Albert

"My name is Al and I have been living with HIV for 34 years. I have never stopped working, even though I went on disability. I have continued to work bringing the face of HIV/AIDS to my community, Province, Country as well as Internationally.

​I founded a Community-based organization in my community in 1996. This agency has changed over time, as it once dealt with only HIV/AIDS education and awareness, but presently the agency works within a Harm Reduction Framework and offers a Needle Exchange and Support to individuals at risk of Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections.​​

When I think of AIDS Awareness Week and World AIDS Day, I am saddened due to grief and multiple losses. I have lost so many friends to this virus. At the same time, I am grateful for having lived this long and I am proud of myself for having the tenacity and resilience to continue working to decrease HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination that still exists." ​