Thanks everyone sharing their opinions regarding the question asked. One important thing we need to remember is that HIV affects every individual differently both physically and emotionally. So everyone has their own individual experience with the virus. I will say I will never forget the many, many friends and family I have lost. I miss them very much.

Amen to that, Gabriel. May all those we have lost may they rest in peace and I am so glad that all of us who are living can not only fight for ourselves but we fight for each other as well. We are one big family and that is what I love so much about this group and so happy that we are getting new members to our family almost daily. Love you all very much.

You seem to feel almost exactly as I. It is hurtful! And I never will forget those that I lost back when. Their legacy is our rememberinng them.

@A myHIVteam Member I didn't have HIV yet when things first got started, but you are right, because more then 70% of those being infected where men who were gay or bisexual so things got started where people started to refer that this was a gay disease in just men. When they finally figured out that they were wrong and people who were not gay, and women were getting the disease it still took a long time to get people to stop saying that only gay men get the disease but there are still some who just don't believe people who say that woman are getting it and even people who are stright get the disease. Thanks for sharing this information I am with you 100%.

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A myHIVte...

I can appreciate the conversation. The "gay disease" was such an ignorant term but it was a warning for homosexuals at the time because hiv was infecting countless gay men. As a gay man then I saw the devastation it caused through tv media, not in person until later in my life. We must remind ourselves that while treatment works for some, it doesn't work for ALL of us. I'm grateful to the women who helped us by bringing us food and water, perhaps a joint to smoke to increase the appetite and decrease the nausea. I'm grateful for Dr. Fauci, who is a very big piece of the puzzle into helping with hiv but the Covid-19 Pandemic. This disease is far from over. We must be vigilant and not get complaisant. People are still getting infected every God damn day-- Larry Kramer.

As a trans-woman (heterosexual) today, I see things the same way.