I have been very fortunate in the fact that due to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) I have been able to disclose my status to my work place. This has made a huge difference to my life and enabled me to be able to carry on living my life and being in control of my HIV and not the other way round. I am a fit and healthy 35 year old gay guy and am very happy that I have the support of friends, family and work.

Without this open and honest approach I would have struggled to be able to ask my friends and family for the support that they have afforded me. This has been invaluable in me being able to live a normal life and to be able to hold down a fairly stressful job... I am very pleased to be able to report that I am on medication and doing very well both mentally and physically.

I am happy to be able to stand up and be counted. I would love to be able to see more people feel that they can be honest about their diagnosis. After all, you wouldn't hide the fact that you are diabetic or have cancer?

Matthew