all around!