Glendale, California

Positive since 1983

I am a 58-year-old Hispanic gay man. I was born in Los Angeles and have lived there all my life. I have had two partners die of an AIDS-related illness. I’ve lived 34 years strong with the virus. I also have diabetes and other illnesses. I see my doctor regularly. After five heart bypass surgeries, I know I am still here for a reason. God has been good to me as I have been to others. I have a loving partner and a family who loves me and has stuck with me.

What three adjectives best describe you?

Loving, adventurous and artsy.

What is your greatest achievement?

A loving family that accepts that I’m gay.

What is your greatest regret?

Going for success.

What keeps you up at night?

Doing art, music and talking to friends online.

What is the best advice you ever received?

Don’t give up your life just because you are HIV positive.

What person in the HIV/AIDS community do you most admire?

A person that can say “I’m living my dream.”

What drives you to do what you do?

My family, partner and love of friends.

What is your motto?

Don’t give up.

If you had to evacuate your house immediately, what is the one thing you would grab on the way out?

My doggie, Chuy, who has been a longtime survivor with me.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? And why?

I’ve been asked this before. A horse because they run free and are strong animals.