DOES HIV LOOK LIKE ME? :: Hope's Voice

According to the Center of Disease Control there are over 1.2 million people living with HIV or AIDS in the United States. Each year over 55,000 Americans, half under the age of 25, are infected with HIV. It is estimated that one out of every five individuals of those living with HIV or AIDS, do not know they are infected.

The DOES HIV LOOK LIKE ME? lecture is presented by young people living with HIV or AIDS. The lecture includes an informative HIV and AIDS 101, the speaker sharing their story of being diagnosed and living with the disease and always time for questions and answers. The speakers offer a variety of diverse stories with information and a personal connection to young people by sharing their unique perspective and the realities of their own life of living, not dying, with the disease.

The DOES HIV LOOK LIKE ME? lecture is encouraging young people to know their status and end stigma and discrimination against those living with the disease—all without using fear.

Hope’s Voice provides handouts, the GET FEEDBACK report compiled from surveys collected at the event and a glossy electronic promotional kit. The kit is a fantastic tool to promote the event and bring awareness to the campus and community.

MEET THE TALENT

CHELSEA WHITE

Chelsea was the girl next door. She attended college but didn’t live the typical college life. The development of life-long friendships, involvement in sororities and attending parties were not part of Chelsea’s college experience. Instead, was attended her classes, worked to pay the bills and played wife to a man who was her love, her life and her world and who would bring heartbreak to her life.

CHRISTINA ROCK

In 1986, at the age of 2½, Christina’s mother, Elizabeth, an IV-drug user, fell extremely ill and tested positive for HIV. Shortly thereafter, Christina was tested and became the first infant to be perinatally infected with HIV in the Florida Keys. Growing up in the early days of the epidemic meant dealing with extreme stigma and adversity.

JANINE BRIGNOLA

Bio Here

KEVIN FLETCHER

Kevin grew up in a small town, in an all-American family, with a little brother and two loving parents who wanted nothing more than to see their sons succeed in life. Even though it seemed perfect from the outside, inside Kevin was dealing with his own demons.

LANCE SMITH

Lance Smith grew up in a small Oklahoma town with a family that was constantly in turmoil. He was creative as a child and had big dreams of being an actor but his parents drank heavily and often Lance was left to take care of them instead of following his aspirations. Lance lacked the structure at home that he needed and in turn he hung out with the wrong crowds in an effort to find the support he needed.

LOLISA GIBSON

Lolisa’s childhood was full of fun and adventure. Though she was the second oldest of four children living in the house, Lolisa often took the role as the oldest. Lolisa and her family attended church on a regular basis. Lolisa, on her own, often went to church five days out of the week.

TODD MURRAY

Todd grew up in a family with strong parents who were loving and supportive. From a very early age Todd knew he was adopted and felt proud to be loved and wanted. It was this knowledge that helped drive him to accomplish what he set his mind to. He was involved in church, school and the community, but he always felt “different” from the other kids.