Liu Shi: Surviving as a gay and HIV carrier

Liu Shi takes part in the Gay Games in the U.S. [Photo/btime.com]

Not for celebrity but responsibility

“Few people have courage to speak out if they are an HIV carrier,” Liu said proudly, “You can count the number on one hand.”

Some people criticized him in the belief his action was marketing hype with a desire to be a celebrity. However, in his mind, this is one kind of “striking back” for the LGBT and AIDS minority. “Now that I stand out, I have responsibility to help others know more about HIV/AIDS, and clear up their misunderstanding about it”.

According to a survey conducted by the United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), discrimination against HIV/AIDS carriers in China mostly exist in workplace, school, and even in hospitals and medical institutions.

Currently, people know little about HIV/AIDS and its carriers, some people even believe they could be infected after staying in the same room with such people.

“I hope more carriers can speak out and share their stories with general people, because we have right to survive. I’ll continue my work as a HIV/AIDS activist in the rest of my life,” said Liu.