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Francesco Di Benedetto

Photographer
  • Portraits
  • Fashion
  • Projects
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and so it happened

Medical advances and the availability of PrEP have certainly improved and changed the lives of the HIV-positive community in recent years. Public attitudes, however, have not kept pace. The stigma endures and the need for better understanding remains. And so this project provides a safe platform where the portraits and the stories of those either living with HIV or on PrEP are shared, because openness is key to tolerance and no one should have to hide — whatever their status.


David

December 18, 2017

“I tested negative for about 3 months after becoming infected. I was very sick for most of the summer. I even went to the emergency room with a high fever, but I still tested negative. It wasn’t until august that it was finally revealed that I had been infected. In a way I wasn’t that surprised, given how sick I had been all summer. But it was still very upsetting. It definitely changed my life.

Today, I have a much greater appreciation for my health. My experience with the infection has shown me how strong, yet fragile the human body can be. I take Triumeq once a day.

I think the introduction of PrEP has strongly affected my life. It has made having HIV less stigmatized and feared by potential lovers. I welcome the sense of sexual freedom it brings. Though, I do worry that it may lead to an increase in other STIs. But, for the most part, it has brought a sense of security.”

David, 32, undetectable. Harlem, NYC. Personal Trainer

← KamTyler →

and so it happened

 

Medical advances and the availability of PrEP have certainly improved and changed the lives of the HIV positive community in recent years. Public attitudes, however, have not kept pace. The stigma of an HIV positive diagnosis endures and the need for better understanding remains. And so this project provides a safe platform where the portraits and the stories of those either living with HIV or on PrEP can be shared, because openness is key to tolerance and no one should have to hide — whatever their status.


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