How ACT Makes a Difference: Katie's Story

“I am a 19 year old heterosexual Caucasian woman from Toronto living with HIV. A common reaction when I disclose my status to people is, ‘No way, seriously?’ That kind of response reassures me that I need to speak out and challenge people’s opinions of what HIV is and who it affects. But I haven’t always been so open about my status. The process of finding out I was positive and figuring out what to do next was an evolution that was hugely supported by ACT and the Positive Youth Outreach (PYO) program. Accepting my status was difficult, and all I wanted to do was connect with other people like me. I found out about PYO’s peer counselling services and they helped me a lot. It was great to hear someone else’s story, how they dealt with their situation and the people in their life; it made me look at myself – and my positive status – as an opportunity to grow, to make better choices for myself, to take care of my health and keep up with appointments. Now I find it much easier to be open about my status. I also hope that coming forward and talking openly about it will encourage others to do the same.”