Remembering LeRoy Whitfield
By Keith Boykin, in pop culture
Sunday, October 9 2005, 3:05PM
Just days after he published an article about his experience with AIDS in HIV Plus magazine, my longtime friend and journalist LeRoy Whitfield passed away this morning.
A native of Chicago, LeRoy moved to New York in 2000, where he became one of the nation’s leading journalists reporting on AIDS among African-Americans. A frequent contributor to Vibe magazine, he formerly served as associate editor at Positively Aware and later served as senior editor of POZ magazine before becoming a freelance journalist.
I had not seen LeRoy in several months, but I remember his infectious smile, his beautiful locks (which he later cut) and his engaging personality. He was unusually committed to exposing the truth about AIDS in the black community, and he was unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom.
I remember sitting with him over coffee in New York and talking about the state of black America, and I remember lounging with him on a friend's sofa in Los Angeles as we talked about the politics of sex parties. Roy even traveled to a South Dakota prison to interview Nikko Briteramos, a young black man who was the first person convicted under that state's HIV transmission law.
LeRoy was very candid in writing about his life as an HIV-positive black man. He wrote about moving into a convent, looking for an apartment, hiring a caretaker and his decision not to take HIV meds. Diagnosed with HIV in 1990, LeRoy lived without drug treatment for the rest of his life, a decision he struggled with in his last years.
In August of this year, LeRoy reflected on the wisdom of his decision to refrain from medication. "My T-cell count has plummeted to 40, a dangerously all-time low, and my viral load has spiked to 230,000. I’ve argued against taking meds for so many years that now, with my numbers stacked against me, I find it hard to stop. I keep weighing potential side effects against the ill alternative—opportunistic infections—and I can’t decide which is worse to my mind. I just can’t decide."
A working journalist to the end, LeRoy wrote in the October issue of HIV Plus about his recent decision to get someone to take care of him. "After weeks of feeling conflicted about it, I finally came to terms with the fact that I need the assistance of a home health aide to help me manage my unwieldy life with AIDS. Someone to help out with household chores, for example, which because of my fatigue might slide for weeks on end. Someone to answer my calls when my harried friends grow tired of me speed-dialing the numbers to their cells in order to phone in a favor. I knew I had to do something."
LeRoy wrote about his personal life but also saw how his life experiences fit into the larger issues around HIV and AIDS. In a February 2001 interview with the New York Times, LeRoy explained "there is no black gay Mecca, no black Chelsea. And because the community is so decentralized, prevention and outreach efforts are even more difficult." He also offered a critique of the AIDS establishment. "I don't think the larger AIDS groups give the voice to the black gay community," he told the Times. "A lot of these men don't have a grip on what they are feeling sexually, and I don't think many of the organizations have a grasp on how to communicate with them."
He also saw the connection between AIDS and public housing, poverty and violence, all of which he said contributed to the rise of AIDS among African Americans, LeRoy wrote in the September 1997 issue of Positively Aware magazine. "Widespread violence, for example, is not a reality in upscale gay communities. Gay white men do not overpopulate public housing. Gay communities have no shortage of HIV services nearby." In contrast, he explained that black neighborhoods have ample liquor stores and drug alleys. "AIDS is the gripping issue of the gay community," he said. "For African Americans, it’s the atrocity du jour."
Read Leroy's Writings
- My Brother's Keeper (HIV Plus, October 2005)
- Successes and Anxieties (HIV Plus, August 2004)
- One Story from the Naked City (HIV Plus, June 2004)
- Fantasy Island (POZ, April 2003)
- Marathon Man (POZ, May 2002)
- The Shocking Truth About The Aids Epidemic In Black America (Ebony, June 2001)
- Evolution (Positively Aware, December 2000)
- The Evolution of African American Awareness About HIV/AIDS (The Body, November 2000)
Comments conceal
Jasmyne
October 9 2005, 6:01PM
This is truly sad news. Thanks Keith for getting this out there. We should all take some time out to reflect not only on Leroy's passing but on the work that he did and figure out our role in keeping it going.
phd2b11
October 9 2005, 7:18PM
A life well spent.
proud 2b feminsit
October 10 2005, 8:02AM
WHHAAA!!
hasbey
October 10 2005, 12:12PM
REST IN PEACE brother. Thanks for blessing us with your beautiful spirit.
ReganDuCasse
October 10 2005, 12:59PM
This, truly breaks my heart.
Words fail me...
Bob Lederer
October 10 2005, 2:49PM
What a horrible loss for the AIDS community, the Black community, and all decent humanity. LeRoy was a beautiful brother, a warm and loving human being, a highly committed journalist, and someone who loved to laugh. It was my privilege to work with him at Poz magazine. Words can't express the emptiness I feel. Travel peacefully, my friend....
LaCrista Myles
October 10 2005, 3:54PM
He loved and talked about so many people. Thank all of you for the kind words and expressions. Please keep his efforts alive.
Keep us in your prayers and you are definitely in ours!!!!!!
Love the family of LeRoy Whitfield
Keith R. Green
October 10 2005, 5:11PM
Brutha LeRoy's voice and energy will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. We will never forget the passion and truth that he brought to the fight against HIV/AIDS. I hope that we, his family and friends, will keep his legacy alive.
cody
October 10 2005, 5:25PM
Isaiah 57:1,2
Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.
I pray these words comfort someone as they have me in times of loss.
Be Encouraged
Roger
October 11 2005, 12:05AM
Love for ya.
Be blessed and find peace.
Rodney
October 11 2005, 2:00AM
I had been preparing myself all week for the call and when it came, I was still not ready. LeRoy's brother, Crofton, became my best friend in 1999 and with him came the light that was LeRoy. The very first time I saw him was on a sunny day in Manhattan as he was walking up Greenwich Avenue. His smile was gleaming like the grill of a Rolls. The smile matched a glowing spirit. From that day he began to enlighten and inspire me. The last time I saw him was in June and his physical decline was clearly evident. Despite fatigue and weakness, he still managed to brighten the corner where I was. I feel his spirit all up and through.
Keith Boykin
October 11 2005, 3:04PM
Two memorial services are planned for LeRoy Whitfield, one in Chicago and the other in New York. These are the current details.
Chicago Memorial Service
Friday, October 14, 2005
6 p.m. C.D.T.
Sweet Holy Spirit Church
944 W. 133rd St.
Chicago, IL 60643
773-233-4477
New York Memorial Service
Thursday, October 20, 2005
New York, NY
Location TBD
Borris Powell
October 11 2005, 3:15PM
Stuff people will love about LeRoy....
Summer, 1992, Chiago, LeRoy an avid techophile was amusing, entertaining and expanding his world through this new thing called the internet. LeRoy, Chester Lyles, and myself were discussing the state of HIV in the Black community and the possible impact the internet would have on HIV treatment. Chester and I were indifferent about the internet. LeRoy suggested that we have something called "Coffee Chat". Everday at three o clock each of us would send an e-mail on the something or the nothing going on in our lives that day. Please imagine the excitement of learning the internet be guiding by an amazing Black man, LeRoy. And Chester a Psychotherapist with boundless issues and of course Me. It turned out to be an amazing experience;one that catapulted me into this century. The thing is that now both LeRoy and Chester are gone. That's what HIV does it kills our History and the men that remember. I remember LeRoy!
Tim'm
October 11 2005, 4:06PM
Thanks for this information, keith.
what a loss.
Leroy was among the first people who made it safe for me to be real with myself and others about this dis/ease (the one in my body, its silent and insidious complement, which is our community's silence).
I receive this news as I'm about to go perform in an Arts activism event in DC that I curated: Arts 2 End AIDS with Campaign to End AIDS. This is really hard news to get... but I honor his legacy and his struggle by being visible and present and truthful about the impact that this disease still has on our community.
our silence will not protect us.
tim'm
alicia
October 11 2005, 6:40PM
he is with u eternally keith...
we live as long as we are loved...
peace
ab
laura whitehorn
October 12 2005, 9:31AM
I just got back to this country and read the news of Leroy's death and I am devastated. He was the most loving and perceptive friend, a writer who could touch nerves and hearts, a spirit capable of lifting those around him. He reminded me, at a criticial moment some years ago, that it's only love that gets you through. I wish ours for him and his for himself had been able to do that.
Randy Boyd
October 12 2005, 10:41AM
I read his latest piece, "My Brother's Keeper" earlier this week, then sent him an email telling him how much I liked the piece, only to find out he has died in the few days between ...
Even in spirit LeRoy is reminding us of the precious nature of life.
Thanks, LeRoy ... eternal blessings.
Thanks, Keith for your informative website, especially in this particular case.
Laura Jones
October 12 2005, 12:49PM
I'm gutted. Peace to LeRoy, but such a loss for the rest of us.
shona
October 12 2005, 7:44PM
REST IN PEACE, FROM ONE SIDE OF THE WORLD TO ANOTHER, BUT NEVER FAR AWAY FROM A FRIEND
Keesha Powell Gibbs
October 12 2005, 9:29PM
Cousin:
We've shared so much. "The Ten Thousand O'clock News" when we were kids, endless conversations, numerous times at "The Point" meditating or listening to our iPods or sitting back-to-back or people watching people or just getting out feet wet in the lake, dancing to the music or singing songs in my living room at our own private party, iChat, iSight, iPhoto, trying new vegitarian resturants, sharing experiences, laughing out loud just because...
You will be missed, but never forgotten, because in my heart you will ALWAYS remain.
I know that you have found PEACE.
nixon
October 12 2005, 9:30PM
Why wasn't he on medication when did he find out he's close to pass away as soon as possible, why any of his friends could have advised him that the best and only ultimnate decision to stay alive for long time so I really don't why he did take a such dealy decision living without medication so I could say he did accept to die like that and I would say that a great lesson he has sent through its passing away to those who are scared of taking medication so LeRoy was a though person has given his life to show the the rets of people living with this demon there is now way staying without medication- is a must to be on med right oof the bat after being tested positive just to survive in hopes for a vaccine in the futur- May God receive him in peace he was a great intellectual person. we pray for you Leroy. we all at risk down there but only God will find a solution for this pandemic .
Sanford Gaylord
October 12 2005, 10:06PM
First, thank you Keith, for being you and the force that you are. Your efforst are not unnoticed and you are an inspiration.
I got the word from the BAI newletter, read it at work and my mouth just dropped. I like Borris met LeRoy in Chicago at a group called Brothers United in Support. At the time we both spoke about wanting to be working writers, me an actor as well. What an honor to have known a man that blazed a trail and lived like he wanted to live, unapologetically! In the words of Essex Hemphill, "When my Brother Fell, I picked up his weapons...a needle and thread were not among his things, that I found."
Ache' LeRoy,
Sanford Gaylord, Chicago
Tom H
October 12 2005, 11:07PM
I met Leroy at TPAN, the day he was photographed, bare chested, in an arm wrestling position with a shirtless white man, for the cover of TPAN's monthly news magazine, with a title something along the lines of "The End of AIDS - for who?" That month's main article laid bare the stark reality of being a poor HIV+ minority, without access to healthcare, verses being a "privileged HIV+ gay white male."
LeRoy was a young man with bright eyes and an infectious smile that filled a room with energy. He shared his passion for fighting AIDS with everyone he met. You couldn't help but like LeRoy. You meet people like LeRoy only a few times in your life. He was a gift to all of us.
His star burned a bit brighter because he refused toxic treatment. But, had he received early treatment, he might still be with us, contributing to the cause, though perhaps at a slower pace.
Thank you, LeRoy
Mike Smith
October 13 2005, 9:34AM
I have mixed feelings. I'm saddened that Leroy is not here.
I'm bitter that he never found the strength to take the meds.
They work, they work, they work. Yes they don't work for everyone all the the time - but that is how life is. Whether you are positive or not. The key is - YOU MUST TRY.
My bitterness is my bitternes however we need people like Leroy to be here now. In addition I can't help but think of the millions in this world who would have given all to have access to meds. People who don't have access because they live in the wrong State or Country.
I wish Leroy was still here - but he is gone.
In his next life may he have wings.
Rachel Adams
October 13 2005, 10:42AM
Everyday I have read what everyone else has said and think maybe I should post something...nah. Today the feeling is overwhelming to echo what was said. Leroy will truly be missed. His captivating smile, those beautiful dreads and then fro and of course his engaging conversation. My fondest memory happens to be the most recent. I will remember Roy playing softball this past July. Loving and kind memories are what I have in my head and always in my heart. I feel proud to be related to him and blessed to have just known him.
THE FAMILY
October 13 2005, 12:32PM
I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW THAT LEROY WAS AN AWESOME MAN!!!HIS BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT WILL BE MISSED.SOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY HIS LIFE. AND NOW WE ARE NOT ABLE TO SHOW HIM RESPECT IN DEATH!!!!! HIS BIOLOGICAL MOTHER,WHO HAS NOT HAD COSTODY OF LEROY SINCE THE AGE OF 13, IS REFUSING TO SIGN FOR THE RELEASE OF HIS BODY, SO HE IS STILL IN NEW YORK. HIS FAMILY DESPARTELY WANTS TO GIVE THE HONOR HE IS DUE. HIS SIBLING DON'T TOTALLY UNDERSTAND THE LAWS IN NEW YORK, CONCERNING THIS. THE FAMILY IS ASKING FOR HELP.PLEASE PUT THE WORD OUT QUICKLY. DO NOT SEND ANY CONTRIBUTIONS OR DONATIONS TO EMMA JEAN WHITFIELD. SEND ALL CONTRIBUTIONS OR DONATIONS TO LEROY'S SIBLINGS, CRAFTON AND LARONYA WHITFIELD 8947 SO. JEFFREY CHICAGO, IL. 60617 PHONE 773-721-0516 DUE TO THE FACT THAT LEROY'S BODY HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED THERE WILL NOT BE A FUNERAL SERVICE ON SAT. HOWEVER THERE WILL BE A MEMORIAL SERVICE ON FRIDAY THE 14TH OF OCTOBER AT 6PM AT THE SWEET HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH 944 W. 103ST. CHICAGO, IL. 773 233-4477.
THE FAMILY
October 13 2005, 12:33PM
I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW THAT LEROY WAS AN AWESOME MAN!!!HIS BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT WILL BE MISSED.SOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY HIS LIFE. AND NOW WE ARE NOT ABLE TO SHOW HIM RESPECT IN DEATH!!!!! HIS BIOLOGICAL MOTHER,WHO HAS NOT HAD COSTODY OF LEROY SINCE THE AGE OF 13, IS REFUSING TO SIGN FOR THE RELEASE OF HIS BODY, SO HE IS STILL IN NEW YORK. HIS FAMILY DESPARTELY WANTS TO GIVE THE HONOR HE IS DUE. HIS SIBLING DON'T TOTALLY UNDERSTAND THE LAWS IN NEW YORK, CONCERNING THIS. THE FAMILY IS ASKING FOR HELP.PLEASE PUT THE WORD OUT QUICKLY. DO NOT SEND ANY CONTRIBUTIONS OR DONATIONS TO EMMA JEAN WHITFIELD. SEND ALL CONTRIBUTIONS OR DONATIONS TO LEROY'S SIBLINGS, CRAFTON AND LARONYA WHITFIELD 8947 SO. JEFFREY CHICAGO, IL. 60617 PHONE 773-721-0516 DUE TO THE FACT THAT LEROY'S BODY HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED THERE WILL NOT BE A FUNERAL SERVICE ON SAT. HOWEVER THERE WILL BE A MEMORIAL SERVICE ON FRIDAY THE 14TH OF OCTOBER AT 6PM AT THE SWEET HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH 944 W. 103ST. CHICAGO, IL. 773 233-4477.
jeanette
October 13 2005, 12:51PM
keith thank you for your support. please push the information out there that the family has submitted. thank you
Will
October 13 2005, 2:47PM
This is really sad news. I'm not really suprised at his decision not to take the Meds.
Liver Toxicity is the Number one killer of AIDS patients. Liver toxicity is caused by the anti-viral-drugs and not by HIV. It's a little known fact that's not elaborated on in the Media or AIDS/HIV services or even by doctors.
These "Life saving Meds" arent so much the miracle treatment they are made out to be. They have horrible side effects and do at times kill people before the HIV gets a chance to do it's work.
I think it's important for people to consider that before they turn this man's death column into an Anti-Viral-Drug advertisement as some websites on the net seem to have done.
He died of "AIDS related complications" which in theory can be any number of things could have killed him.
Does anyone know exactly what HIV indictor disease he died from? I'm guessing no.
It was his decision to be non-conventional and it seems to have worked pretty damn well for 15 years. It makes me wander what happened in the last few months that made him shut down so quickly. It also makes me wonder why his mother wont sign away his body just yet?
According to his columns that he wrote recently he was distrought as alot of his friends seemed to be abandoning him and arguing with him over his decisions.
In his words----------------------
"As of late, one by one, I’ve been losing friends in the AIDS community--but not how you think. They’ve been claimed not by the disease but by their disgruntlement--even disgust--over my current decision not to take meds.
"With my viral load hovering around 400,000 and my T cells basically nonexistent, it seems that every conversation I have these days with AIDS activists or caseworkers ends in a verbal showdown over me choking down the cocktail. And some have distanced themselves from me entirely."
"It seems to me that now is the time my true friends should be coming closer to me, not falling away. But many in the AIDS community seem more bent on setting me straight. I can’t sit through another Lazarus tale that I didn’t ask to hear. Or an anecdote about a friend who didn’t take the meds and died.
"Frankly, I’m tired of folks telling me--but never asking--what I need. If they asked, they’d know that this is the hardest medical decision I’ve ever had to make. And I feel very alone and afraid making it. If they’d ever stop to ask, they’d know."
----------------
God bless his soul in heaven, cause some people obviously gave him a hell for his non-comformity.
The Man has courage to stand up for what he believe in and I respect him for that.
rp
October 13 2005, 3:44PM
THANK YOU, WILL. I was a close friend of LeRoy's. As for the critics of his decision for not taking meds, he became tired of explaining it while he was here, and he'd roll his eyes that everyone is STILL focusing on it. He had his reasons. He was very knowledgeable about the issue, and it was his CHOICE not to take them. He didn't have to answer to anyone then, and he shouldn't have to now. He knew himself and lived his life the way he wanted, and for that, I will always admire and love him.
He was a beautiful, incredible spirit that enlightened us all. He was an amazing person, a constant inspiration, and loved to laugh. I feel privileged to have had such a loving, positive presence in my life. He will continue to inspire and be with me. I will miss him deeply. Always.
LaJuana Myles
October 14 2005, 1:46AM
LeRoy was my cousin, my brother, my friend, my birthing coach, my soulmate.........you are truly truly missed by Zahir and I......rest my brother no more pain
k'deyah
October 14 2005, 11:05AM
The correct address for LeRoy's Memorial Service:
Chicago Memorial Service
Friday, October 14, 2005
6 p.m. C.D.T.
Sweet Holy Spirit Church
944 W. 103rd St.
Chicago, IL 60643
773-233-4477
a dear friend
October 17 2005, 10:28AM
i love that man. i was looking for an update on the new york memorial. i would like to attend a memorial service that is more about him rather than jesus and the bogus "elder shafer". also i would like an update about his body. i found it hard to sit through the chicago service and not have his loving body to properly grieve over (or at least an urn). this is a matter of respect. i would like to know that my friend is being TRULY HONORED in his death. he was a great man and he deserves that.
Leslie "ButtaFlySouL" Taylor
October 17 2005, 12:53PM
There are times in my life that I truly wish that I could have done more. This is one of the those times. LeRoy was unabashedly clear what his position was in living with HIV/AIDS. Doing this work for over 10 years now I was angry, but I knew that he made the best decision for himself. I am glad that he is no longer suffering, however, I will miss his passion and his truth. Keith thank you as always for sharing about LeRoy. Crofton Whitfield and the rest of the family you are in my prayers.
Chet
October 17 2005, 3:22PM
I was just forward an article reflecting the life and times of:Leroy Whitfield. I drew inspiration from this man's words and actions and I will continue to belive that a brotha can have the quality of a good life while living with HIV/AIDS.
Leroy will be missed and certainly rememebered. I am going to share the articles with brothas and sistahs in my community.
Vern
October 18 2005, 4:13PM
LeRoy was one of the best friends I ever had in life. Though we would go long times between seeing each other, when we reunited again, it was like not even a day went by. I met LeRoy through Crofton, some 11 years ago, and eventually met many members of his wonderful family. We shared many special moments together as friends and brothers. He is greatly missed, but please people, don't let what LeRoy stood for die. Continue to get the word to the community especially the minorities that HIV/AIDS is a serious situation. It's not just serious when it hits close to home, like someone you, know, but it is serious anyway. To the family...I can't say I know your pain, but loving LeRoy as much as I did, I can imagine. Whatever you do, keep trusting in the Lord, for He is always with you. Love the ones you have with you now, and do all that you can to treat them right, and show them love in every way. Life is too short to waste time being mad with one another, especially family. Pray continually and ask forgiveness for all your wrong doings, and make a conscious effort to correct any undesirable behavior. Let your light shine, and be an example to all children. God Loves you and I do too. Pray for the world and live peacefully. VERN
Vern
October 18 2005, 4:14PM
LeRoy was one of the best friends I ever had in life. Though we would go long times between seeing each other, when we reunited again, it was like not even a day went by. I met LeRoy through Crofton, some 11 years ago, and eventually met many members of his wonderful family. We shared many special moments together as friends and brothers. He is greatly missed, but please people, don't let what LeRoy stood for die. Continue to get the word to the community especially the minorities that HIV/AIDS is a serious situation. It's not just serious when it hits close to home, like someone you, know, but it is serious anyway. To the family...I can't say I know your pain, but loving LeRoy as much as I did, I can imagine. Whatever you do, keep trusting in the Lord, for He is always with you. Love the ones you have with you now, and do all that you can to treat them right, and show them love in every way. Life is too short to waste time being mad with one another, especially family. Pray continually and ask forgiveness for all your wrong doings, and make a conscious effort to correct any undesirable behavior. Let your light shine, and be an example to all children. God Loves you and I do too. Pray for the world and live peacefully. VERN
Kenneth
October 18 2005, 5:38PM
This is heartbreaking. When I heard that LeRoy died, I thought back to the time when he disclosed to me he was HIV. I remember being shocked as I had not known someone who had this horrible disease. But I also remember him as being a genuine person with a deep sense of self, genuine warmth, and great smile. He will be missed!
To LeRoy's family: My Condolences.
Henry
October 18 2005, 6:39PM
LeRoy loved life and he loved people. His laughter and light will definitely be missed, but if you truly knew LeRoy, you know he's still among us. It'll be him whispering in your ear to follow your heart; him moving you towards that special place of self-love. He made me laugh, let me cry at times, and still had enough energy to teach me about computers. I am a better man because of him and all the times he let me in his life. My deepest condolences to the Whitfield kin...LeRoy was my hero & I'll always love him for just being him...H.
bryan
October 19 2005, 2:20PM
I will miss LeRoy a lot. He was just a really cool guy. I will miss his sexy voice and his beautiful smile. I will miss his excitement about the little things. I will remember him always. See my personal reflections about him here: http://www.bryanjazz.com/journal/2005/10/19/leroy.html
Sending love and positive energy to his family.
PEACE!
Mark Hartfield
October 19 2005, 3:10PM
I first met Leroy at Sweet Holy Spirit,where im still a member, what a beautiful man. We always had nice words for each other. I actually know Crofton much better, my heart goes out to you and your family. May God Bles all of you in your time of sorrow. I admire Leroy's courage to stand on his convictions, i don't know if i would have had the same courage, too many people depend on me..
Craig J.
October 19 2005, 6:06PM
I was very sorry to learn that LeRoy died last week, and that I'd already missed his Chicago memorial. We met in the late '80's when we attended Antioch College and he's always been very kind, outspoken, and determined. FYI, I forwarded the info. to our alumni contact, asking that they honor his memory or share information about his life and his work in the alumni publication. (I'm delighted, as I know LeRoy would be, to have learned that the school now has a "Queers of Color" student group, who I also hope will honor him.)
Though not in person, I know that he continues to brighten the day with his warm smile, and continues to have a wonderfully positive impact on the lives of so many others. My sincerest sympathies go to his family!
HIV Chat
October 21 2005, 5:34PM
It is sad, we need all the activists possible to help spread the word!
I have been HIV positive since 1989, I got HIV from open heart surgery when I was 18 years old. I have been creating support websites for both POZ (from chat, dating/penpals, forums, HIV+ search engines, etc) and HIV negative on http://www.HIVAIDSsearch.com/Menu.htm since 1998 (started my 1st website while I was homeless).
March 2005 I was diagnosed AIDS status and started Truvada and Sustiva (my labs). Find out more about me HERE ;)
James Simpson
October 22 2005, 12:49PM
I have a question for the HIV experts..My question is despite the side effects of the HIV medication..Would they have helped Leroy if he had taken them sooner? He was indeed very lucky to be diagnosed back in 1990 and lived for 15 years without taking medication..He lived through the early 1990s prior to the advances made in 1996 with the new HIV medication. We know that the HIV medication has side effects.There will always be risks in life. But I have heard the medication is getting better and better and better.