Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Persons living with HIV/AIDS can still have meaningful relationships, even with others who are not HIV-positive.

This is the message from Tamara Brown, who was diagnosed with HIV in 2005. Her spouse, who she says infected her with the virus, has refused to accept responsibility. But she has moved on with her life and now works to empower women who have been affected by HIV/AIDS.

Brown is currently in a relationship with an HIV-negative man, Marlon Cole, who loves her dearly. She relates that she was involved in an intimate relationship with him before she met the partner who infected her with HIV. However, the two had differences and went their separate ways.

Relationship after infection

The two later rekindled their relationship after Brown discovered she was infected.

"I told him that I had HIV, but he found it difficult to believe because people have different ideas as to how people living with HIV should look," she relates.

Brown notes that many persons' misconceptions about HIV/AIDS led to them believing that those living with the disease were afflicted by sores or underweight. She struggled with her partner to dispel these myths.

"So I had to convince him that I was living with HIV and he later believed," she says.

Brown adds that her candour helped influence her man to stay by her side.

"Honesty is the best policy and if people are honest, when you disclose your status, people will accept you because of your honesty," Brown says.

While Brown and Cole were dating in the past, Brown became pregnant for him, but the foetus died. Cole, who was determined to still have a child with Brown, explored the matter with his doctor. Cole took antiretroviral medication.

Proud parents

They are now the proud parents of a baby girl, who is believed to be HIV-negative. Her partner has done several tests and is also HIV-negative. However, Brown does not recommend this practice, as she admits that it is risky.

Brown describes her partner as very caring and protective.

"If there is a day when I don't feel too well, he gets very concerned and wants to know what is wrong," Brown says. "He is somebody that any woman would want to be with and he is totally against people who discriminate others that are living with HIV."

Brown encourages persons infected with HIV not to give up because they can enjoy a long and prosperous life, provided that they take their medication and maintain healthy practices.

Names changed to protect identity.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com