The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV

For the inaugural episode of the fourth season of Plus’s video series, The Talk, we sit down with several “wise elders” in the community to share tips on how to start your wellness journey once diagnosed with HIV. This season we are joined by HIV writer and activist Mark S. King, trans rights and HIV activist Milan Nicole Sherry, ThePozitive2Positive Initiative executive director Morris Singletary, and the award-winning HIV activist and cancer survivor, Bryan C. Jones.

From reacting to your status to seeking out a treatment plan that works for you, these four have you covered. “It’s perfectly fine to freak out, but not for too long,” HIV writer and activist Mark S. King shares. “Pretty soon you’re going to have to pull yourself together, get yourself to the doctor quickly, find out what wonderful medication routine you’re going to be given, and then make sure your doctor works in partnership with you.”

Finding a healthcare partner for your journey that you feel comfortable speaking openly with is absolutely vital. Not once should you ever feel that you’re a person who doesn’t deserve proper care. If you’re not receiving what you need, then it’s time to speak up for yourself and not settle. “If you don’t think you’re being heard, then it’s not a partnership,” Mark explains. “You are welcome to find somebody else, and then once you’ve gotten that sorted out and on its way, enjoy the rest of your beautiful, complicated, engaged, happy life.” Watch the video to learn more.

Learn more about their journey and others atHIVPlusMag.com/TheTalk.