LGBT activist, Bisi Alimi, is marking 18 years after he tested positive to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
Taking to his social media, he reflected on his journey as an HIV-positive man.
In his post, the Nigerian gay rights activist recounted how he tested for the virus in 2004 and kept it to himself until 2009 when he came out openly to identify as an HIV patient.
He said he came out with his status after he realized it is the stigma, the shame, and the discrimination that kill and not the virus.
He said “Eighteen years ago, at the National AIDS conference in Abuja and with nudging from friends, I walked into a testing booth for the first time.
“I walked out with HIV positive test result. Two years before then, I had just lost my best friend to AIDS, and he was around 26yrs.
“I have been living with HIV since I was 29, this year I clocked 47.
“Between 2004-2009, I kept quiet about my HIV status cos of shame and stigma.
“Then I realized, HIV doesn’t kill, it is stigma, the shame and the discrimination that does.
“Here is to 18yrs of positivity and many more years to come. Please get tested today.”
Each one of us goes through a tough patch in our lives but the real winner is a person with the courage to move forward. With courage and determination, you can overcome any hurdle in life. Kudos to Bisi for the bold step he took.