TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — While volunteers got ready for the luncheon, putting together tables and chairs and food, Tim Haver waited for his opportunity to meet others who have HIV and AIDS.
He was diagnosed with HIV in 1986 when he was 25 years old.
“It was like being….wearing the scarlet letter. You didn’t tell anybody because there was such stigma and such bigotry around the disease, especially in the gay community,” Haver recalled.
He said in the 80s, HIV and AIDS led to isolation for people part of the gay community. Since then, Haver says the stigma has gotten better, but is still there.
"Over the years, it’s become…I mean the stigma, I don’t think is there as pronounced, but there’s a lot of people that still feel very uncomfortable talking about it,” he said.
Now, Haver's comfortable talking to people about it. He has tested 'undetectable' for 10 years, meaning his viral load is so low, he can’t pass it on to others.
The Poz Cafe, part of the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network at 2660 N. 1st Ave., is a luncheon put on every month. It's become a place for people like Haver to go and connect with others just like him.
St. Phillip’s in the Hills co-sponsored this month’s luncheon in the Foothills at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Midtown.
“Everyone that I’ve spoken to has been so receptive and so engaged and it’s gratifying,” Heaver said about his experiences at the Poz Cafe.
Sitting with him was Robb Gonzales, who was diagnosed with AIDS in 2003 and has gone to the Poz Cafe for 18 years.
“Poz Cafe has been positive for me to come out and socialize with people. I also mingle with them,” he said.
Gonzales said he’s gotten more comfortable over the years talking about his health condition, even going up to Washington D.C. to fight for legislation to change.
Socializing at places like the Poz Cafe and resources like the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation have allowed him to connect with others who are in his same shoes.
“Don’t be quiet. Reach out. Talk to people,” he advised others with HIV and AIDS.
——-
Andrew Christiansen is a reporter for KGUN 9. Before joining the team, Andrew reported in Corpus Christi, Texas for KRIS6 News, Action 10 News and guest reported in Spanish for Telemundo Corpus Christi. Share your story ideas with Andrew by emailing andrew.christiansen@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, or Twitter.
