Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Interview 03

Has slowly built up his strength since his illness, becoming highly expert in HIV. He did extensive self-development work on himself. He has 870 CD4 cells and currently takes nevirapine, abacavir, and lamivudine with minimal side effects.

  • Background

    Has only recently returned to full time work. He was diagnosed with HIV as a university student, and in 1997 he very nearly died from HIV-related illnesses.

  • Age at interview 37
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 09

    Now on anti-retroviral treatment (nevirapine, tenofovir, 3TC), she has overcome her isolation mainly through support groups and her Christian church which is accepting of HIV. She still suffers from health problems. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

  • Background

    A black African female health professional who became unwell while visiting the UK and was shocked by her diagnosis of HIV in 2001.

  • Age at interview 49
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview 07

    He was admitted to hospital with PCP (Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia) and was diagnosed with HIV in 2000. He is involved in helping black African men. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

  • Background

    A 46 year old black African who is a highly educated professional with a grown child.

  • Age at interview 46
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 02

    Now on efavirenz and Combivir, his viral load is undetectable. He has suffered few side-effects. He had counseling to help him cope, and looks forward to getting back to work.

  • Background

    Living in a city outside of London he was diagnosed with HIV in mid-2002. He developed tuberculosis shortly after diagnosis.

  • Age at interview 41
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 01

    A long term survivor who has done a considerable amount of voluntary work in Aids, uses complementary health approaches, and is concerned about HIV discrimination and stigma.

  • Background

    Lives in a city outside of London, diagnosed with HIV in 1985, but has never needed anti-virals, nor had a physical illness due to HIV.

  • Age at interview 49
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 37

    He feels that he is a stronger person because of his experience with HIV. He is not currently on medication and had 680 CD4 cells. He now takes care of himself through exercise and diet. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

  • Background

    A 31 year old gay male care worker born in South America who currently lives in the UK. He found out he was HIV positive during a difficult time in...

  • Age at interview 31
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 34

    His wife took the news about his HIV very badly and their relationship broke up. He felt depressed and had suicidal thoughts. The care of HIV clinic staff and support groups were very important to his survival. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

  • Background

    A 63 year old man originally from Africa, who has been in the UK for many decades. A British Citizen, he was married with children when he was diagnosed in...

  • Age at interview 63
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 29

    He currently takes Kaletra, tenofovir, 3TC and has an undetectable viral load. He has suffered from painful peripheral neuropathy and uses visualisation and meditation to control the pain.

  • Background

    A 57 year old gay male retired teacher who lives with his partner of over 30 years. He was diagnosed in 1987. He became unwell and burnt out when he...

  • Age at interview 57
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 28

    He currently has an undetectable viral load and about 900 CD4 cells. He did not respond well to earlier regimes, but is now doing well on 'salvage therapy,' although his medication has numerous side-effects.

  • Background

    A 39 year old gay male health professional who works part time. He was diagnosed in 1986 after unprotected sex with a HIV positive partner.

  • Age at interview 39
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 40

    She kept her HIV status secret for many years as she believed this was necessary for her survival. Currently in the UK, she is on a new anti-viral combination and the virus is now undetectable in her blood.

  • Background

    She was diagnosed as HIV positive in 1994 when she got tested after a secretary at her work back in Africa became ill with HIV.

  • Age at interview 37
  • Sex/Gender Female