We designed Beyond the Odds with the goal of illuminating the perspectives and personal stories of young people living with HIV/AIDS. HIV-positive youth need a platform that allows them to openly communicate their realities of living with HIV/AIDS. We hope for the opportunity to share their thoughts on issues such as living with HIV, disclosure of status to family and friends, housing, coping with emotional and mental struggles associated with living with the virus, developing intimate relation...Read more

The Day I was Diagnosed with having HIV
December 14th, 2008. Alone and anxious, I sat in the waiting room of the Berkeley Free Clinic awaiting the results of an HIV test I had just taken.The room was crowded with people from all walks of life and the mood was one of desperation. I wasn't too worried, but instead very uncomfortable. In the four hours I spent there I had smelled someone’s horrible breath, received two shots, one in each butt cheek and was pricked with a needle. Not my idea of a relaxing Sunday ten days before Christmas. While I was waiting a girl, I forget her name. Entered the waiting room with this very disturbi...Featured 10-08-2009

22 and Positive
In 2007, when I first found out that I was HIV positive I felt so angry that my partner kept his status a secret from me. At the same time I felt hurt and sad. I could not even believe that I am positive. My Ex and I were going out for a year and we were having unprotected sex. He asked me nonchalantly if I wanted to use condoms during sex and I told him that I don’t use them. He responded, “That’s okay it’s your choice”. At the time his comment seemed a bit strange but I paid it no mind. I did not know that he was indirectly telling me he was HIV positive. I guess I did not und...Featured 10-08-2009