When I learned the results of my HIV test, I asked myself if I could live with the infection. At that moment all my prejudices and internalized stigmas came to the surface, because although I knew about AIDS—thanks to my job as a journalist—I still had to go through a period of denial that only ended at the hospital.
I’m very committed to my health now because it was very difficult for me to (to regain my health) regain it. I have learned the value of life. I have learned that in spite of the infection, it is not so difficult to live, if you really put your mind to it.
I’m a very lucky guy because I’ve always had the support of my relatives, friends and colleagues at work. They know HIV is a viral, not a moral, infection.
My favorite singer is Eugenia León. In one of her songs she sings, “God made me unlucky but I am not in the mood for that.” With this I mean to say that I’m still alive, that I can love and give pleasure, because although happiness is not forever, neither are sadness and depression.
Through photography I have been able to reflect on myself and my relationship to my body, this companion that is going to be with me until the day that I die. A lot of interesting things are happening now that I turned 41. That is why my pictures are called “The 41.” Becoming a photographer has facilitated this process of introspection.
