Free to Be Me
In “Fearing No Evil” (April/May 2011), Kenyan-based LGBT advocate David Kuria discussed how global efforts to defend gay rights play a part in the fight against HIV.

Well done to the young man, [David Kuria]. I watched his video [on poz.com] and read his story. I’m a heterosexual woman, but I take my hat off to this articulate young man. Keep up the good work and stay safe!


Leah
Bonn, Germany


God will not interfere, no matter how devastated he remains with human ferocious oppression, hatred and killings. Why so much deficiency on our behalf? We claim to be in the image of the Almighty. What makes the heterosexual[s] think they are living the right way of life? Let them take themselves back 1,000 years and retrace their evolution from then with all the deceptions from their partners. We hide so much from each other when we pretend we cannot perceive our own treachery.


Guillit Amakobe
Nairobi


Taking the Lead
In “Clever Campaigner” (April/May 2011), Neil Giuliano, CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, shares his passion for leadership and his commitment to HIV/AIDS and the LGBT community.

Upon meeting Neil, the Positive Pedalers were impressed by him and his vision. The Positive Pedalers are looking forward to working with Neil and his impressive staff at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Grady and all the members of Pospeds thank him in advance for his leadership in our HIV/AIDS communities.


Positive Pedalers
San Francisco


Express Yourself
The POZ staff blog entry “Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ Battles HIV” (February 18) discussed how the song’s message inspires LGBT people to love and respect themselves—qualities that make people less likely to put themselves at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

I wasn’t sure what all the hoopla about Gaga was until I read these lyrics. I am definitely a fan now, because anyone who writes such powerful messages about being who you are is wonderful in my book. Thank you for standing up for those who need a voice in this world. I am living with HIV, and we need more people in this world willing to stand up and say that it is a social disease, where stigma and shame breed death.


Brenda
City Withheld


I love the song, and I love myself—I even love someone who is HIV [positive], and I still love capital H-I-M! I respect myself enough to forgive the person (and myself) for unknowingly passing HIV to me. There are as many different ways people get infected with HIV as there are different ways to love someone. Respect and love others, for each of us has a unique story and perspective of living positive. Peace.


CJ
City Withheld


After reading this article and these ridiculous lyrics, I dislike Lady Gaga on a whole new level. I am HIV positive because I made a serious mistake—I didn’t use protection—not because I was embarrassed of my sexuality or who I am. And even though being positive has opened up a whole different world for me, I still love myself and only hope that pathetic lyrics like these do not end up in mainstream music. My only other question is: Really Lady Gaga, do you have any experience with these topics? Because it seems to me the only issue for you lately is dealing with the ridicule of your ridiculous attention-hungry attire.


Elle
City Withheld


I wasn’t a fan of Lady Gaga until I read this, and now that I know she [has the] power to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS I will listen to her more to hear her message. [I was diagnosed HIV positive in 2002, having contracted it from] my husband, and I wish I had someone back then speaking out for all positive people, because no one wants HIV/AIDS.


Tammy
City Withheld