In the newest episode of the Poz Vibe Podcast, a young Irish woman has shared her story of being diagnosed and living with HIV. The interview was shared on Friday, April 21, with Aoife Commins speaking about her experiences with hosts Veda Lady and Robbie Lawlor.
During the conversation, Aoife opens up about the initial and complicated process of trying to get tested in Australia in 2020. She also recalls having difficult but necessary chats with her parents, combatting stigma as a healthcare professional, her hopes and dreams for the future, and much more.
“I’m tired of living in shame and secrecy and lies,” the Galway-based nurse said in coincidence with the episode’s launch.
“There is an epidemic of silence when it comes to HIV, no one wants to talk about it. People still believe it’s this dirty, horrific disease and that simply is not the case. The views and beliefs around HIV/AIDS are prehistoric and outdated and I want to help change that,” she added.
“I recently heard that you’re only as sick as your secrets and that has resonated with me. Because I’m not sick. I don’t feel sick. But this secret that I’ve carried for so long now has weighed on me immensely.”
Aoife said for this reason, she “decided to come out and bare all” on the Poz Vibe Podcast, and thanked the hosts for the welcoming and comfortable environment they created.
Veda described being “overjoyed & honoured to host a coming out kiki” for Aoife, also sharing their love and congratulations to the nurse. They described Aoife as an “agent for change,” and during the episode, noted the significance of her visibility as an Irish woman who is HIV Positive.
The interview serves as the seventh episode of the fourth season of the Poz Vibe Podcast and can be listened to on all leading audio streaming platforms.
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