DESPITE being diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, overseas Filipino workers Miriam and Gerry (not their real names) are not losing hope. In fact, they’re even spreading optimism through communities of people that have the same condition.

In 1994, Miriam learned that she was positive for HIV. At that time, she was afraid people would shun her and that she would become isolated. Thus she did not seek medication until 2006 when she started feeling very weak. Miriam was initially diagnosed with Myoma. She was supposed to undergo an operation when doctors decided against the procedure when they learned she has HIV.

Miriam later learned from a non-government organization that her rights were violated when she was refused to be operated on. But she also learned that people with HIV continue to suffer the stigma from a society who knows very little about their condition.

“Naging maliwanag sa akin na nagkaroon talaga ng discrimination. Nalabag talaga ang aking karapatan na makakuha ng serbisyo doon sa hospital. [I realized that discrimination happened. My rights to get service from the hospital were violated.],” said Miriam.

Miriam eventually found refuge in her family and in “Babae Plus,” a community she joined.

“Hindi naman kami humihingi ng espesyal na treatment, ang kailangan lang namin, patas na karapatan. [We’re not asking for any special treatment. What we ask are equal rights.],” explained Miriam.

On the other hand, Gerry, the breadwinner in his family, failed the mandatory medical examination in Dubai when he was diagnosed with HIV. He went home in 2005.

“Na-depress ako. ‘Di ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa family ko kasi ito ‘yung means para makatulong ako sa kanila. [I was depressed. I don’t know how I will tell my family because working in Dubai was my means to help them.],” said Gerry.

Like Miriam, Gerry’s family accepted supported him in his battle.

“Tuloy pa rin ang buhay. Four years na akong namumuhay na may HIV. Ang iniisip ko na lang, maging productive. [Life goes on. I’m living with HIV for four years now. I still want to have a productive life.],” said Gerry.

Miriam and Gerry admit their involvement in a community changed their lives and outlook.

“Binibigay ko nalang ‘yung natitirang life ko sa community. Parang mas nararamdaman ko na nandito rin ‘yung pangangailangan ko. Mas nag-eenjoy ako ngaun parang it’s pay back time. [I’m dedicating the remaining years of my life in the community. I feel that this is what I need. I enjoy what I’m doing now. It’s like pay back time.],” said Miriam.

Meanwhile, Gerry became a member of Care and Support Group of People Living with HIV and involves himself helping spread more awareness about HIV prevention.

In their journey, they picked up lessons along the way.

“Nalaman ko ‘yung kahalagahan ng pagbibigay mukha sa mga taong positibo. ‘Yung mga taong positibo may kakayahan pa ring mamuhay ng normal na may kakayahan pa ring makibaka sa buhay. [I learned the importance of giving face and representation to the people positive with HIV. These people are still capable of living normally and coping with life.],” said Miriam.

Gerry said his experience was more of an awakening.

“Hindi naman magtatapos ang pangarap natin. Be responsible enough para di makahawa. Live a healthy lifestyle. [Our dreams do not end with having HIV. Let’s be responsible enough so as not to spread the virus. Let’s live a healthy lifestyle.],” added Gerry.

Gerry and Miriam stressed that they yearn for acceptance.

Miriam said “Babae Plus” has three simple objectives:

1) Pang-unawa- Unawain kami dahil inunawa rin namin ang aming kalagayan. [Understanding. We hope that they will understand us for we learn to understand our situation.]

2) Pagtanggap- Tinanggap namin ang aming kalagayan. Ayaw naming ng ganito pero tinanggap namin dahil andyan na ‘yan. Pagtanggap ng aming pamilya at pagtanggap ng lipunan. [Acceptance. We accepted our situation. We don’t like this but we accepted it. We need acceptance by our family and rest of the society.]

3)Patas na karapatan -Sa palagay ko naman, may karapatan kami na patas sa kalalakihan. [Equal rights. We want equal rights.]