Billy Porter is the latest celebrity to publicly discuss a diagnosis of HIV. By taking this courageous step, he has made the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) room bigger, contributing to awareness and discussion of HIV around the world, and helping others with the condition feel less alone.

Porter talked about how he visits the doctor every three months to ensure that he stays healthy. Members of myHIVteam often talk about the stress of frequent medical visits. “At the doctor for my three-month checkup,” one member said. “I'm always nervous at the doctor.” Another member responded, “I’m always nervous at the doctor’s office too … especially if I’m getting my viral load numbers. I’m sure, like me, the worrying is for naught.”

Members Make the Community Stronger

Since myHIVteam launched in 2016, we have grown to become 30,000 members strong — that's a big room! Just as Porter’s announcement amplifies the voice of those with HIV, each new member on myHIVteam makes our community stronger.

Without an HIV community, it can be easy to feel isolated, like you're the only one dealing with the condition. Whether you have spoken directly with other members or not, by joining myHIVteam and reading shared experiences, you have become part of the community.

Here are a few easy actions you can take to welcome and support other members:

• Hug or like someone's post
• Say hello to a new member
• Answer a question in Q+A
• Add someone to your team
• Consider other ways to get started on myHIVteam

Together we make a stronger community!

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHIVteam, over 30,000 people living with HIV come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with HIV.

Are you living with HIV? Share your experiences in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.