Teens Living with AIDS:
Three People's Stories

HIV-Positive Teens Tell Their Stories

by Denise Dowling

"It won't give you X-ray vision, but it will make you a hero tonight," proclaims the subway ad showing a picture of a rubber. Then there's the continuing subway saga of the Spanish characters who are having sex; the mousey one who wants to go slow versus her friend, the stereotypical hot mama dressed for speed.

So why are 85 percent of sexually active teens not using condoms? They ride the subways, don't they? They learn about AIDS in school, right? It's the same old problem; no one wants to talk about teens having sex. The students I interviewed were receiving AIDS education in health class, but said that being told the statistics of AIDS cases has no meaning. They need to see teens with AIDS, hear their stories, to realize, 'Hey, that could be me.'

That's why a group like YouthWave exists. Members of YouthWave are HIV-positive young adults. They tour the country, visiting schools and telling their stories. Their presentation is so effective that students are racing out the door to get tested by the end. They have to run faster than their teachers, who are even more scared they might be HIV-positive.

Stan's Story

Ann's Story

Missy's Story

For More Information

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YouthWave and various branches of the Association of People With Aids have speakers available to educate at schools. Or you can contact an AIDS agency in your community and ask if they have a speakers' program.

You can contact YouthWave in California at (415) 647-9283 or write to: YouthWave,
3450 Sacramento Street, Suite 351
San Francisco, CA 94118.

Missy is a speaker for the National Association of People With Aids, headquartered in Washington, D.C. For speakers, contact:
Keith Pollanen at (202) 898-0414 or write to
1413 K Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20005

CDC National Hotline: 1-800-342-aids

San Francisco Aids Foundation: 1-800-367-2437

Mellisa: (in photo right) is a 21 year old board member, omens AIDS Network. Eleven months ago Mellisa learned she had HIV. She's since become a national spokesperson for young people with HIV.

The ARRIVE organization in Manhattan can be contacted at 151 W.26th Street, New York, NY 10013 or by calling (212) 243-3434.

CREDITS: Couple photos by Daniel Hayes Uppendahl (daniel@kspace.com) "Mellisa" Photographed by Annie Leibovitz for San Fransico Aids Foundation

Stan's story

Written in 1995. Last reviewed: 10/05

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