Hi. I’m a 37 year old HIV+ man who has been poz for almost ten years. I work in television. And on the side of the camera where, fo better or worse it’s considered “taboo” for people “like me” to be “like me”. For 10 years I’ve struggled with “do I or don’t I”? For ten years the stigma and industry professionals have said, “don’t! It’ll ruin you”.
But here’s the thing. I’m me. I’m just like you. I have a big heart and I want to be loved and accepted. I may be on TV from time to time, but at the end of the day I’m just an average guy who wants want we all want. To be accepted and loved by our friends and family and to be encouraged by our peers.
So here’s what I say, stand tall, and stand proud. You can’t make everybody happy but you can make you happy. And so long as you tell the truth, you will never have to remember anything. Labels are things that come and go but your dignity and who you are is what defines you. I know who I am, I know what I stand for and while in the past I may not have always had clarity, I do now. Love me or hate me, that’s up to you. But, for anyone who has ever doubted themselves because of those scary three letters and one symbol, let me tell you this, you are somebody who matters. Your feelings, your thoughts, your emotions count. And don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. I’m Karl Schmid, and I’m an HIV-positive man! #whatisrememberedlives @theaidsmemorial @theaidsmemorialtshirt
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But here’s the thing. I’m me. I’m just like you. I have a big heart and I want to be loved and accepted. I may be on TV from time to time, but at the end of the day I’m just an average guy who wants want we all want. To be accepted and loved by our friends and family and to be encouraged by our peers.
So here’s what I say, stand tall, and stand proud. You can’t make everybody happy but you can make you happy. And so long as you tell the truth, you will never have to remember anything. Labels are things that come and go but your dignity and who you are is what defines you. I know who I am, I know what I stand for and while in the past I may not have always had clarity, I do now. Love me or hate me, that’s up to you. But, for anyone who has ever doubted themselves because of those scary three letters and one symbol, let me tell you this, you are somebody who matters. Your feelings, your thoughts, your emotions count. And don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. I’m Karl Schmid, and I’m an HIV-positive man! #whatisrememberedlives @theaidsmemorial @theaidsmemorialtshirt
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Thanks for posting. I would marry you. 😘
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🙌🙌🙌
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Hi Karl, I have to say I just read about this post (I have never heard of you before, now I wish I have) and I am so proud of you and what you are doing with HIV. You rock! Now I want to meet you LOL.
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❤️thank you ! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you sir for your words of wisdom. ❤️❤️❤️
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First time I’m aware of you.I just fell in love you . What a beautiful heart ❤️
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I ❤️ you!! Thank you ☺️❤️
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Much love ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍🤎
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We’re all HUMAN, we all MATTER, and we’re all created with a PURPOSE!!! We are not defined by what we have or do not have but by who we are! Much love to you!
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❤️💜💛💙💚🧡
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Amazing ❤️
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Courageous ❤️
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Amazing and brave! Such an inspiration ❤️❤️
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Thank you 🙏 ❤️
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