gochelseaelaine:

“I’m infected. I have HIV.” Jimmy stood proudly in front of our group, introducing himself. In a culture where people with HIV are feared and stigmatized, it is difficult to share one’s status. But today, World AIDS Day, I joined hundreds of those living with HIV in my community in a ceremony and to march through Kijomoro sub-county to show support for those with the disease and honor those who lost their fight. Jimmy, wielding a giant mingling stick, red ribbon, and feather under his stocking cap, marched next to me, never missing a beat and singing to the music from the band leading the way. “I’ve been living with HIV for the last 10 years and still going strong,” he told me as we moved. Today, we stood in solidarity, recognizing that HIV does not discriminate. It does not have a religion nor a political party. Black, white, old, or young, we fight together. Every day. #WorldAIDSDay #uganda #peacecorps #peacecorpsuganda #thirdgoal #howiseepc